Monday, April 6, 2020

Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli – History

Karkodeswarar Temple, Kamarasavalli – History
According to one inscription, the temple was built in the year AD 962 by Parantaka Chola II (famously known as Sundara Chola, father of Rajaraja Chola I) (AD 957-974). The present structure may date either from the 9th year of Uthama Chola or from the 20th year of Rajaraja Chola (c. A.D. 1005 or earlier). There were about 45 inscriptions found in the temple premises. According to history, besides the Cholas, Pandyas and Hoysala Kings had also paid due attention for the maintenance of the temple.
There are various inscriptions dated to Sundara Chola, Uthama Chola, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, Kulothunga Chola II and Kulothunga Chola III in the Temple. These inscriptions talks about gifts and grants bestowed on the Temple. These inscriptions also speak about the debates organized among the Vedic scholars, Margazhi Thiruvadhirai festival and the folklore dance called Chakkiyar Koothu.
Most of the inscriptions refer to gifts of land for various services in the temple such as preparation of sandal paste, provision of offerings to the gods, gifts to Vedic pundits who chant Vedas during festivals etc. The flower Garden, Nandavanam was then known as Picha Devan Nandavanam. There was also a family quarter for those maintaining the garden called Tiruthondan complex. It appears there was also a mutt in the name of Child Saint Thirugnana Sambandar.
One Sriranga Thanda Naicker, the commander of a Hoysala King renovated this temple in the year 1260. There is another inscription about a visit of a Hoysala King in 1240 to hear and deliver a verdict in a land dispute. The Lord was known by different names such as Tirunallur Srikoil Mahadevar, Tirunallur Mahadevar, Soundareswarar, Tirunallur Parameswarar, Karkoteswaram Udaiya Nayanar and Tirukkarkotaga Isvarattu Mahadevar. Mother was always known as Balambigai.
The famous Nanu Iyer who was the disciple of Saint Thyagaraja, the carnatic music composer, belongs to Kamarasavalli. He has performed concerts in front of the temple. The Temple was visited by Jagadguru Sri Kanchi Maha Swamigal in 1950 and Kumbabhishekam was done to this Temple at his presence.