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Monday, November 29, 2021

Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex – History

Malaiya Kovil Temple Complex – History

Malaiya Kovil is considered as the defacto border between Chola and Pandyan Kingdom. It is said that the southern cave temple is facing towards Chola country (west) as it was built by the Cholas and the eastern cave temple is facing towards Pandyan country (east) as it was built by the Pandyas. There are about three inscriptions in the southern rock cut cave temple.

The earliest inscription is dated to the 10th regnal year of Kulothunga Chola II (1143 CE) records a sale deed. The Village was mentioned as Kulamangalam and the presiding deity as Thiruvokalisvaramudaiya Nayanar in the inscription. The inscription on the western wall of the maha mandapa belongs to 18th Century CE records an endowment made to the deity. The Village was mentioned as Navalur and the presiding deity as Kaliswaramudya Nayanar in the inscription.

The other inscription on the western pillar is illegible. There is an inscription written in grantha script can be seen on the southern side of the eastern cave temple. It mentions about a musical instrument Veena named Parivathini. An inscription of Kulasekara Pandya can be seen on the door steps of the eastern cave temple.

Lord Shiva was called as Srivaramudaiya Nayanar in the inscription. The hill temple was built by a native of Nachandupatti towards the close of the 19th century as per the inscription near the flight of steps. The Temple was called as Malayil Kovil (Temple in the hill) in ancient times. Now, it got corrupted to Malaiya Kovil. Malaiya Kovil was also called as Orukkombu Malai. Kurinchi Kotha Naaval Kurichi, Thirunavalangiri, Thiruvothikkaal in ancient times.