Nageswara Swamy Temple, Kumbakonam – History
The place was called as Vilva Vanam, Surya Kottam and Keezha Kottam in ancient times. As this temple is situated on the eastern side of Kumbakonam, the temple is known as Kudanthai Keezha Kottam (Keezha means eastern side and Kottam means temple). This Temple was constructed by Chola King Aditya Chola I during 9th century CE. The temple had been a centre of learning as seen from the inscriptions in the temple.
The inscriptions indicate specific subjects like Purvamimansa styled as Pravahakarma. There were also provisions made for feeding and maintaining for teachers and students. The temple was in ruined state and was infested heavily by bushes. It was in the year 1923, a Shiva devotee, Padagacheri Ramalingaswami collected funds by tying a brass bowl around his neck begging in the streets. He renovated the temple with the funds he collected by begging. He also conducted the consecration of the temple in 1923.
There is a stucco image of Padagacheri Sri Ramalinga Swamigal with his Hundi can be seen at the Rajagopuram. The next consecration took place in 1959 and again in 1988. The last consecration ceremony took place on 07.02.2003. This temple is under the administrative control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR & CE).
