Vyagrapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvengaivasal – Inscriptions

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 5^th and 28^th regnal year of Parantaka Chola I. Both these inscriptions are found on the northern wall of the Maha Mandapam. The 5^th year inscription records a gift of a lamp to the temple by a native of Malanadu and the 28^th year inscription records a gift of a lamp to Thirumetrali Mahadevar, the deity of the temple.

There is an inscription dated to the 26^th 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 26^th 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 8^th and 30^th regnal year of Rajadhiraja Chola. The 8^th 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 30^th year inscription lists all the devadana lands belonging to the temple.

There are two inscriptions dated to the 14^th 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 12^th and 20^th regnal year of Rajaraja Chola II. Both these inscriptions are found on the south wall of the first prakara. The 12^th 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 20^th 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 5^th 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.