Theerthagireeswarar Temple,
Theerthamalai – History
The temple is believed to be
built in 7th century CE. The temple received extensive patronage
from Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagara Kingdom. It is said that the Chola
Emperor Rajendra Chola I used to visit this temple regularly. The mandapam near
the sanctum is supposed to be built by Sila Naicken. He is said to have
maintained a well-fortified garrison at the top of the hill from where a commanding
view of the surroundings can be seen on all sides. Inscriptions dating back to
Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga Chola I are recorded from this temple.
An inscription dating back to
1016 CE of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I records the gift of gold for burning
perpetual lamp in the temple of Kudal Alvar by Aiyan Virama Deviyar of
Pungunram, a queen of Mummudi Chola Perumal. Another inscription dating back to
1017 CE of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I records the gift of gold by an
individual named Karipperumal / Panglan of Ittapari in Puramalai Naadu in
Thagadur Naadu, a sub division of Nigarilichola Mandalam.
There are two inscriptions
dating back to 1041 CE of Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola in the western wall of
the central shrine. The first inscription records the renovation activities
carried out in the temple, construction of mukha mandapam, gift of two lamps to
Lord and gift of villages Kurumudai, Avvadi Mangalam and Aliyur by one Karkadai
Vairan.
The second inscription records
that the construction of the Kshetrapala and Chandesvara shrines. An
inscription dating back to the 10th regnal year of Chola Emperor
Kulothunga Chola I records the appointment of a pujari for this temple. There
is an inscription dating back to 1104 CE of Kulothunga Chola I can be seen on
the southern wall of the mukha mandapam. It records the gift of lamp stand and
cows by the native of Muniyar in Thagadur Naadu.
There is an undated inscription
found in the same wall. It records the gift of ornaments. Lord Shiva was
mentioned as Thirthamalaiyudaiya Mahadevar and the place was called as
Theerthamalai in Puramalai Naadu in Thagadur Naadu, a sub division of
Nigarilichola Mandalam in the inscriptions. There is an ancient sculpture with
an inscription can be found in the temple premises. It mentions Sri Bhagavathi,
Kuru Chchuli Kodudaiya.
