Arapaleeswarar Temple, Kolli
Hills – History
Kollimalai
was ruled by Valvil Ori, a Velir chieftain of Sangam era. Valvil Ori is
regarded as one of the greatest archers of India. It is said that he
killed an elephant, tiger, deer, pig and monitor lizard with a single
arrow. His birth name was Athan. The mature colour of honey is called as Ori.
As he owned a horse in that color, he came to be called as Ori. He was one of
the Tamil Kadai Ezhu Vallal (Last Seven Patrons).
He was an ally of Cholas and fought
against the Cheras and Malaiyaman Thirumudi Kari. It is said
that he was defeated and killed by Kari of the beautiful spear, the lord of
Mullur, who then gave Kolli
hills to the Cheras. Kari was later killed by
the Chola king Killivalavan. Ori was praised in several literary
works of Sangam period.
It is said that Kollimalai
Arapaleeswarar Temple and Rasipuram
Kailasanathar Temple were built by Valvil Ori. It is said that Kolli Pavai
was the daughter of Valvil Ori. There are references to Kolli
Malai and Kolli Pavai in several literary works of Sangam era like Silapathikaram,
Manimekalai, Purananuru, Akananuru, Kurunthokai, Aingurunuru and Natrinai.
The
temple is believed to be built by Valvil Ori in 1st century CE.
The inscriptions in this
temple records the visit of Queen Sembiyan Maadevi, wife of Gandaraditya
Chola & great grandmother of Rajaraja Chola I to this
temple and her gift of jewels to the Lord. There are about 19 inscriptions
in this
temple. Twelve of these inscriptions belonged to the Cholas. Inscriptions
dating the reigns of Parantaka Chola, Uthama Chola, Rajaraja Chola, Kulothunga
Chola and Vijayanagara King Venkatapathi can be found in the
temple.