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.
A 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
Pandyas, Hoysala 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
temple, Azhagiya Manavala Perumal
Temple at Woraiyur, Vadivazhagiya 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.