Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Kailasanathar Temple, Thiruloki, Thanjavur

Kailasanathar Temple, Thiruloki, Thanjavur

Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thiruloki Village in Thiruvidaimarudur Taluk in Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu. The Temple was built in little elevated position. This Temple was similar to the architecture of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple.



History

Emperor Rajaraja Chola 1’s wife is Thirailokkiya Maadevi, the village is named after her. The Village was called as Rajendra Simha Valanaattu Manninattu Emanalluragiya Thirailokkiya Mathevi Chathurvedhimangalam during Emperor Rajendra Chola I Period. It has been inscribed in one of the Chola Inscriptions. Rajendra Chola I donated this Village to learned Brahmins in memory of his step mother Thirulokiyamaadevi, one of wives of his father, Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. Lord of this Temple was called as Kayilasamudaiyar as per the inscription dated to 8th regnal year of Chola King Rajaraja Chola II.

Chola Emperor king Rajendra Chola I led an expedition to North India between 1019 and 1024. The expedition traversed the states of Vengi, KalingaOdda and Bengal culminating with their arrival at the Ganges river. The Chola victory over the Pala king Mahipala I is considered to be the climax of the expedition. After defeating Mahipala in a pitched battle, Rajendra Chola’s commander Araiyan Rajarajan reached the Ganges and took some water with him on his journey back. 

Araiyan Rajarajan was met by Rajendra I on the banks of the Godavari and the combined armies brought the Ganges water with them to Chola country. Before entering his newly built capital Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Emperor Rajendra Chola visited this Temple and worshipped Lord Shiva. After worshipping Lord Shiva, he entered Gangai Konda Cholapuram with Ganges water to purify his newly built capital. This shows that this temple was held in high esteem during his days.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 5 Kms from Thugili, 5 Kms from Thiruppanandal, 6 Kms from Kanjanur, 9 Kms from Thirumangalakudi, 9 Kms from Suriyanar Kovil, 11 Kms from Aduthurai, 11 Kms from Aduthurai Railway Station, 11 Kms from Narasingampettai Railway Station, 22 Kms from Kumbakonam, 22 Kms from Mayiladuthurai, 62 Kms from Thanjavur and 110 Kms from Trichy Airport. The Temple is situated on Thiruppanandal to Aduthurai Route. Bus facilities are available from Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai and Thiruppanandal.

Location