‘Naviramalai Inscriptions’ have been found at Javvadu Hills next to Tirupattur. The study team comprising Dr. K. Mohan Gandhi, Professor of Tamil department in Tirupati Sacred Heart College, Archaeologist P. Venkatesan, Retired IPS Officer Kuppusamy, Historians Vendan and Veerappan have been conducting field research in the region for the past 12 years . On that basis, during a recent field study in Puthur Nadu near Javadumalai, they found the ‘Naviramalai Inscription’.
Prof. Mohan Gandhi says that Javadu Hills has a long connection with Sangam literature. Back then, it is said to have been known as ‘Navira Malai’. There is a reference to Navira Malai in the book Malaipadukatakam, a part of the Patthupaatu. Nannan Sei Nannan, the leader of Malaipadukadam, is said to have ruled Navira Malai under his rule.
Muzhalai Nathar Sivan Temple is located in Mozhalai village in Puthurnadu panchayat, which is near Javadu Malai. 2 inscription have been found in the agricultural land on the right side of it . It is believed that these carvings were donated to the temple.
Earlier, inscriptions carved during the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties were found in the temple which is said to belong to the 16th century Vijayanagara Empire and mentions about Veera Kambannar who reclaimed Madurai. It is known from this inscription that Kambanna was referred to as Mahamandaleswaran and Kambanna Udayar. It also notes that ‘Navira Malai’ belonged to ‘Adaiyur’.
The latest inscriptions found states that those who misuse the property of the Lord will fall into the sin of killing the cow. It also mentions about the donations given to the temple along with the representation of Sun, Moon, Trishul and lamps, etc.
The name ‘Navira Malai’ existed from the Sangam to Chola and Vijayanagara period. The name was changed to Javvadumalai due to the high availability of spices during the British rule. The research team headed by Dr. Mohan Gandhi has been requesting the government to change the name to Navira Malai.
(With inputs from Tamil Hindu)
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