Pathangeeswarar Temple, Palur
– History
The
temple is believed to be built Pallavas and converted to granite edifice by
Kulothunga Chola I. There are about 18 inscriptions available in this
temple. The earliest inscriptions are found on the found on the western and
southern walls of the sanctum. These inscriptions are dated to 31st
and 38th regnal years of Chola Emperor Kulothunga Chola I. The first
inscription starts with his Meikeerthi and records a sale of tax free land by
the Uravar of Palaiyur (Rajendra
Chozha Nallur) in Palaiyur Nadu, a subdivision of Utrukattu Kottam in
Jayangondachozha Mandalam, to a native of Rajendra Chozhapuram in Maiyur Nadu
of Kalathur Kottam and to a native of Kanchipuram, for the
maintenance of a matha called
Valmaravan Matha established
by them for feeding brahmins and
saints.
The second one also starts with his Meikeerthi and
records a gift of oil for a perpetual lamp in the temple of Thiruppatangadudaiya
Mahadevar of Rajendra Chozha Nallur in Palaiyur Nadu, made by the Nagarathars of Rajendra Chozhapuram
in Maiyur Nadu, a subdivision of Kalathur Kottam. There is another inscription
dated to the 29th regnal year of Kulothunga Chola III found in the Ardha
Mandapam in front of the sanctum. It records his exploits in Madurai, Karuvur
and Srilanka. It registers the royal orders issued at the instance of one
Nayidaraiyar, remitting certain taxes on some devadana lands belonging to the
temple of Thirupathangadu Udaiyar for worship and repairs. The document is
signed by nine officers including the royal secretary.
The Ardha Mandapam houses several inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Vikrama Chola, Kulothunga Chola III, Rajaraja Chola III, Kadava Chieftains and Vijayanagara Kings. The inscription of Vikrama Chola dated to his fifth regnal year records the provision for feeding the brahmins in a matha called Acharasilan Matha on Amavasya days by a resident of Kurichi in Pandikulasani Valanadu. One of the Vijayanagara records mentions that provision was made for repairs and maintenance of the temple and also the wages paid to the dancers and drummers of the temple.
