Tamil Nadu is renowned for its historical prominence under the reign of the triumvirate emperors: the Cheras, Cholas, and Pandyas. During their rule, literature, art, culture, ethics, and values flourished, reaching their zenith. A significant aspect of their legacy lies in their extensive donations to temples and architectural marvels. Notably, the Imperial Cholas, known for their devotion to Shaivism, established their ancient capital in Urayur near Trichy. Recent excavations near Tiruverumbur, Trichy have unveiled the magnificence of their reign, shedding light on their glorious past.
In Kumbakudi near Tiruverumpur, an ancient temple dating back to the 10th century AD has been unearthed. Despite its dilapidated state, the local Shiva worship group, in collaboration with villagers, undertook the task of renovating and restoring the temple. In honor of Shivratri, a special worship ceremony was organized within its precincts. Dhanasekhar, an employee at the central government’s HABP factory in Trichy, notified the Aatrupadai Historical Society about the discovery of this ancient temple.
Parthiban, a member of the Aatrupadai Historical Society who led the survey, noted that the temple’s stone carvings, dating back to the Chola period, were in a state of disrepair. An inscription attributed to Vikrama Chola within the temple provides insights into the town’s history, referring to it as a subdivision of “Pandiya Kulasani Valanatu Tenkarai Brahma Theyam Sri Cholamadevi Chaturvedi Mangalam”. Here, Brahma deyam signifies the land gifted to Brahmins for the management of temple affairs, while Chaturvedi mangalam denotes the lands allocated for the study of the four Vedas.
The name “Kumpakudi” has persisted for over a millennium according to the inscriptions. It is documented that an official named Kumbakkudi Natalvan, Vellalar from Kavir Naadu, and along with Cholamadevi Sabha, contributed land to the temple. Additional inscriptions mention Anbilurudayar and Thiruvenkadudayar near Lalgudi. Parthiban suggests that a study of the temple’s scattered construction stones could yield valuable insights into life during the Chola period.
Remains of a 10th Century Shiva Temple discovered near Tiruverambur, Tiruchirapalli.
As per the info from locals, a heritage group inspected the site and found 3 inscriptions, out of which only one inscription was readable which is of Vikrama Chozha. pic.twitter.com/EA0FeMz3gK
— Ethirajan Srinivasan 🇮🇳🚩(Modi Ka Parivaar) (@Ethirajans) March 9, 2024
(with inputs from IE-Tamil)
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