Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Ambal – History
The temple is believed to be built in 3rd
Century CE. It is believed that this temple is considered as one of the Mada Temples built by Kochengata Chola, an early Chola
Emperor. The temple was reconstructed in granite by the Later Cholas and
extensively renovated by Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kings, Marathas and Nayak
rulers. There are about four inscriptions in this temple.
The inscription found on the Somaskandar Temple dates
back to the 10th regnal year of Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I. This
inscription is the only complete inscription in this temple. It records the
endowment of burning two perpetual lamps to Uyyakondar Valanaattu Ambar Nattu
Vaikavur Ethirili Chozha Nerkundram Ethirili Chozheeswaram Udayar temple by a
merchant of Ambar. The other three inscriptions are either damaged
or incomplete.
The two fragment inscriptions dating back to the fifth
and ninth regnal years of Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I records the sale of lands
through auction. The other fragment inscription dating back to Chola King Kulothunga
III records his conquering of Madurai, Sri Lanka, Karuvur and Pandyan crown. It
also mentions a place called Melur (Arithuva Nerkundram), existed during the Chola
period.
