Today is the formation day of Sivagangai Samasthanam. It was the genius & valour of Sasivarna Thevar, which created this samasthanam from Ramanathapuram in 1730. Sivagangai then went on to become an important kingdom that played a pivotal role in the early Indian freedom struggle against the British.
With illustrious, dharmic kings like Muthuvaduga Nathar, Veeramangai Velu Nachiyar, and Marudhu Pandiyars in the lineage, Sivagangai led the Polygar war and gallantly fought for freedom. They also built/renovated several temples in the region and launched many social reforms.
Its legacy continues even today as the Samasthanam continue to patronise important temples like Kalayar Kovil & Thirukoshtiyur.
The royal insignia of Sivaganga was recreated by an artist. It has Hanuman & Garuda in the Flags with a Tiger in between. The Hanuman flag was inherited by Queen Velu Nachiyar who was from Ramanathapuram, which also has a Hanuman flag.
The Temple Entry Movement From Sivagangai
The historic temple entry movement in Madurai, spearheaded by Vaidyanatha Iyer/Muthuramalinga Thevar/Kakkan ensured that temples were open to everyone in other places too.
The ruler of Sivagangai Samasthanam, Sri Shanmugaraja took the lead in declaring the Samasthanam temples in Thirukoshtiyur, Kalayarkovil & other places open to everyone. It is important to note that everyone in those places stood solidly behind the movement.
So, the temple entry movement in TN is not about any one individual!
TS Krishnan is a Tamil scholar and author.
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