Sunday, February 4, 2018

Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai – History

Pundarikakshan Perumal Temple, Thiruvellarai – History
Pundarikakshan Perumal temple is believed to have been built by the Pallavas, as seen from the three inscriptions in its two rock-cut caves. Two of the inscriptions are dated from the period of Nandivarman II (732–796 AD) and the other from the period of Dantivarman (796–847 AD). The temple construction completed presumably during the time of Dantivarman. The influence of Azhwars, the Vaishnava saints of the 7th – 9th centuries helped spread Vaishnavism to a greater extent among the public and the ruling Pallava kings, who became temple patrons.
Chola inscription indicates an endowment to the shrines of Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) and his consort Rukmini inside the temple by King Parakesarivarman (907-955 AD). Thiruvellarai Sri Vinnagaram is referred to as "Periya Sri Koyil" in the 8th regnal year (978 A.D.) inscriptions of Madurantaka Uthama Chola.  Another inscription of Rajaraja I mentions "Thiruvellarai forming part of Pachil Kurram (like the present taluk), Rajaraja valanadu (like the present district)."
The temple suffered extensive damage during a flood and was repaired by a merchant around 1262–63. The temple had later additions from the subsequent Chola, later PandyasHoysala and the Vijayanagara kings. Periazhwar and Thirumangai Azhwar (7th–9th century CE) have performed Mangalasasanam here. Vedanta Desikar (1269–1370) has revered the temple in his work Hamsa Sandesam. This is the birthplace of Uyyakondar. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
An Executive officer appointed by the Board manages the temple along with Srirangam Ranganathaswamy templeAzhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple at WoraiyurVadivazhagiya Nambi Perumal Temple and Mariamman Temple at Anbil. Annadhanam scheme, which provides free food to devotees, is implemented in the temple by the Board. Under the scheme, free food is offered to hundred devotees every day in the temple and the expenditure is fully funded by the contributions from devotees.