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Friday, May 26, 2023

Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Ambal – History

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.