Vyagrapureeswarar Temple,
Thiruvengaivasal – Inscriptions
There are several inscriptions in this
temple dating back to Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings and
Pallavarayars. There are two inscriptions dated to the 5th and 28th
regnal year of Parantaka Chola I. Both these inscriptions are found on the northern
wall of the Maha Mandapam. The 5th year inscription records a gift
of a lamp to the
temple by a native of Malanadu and the 28th year
inscription records a gift of a lamp to Thirumetrali Mahadevar, the deity of the
temple.
There is an inscription dated to the 26th
regnal year of Rajaraja Chola I at the entrance of the mandapam. It records the
gift of a lamp by a merchant to the temple
of Thirumetrali Mahadevar at Thiruvengaivayil, a devadana in
Peruvayil Nadu, a sub division of Pandikulasani Valanadu. There is an inscription
dated to the 26th regnal year of Rajendra Chola I. It records a gift
of land made for the offerings to Sudamani Vidangar by the Sabha of Thiruvengaivayil,
now a devadana in Peruvayil Nadu, a sub division of Jayasinga Kula Kala
Valanadu.
There are two inscriptions dated to the 8th
and 30th regnal year of Rajadhiraja Chola. The 8th year
inscription states that the devadana lands of the temple were lying
uncultivated for want of tenants and certain private individuals bought them
from the temple authorities and agreed to measure out the specified quantity of
paddy every year to the
temple. The 30th year inscription lists all
the devadana lands belonging to the
temple.
There are two inscriptions dated to the 14th
regnal year of Vikrama Chola. One of the inscriptions record the gift of land to
a dancer who performed dance during Chithirai festival in this
temple. There are two inscriptions dated to the 12th and
20th regnal year of Rajaraja Chola II. Both these inscriptions are
found on the south wall of the first prakara. The 12th year
inscription records the installation of the idols of Sadira Vidanga Devar and his
consort Pirattiyaar by one Sadiran Irajan (Kulotunga Chola Kidaratharayan)and
the gifts made to them.
The 20th year inscription records half of the
revenue generated by certain lands would be used for the expenses of the main
shrine and other half would be used for the expenses of the shrine of Sadira
Vidanga Nayagar and his consort. There is an inscription dated to the 5th
regnal year of Rajadhiraja Chola II. This inscription can be found in the western
wall of the first prakara. It records a gift of land to two women for
performing the Sandikuthu during the Thiruvadhirai festival in the month
of Vaikasi at the shrine of Sadira Vidanga Nayakar.
