Amirtha Kadeswarar Temple, Thirukadaiyur – History
The
Temple is believed to be built in 6th
century CE and was completely reconstructed in granite by Cholas. The
temple was extensively renovated by Pandyas and Vijayanagara Kings. The
Temple has about 54 inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Chola
Kings Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I, Kulothunga Chola I, Vikrama Chola,
Rajathiraja Chola II, Kulothunga Chola III, Rajaraja Chola III, Pandya Kings
Kulasekara Pandyan, Sundara Pandyan & Konerinmai Kondan, Vijayanagara Kings
Krishnadevaraya & Viruppanna Udayar and Nattukottai Nagarathars.
Thirukadaiyur was called as Uyyakonda
Valanattu Akkur Nattu Kadavur during Rajendra Chola period, Rajanarayana
Valanattu Ambar Nattu Kadavur during Kulothunga Chola I period & Jayankonda
Chozha Valanattu Ambar Nattu Kadavur during Kulothunga Chola III period
and Lord Shiva was called as Thiruveerattanathu Perumanadigal, Thiru
Veerattana Mudaiya Paramaswamy and Kalakala Devar as per the inscriptions
available in the
temple.
Most of the inscriptions records the endowments made for burning perpetual lamps, conducting pooja rituals & festivals, feeding the yogis, renovation activities and gifts & grants made to the temple. This temple is under the control of Dharumapuram Aadheenam. Madhavi, one of the central character in the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, is said to have lived in Thirukadaiyur during Sangam era. Her residence in dilapidated state can be still seen in the car street of Thirukadaiyur.
