Ganga Jadeswarar Temple, Govindhaputhur – History

Ganga Jadeswarar Temple, Govindhaputhur – History

This Temple is considered to be the 47^th Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) has referred to this place as Vijayamangai. When Thirugnanasambanthar came to visit this temple, the river Kollidam was in spate and he had to remain on the other bank and sing his Thevaram.  There was a confusion about the location of the Temple. 

Few believe, Vijayamangai Vijayanatheswarar Temple on southern banks of Kollidam is the actual 47^th Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam on the north side of river Cauvery in Chozha Nadu. Many Chola Inscriptions confirms this Temple as Devara Paadal Petra Sthalam, but Vijayamangai Vijayanatheswarar Temple is widely accepted as Devaram Paadal Petra Sthalam and this Temple is considered as Thevara Vaippu Sthalam.

The Temple was in existence from 7^th Century AD. Parantaka Chola rebuilt this Temple in bricks in 929 A.D. Paranthaka Chola created a Brahmadeya settlement under her mother Vanavan Maadevi name. Now, this place is called as Sripuranthan, located nearby. Later, Ambalavan Pazhuvur Nakkan, a chief under Uthama Chola converted this brick temple into granite temple. In addition, he built a shrine for Nataraja & his consort Shivagami and also gifted golden ornaments.

This place was called as Vadakarai Rajendra Singa Valanaatu Periyavaanvan Maadevi Chaturvedi Mangalathu Vijayamangai during Rajendra Chola I period. It was called as Vikrama Chozha Naatu Innambar Naatu Vijayamangai during Kulothunga Chola III period. Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola, Uthama Chola, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I and Rajaraja Chola II can be found in the Temple premises. Lord was called as Vijayamangalathu Mahadevar, Vijayamangalamudaiya Mahadevar and Vijayamangalamudaiya Paramaswamy as per these inscriptions.

An inscription dated to 32^nd regnal year of Rajaraja Chola II indicates about the existence of Thiruthondath Thogaiyan Madam existed in this village. Thirugnana Sambandar Song “வாழ்க அந்தணர் வாணவர் ஆயினம்” had been mentioned in the beginning of an inscription dated to Rajendra Chola III in 1248 A.D. Devaram used to be sung in all Paadal Petra Sthalams. Similarly, it was sung in this Temple also.

There is an inscription dated to Uthama Chola in 984 AD confirms this fact. Also, another inscription dated to Rajaraja Chola I in 1014 A.D. records a gift of paddy for singing Devaram in this Temple. There are about six Pandyas Inscriptions and one Vijayanagara Empire Inscription in this Temple. The temple has been extensively renovated recently by Thayumanavar Mandram, Tiruchirappalli.