Jagannatha Perumal Temple, Thirumazhisai – History
Thirumazhisai
was originally called by various names like Chrukuravalli-Chaturvedimanagalam,
Pakkaturaivalla-Chaturvedimangalam, Mahisaram and Mahaksehtram because the
number of Vedic people settled here during the Chola and Vijayanagara period.
The inscriptions on the walls of the temple are from the Chola regime during
the 11-12th centuries and Vijayanagara period during the 14-15th centuries. The
inscriptions are made in Tamil or in ancient Tamil scripts indicating gift of
land, lamps and houses to the temple.
The
oldest inscription is found from the period of Kulothunga Chola III (1179-1216 CE) indicating gift of land to the
temple. Vijaya Gandagopala, a chieftain during the 12th century has endowed
gifts to the temple. There are also inscriptions from the period of
Kopperunjinga during the 13th century. Harihara
Raya II (1377-1404 CE) and Virupaksha Raya II (1465-85 CE), the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire have donated gifts to the temple as indicated in
the inscriptions.
Even
though the exact age of Jagannatha temple is unknown, from the records and
inscriptions, it is evident that this temple was renovated by Kulothunga Chola
III of 12th century AD. Tirumazhisai Alwar, the great devotee of Lord Vishnu,
who was associated closely with this temple, belonged to 8th century AD. Hence,
we can assume that this temple should be at least 1000 years old.
It could
have been built by Chola kings when they were ruling this region. This place
was referred to as Thirumazhisai Chaturvedi Mangalam as per the 12th and 13th
Century inscriptions. During the 13th century, it had been called Thirumazhisai
Agaram. The Thirukachi Nambis, who lived in the 10th century, had sung in
praise of this Sthala.