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Saturday, June 3, 2023

Thirumuruganathaswamy Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi – History

Thirumuruganathaswamy Temple, Thirumuruganpoondi – History

This temple might have been in existence from 6th century CE as it find mentions in the Devaram hymns. The original temple might have been built by the Cheras during Sangam period. This temple is believed to have been completely reconstructed by Kongu Chola King Kalimurkka Vikrama Chola (1004 – 1047 CE). The temple was extensively renovated during the reigns of Kongu Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara Kingdom and Nayaks.

Inscriptions dating back to the reigns of Kongu Chola Kings Kalimurkka Vikrama Chola (1004 – 1047 CE), Kulothunga Chola I (1149 – 1183), Veera Chola (1183 – 1196 CE ), Veera Rajendra ( 1207 – 1256 CE), Vikrama Chola III (1274 – 1304 CE), Maravarman Sundara Pandyan II (1238–1251 CE), Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan I (1251–1268 CE) and Jatavarman Veera Pandyan I are found on the sanctum walls.

Two copper plates inscriptions dated to King Thirumalai Nayak of Madurai Nayak dynasty were found in this village. This place was called as Vada Parisara Nadu and Lord Shiva was called as Thirumuruganpoondi Nayanar as per the inscriptions in the temple. Most of these inscriptions records the endowments made to the temple for burning perpetual lamps and conducting pooja rituals & festivals. The temple is now maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).