Veera Raghava Swami Temple (Thiruevvul), Thiruvallur –
History
The
temple is originally believed to have been built by the Pallavas during the 8th century. There are inscriptions
dating back to the latter half of the 9th century Pallava
dynasty reign here. The Rangantha
temples in South India built during the 9th and 10th centuries have a
systematic arrangement of subsidiary deities as seen in this temple along with
the Appakkudathaan Perumal Temple at Koviladi, Sowmya Narayana Perumal temple at Thirukoshtiyur, Rajagopalaswamy temple at Mannargudi and Rangantha temple at Srirangapatna. Most scholars believe that the major structures of the
temple were built during 1409.
There is
an inscription on the Eastern wall in 1542 AD indicating grants to the temple
by a private party. Earlier this temple was administered by different dynasties
like Pallava, Vijayanagara, Nayaks etc. Later the management came to Sri
Ahobila Math, an ancient religious institution of 600 years standing with a
hoary past. The Peetathipathi of Sri Ahobila Math is called Sri Azhagiyasingar,
adopting the name of the Lord Narasimha, the presiding deity of the Math.
Sri
Azhagiyasingars are the Hereditary Trustees of Sri Veeraraghava Swamy Devastanam.
The present 46th Jeer, Sri Ranganatha Yatindra Mahadesigan, is holding this
post. The Hereditary Trustee manages the affairs of the Devastanam in an exemplary
manner. Under his guidance only the Major renovation of the Temple was taken up
early in 2014 and the consecration was held in fitting manner in June 2015.
It has
been recorded by Archeological Department that there are 27 inscriptions, one in
Tamil and the others in Telugu Language. They belong to Chola and Vijayanagara
periods. This temple has been receiving gifts and contributions in the form of
land, silver and gold by kings and ordinary people alike. Many endowments were
thus created which are in vogue event today. The temple is renowned because of
significance of the Kshetram, past legacy and heritage, sculptural wealth.