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Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Pathangeeswarar Temple, Palur – History

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.