Uma Maheswarar Temple, Konerirajapuram – History
The temple is originally
believed to be built in brick in 7th century CE. The brick structure
was completely converted to granite structure by Queen Chembian Madevi, wife of
Gandaraditya Chola & mother of Uthama Chola. She undertook the construction
activities of this temple in memory of her late husband during the reign of
Uthama Chola. Konerirajapuram was called as Thirunallam in ancient times.
The temple contains inscriptions
dated to Gandaraditya Chola, Uthama Chola, Rajaraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I,
Rajadhiraja Chola I, Rajendra Chola II, Kulothunga Chola I, Kulothunga Chola
III, Rajaraja Chola II and Rajaraja Chola III. Most of these inscriptions
records the gifts & grants for the maintenance of the temple, for
conducting rituals & festivals, feeding brahmins & Shiva Yogis and
renovation activities carried out in the temple.
Lord Shiva of this temple was
called as Thirunallam Udayar and Thirunallamaudaya Mahadevar as per the
inscriptions. The temple was extensively renovated by Vijayanagara rulers,
Nayaks and the Marathas. The recent consecration ceremony was held on 29 May
2015. The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and
Charitable Endowments Department of Government of Tamil Nadu (HR&CE).