Ulagalantha Perumal Temple,
Kanchipuram – History
This
temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in
Kanchipuram. The
temple is believed to have been built by Pallavas, with later
contributions from Cholas and Sambuvarayar Kings. The
temple was extensively developed by Rajendra Chola
I (1012–1044 CE). The
temple has 15 inscriptions from various dynasties like Pallavas, Cholas
and Sambuvarayars.
The earliest inscription is from 846 CE during the reign
of Nandivarman III (846 - 869 CE) of Pallava Dynasty. There is a Chola
inscription dated 1110 CE during the reign of Kulothunga Chola
I (1070 - 1120 CE) indicating his visit to the temple and his gift of land
to the
temple whose income was to be used for the maintenance of the
temple. Another similar inscription indicates the donation of a
village by the king on behest of his queen Kampamadeviyar.
There are inscriptions from later Chola kings
like Rajathiraja Chola II (1166–78) and Rajaraja Chola
III (1216-56) indicating various records of gifts to the
temple. There are also inscriptions from minor chieftains like
Vijaya Gandagopala indicating gifts to the
temple. The inscriptions refer the main deity by various names like
Thiru Uragathu Ninru-arulina Paramaswamin, Thiru Uragathazhwar and Tiru
Uragathu Emberuman.
The Sambuvarayar rule of the 16th century
records the gift of a pond and a grove in Sevvanmedu village. The
temple still continues to possess this grove. The inscriptions
in the
temple also indicate increased trade and commerce during the Pallava
period, with licenses provided to shops like oil, ghee, arecanut, vegetables,
flowers, coconut, sugar, cloth and sandal.
The
temple has not received a single donation from the
ruling Vijayanagar Empire, though the nearby temples received generous
donations, indicating that the
temple had sources of income. The
temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and
Endowment Board of the Government of Tamilnadu.