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.