The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (TNSDA) has officially commenced the meticulous study and compilation of an extraordinary find: ancient copper plates adorned with sacred Thevaram hymns. These priceless artifacts were discovered during renovation work in April 2023 at the historic Thoniappar Temple, also known as the Sattainathar Temple, located in Sirkazhi, Mayiladuthurai district.
This significant excavation yielded a remarkable treasure trove: 23 exquisite panchaloha (five-metal alloy) idols depicting various deities, alongside an astonishing 483 copper plates etched with devotional Thevaram hymns. These items were found just a few feet beneath the ground near the western gopuram (temple tower) entrance. The temple itself is a revered site, managed by the esteemed Dharmapuram Adheenam.
What makes this discovery truly monumental is that it marks the first time Thevaram hymns on copper plates have been found in Tamil Nadu. This finding powerfully corroborates ancient stone inscriptions within the Chidambaram temple, which explicitly detail the tradition of immortalizing these sacred verses on copper. Following this groundbreaking unearthing, epigraphical specialists from the TNSDA conducted numerous visits to the temple for thorough examination.
The Journey of Preservation: From Earth to Understanding
Having lain buried for centuries, the copper plates were naturally covered in fungal deposits. To prepare them for study, they underwent rigorous chemical treatment using established conservation techniques. Creating ‘estampages’ – detailed rubbings to get clear, readable impressions of the inscriptions – was a meticulous task. According to R. Sivanantham, Joint Director of the TNSDA and a lead researcher on this project, this impression-making process alone spanned approximately three months, complicated by the fact that hymns were intricately engraved on both sides of each plate.
Sivanantham noted that the unearthed plates were not found in any discernible order. While about 410 of them remained in remarkably good condition, the others exhibited minor damage. Interestingly, despite having central holes typically used for stringing, these plates were never bound together, explaining their disarray. He further explained that the hymns, dedicated to Lord Shiva from various temples, were not organized by specific temple or by the revered Shaivaite saint poets—Thirunavukkarasar (Appar), Thirugnanasambandhar, and Sundarar—who originally composed them.
Deciphering the Ancient Words: The Transcription Project
The majority of the plates feature between 10 to 12 lines of text on each side, though some variations exist. The diverse writing styles clearly indicate that these inscriptions were the work of multiple scribes, not a single individual. Currently, these ancient hymns are undergoing systematic transcription and careful comparison with the existing, well-documented Thevaram compositions to verify their content.
Upon their initial discovery, a key question arose: do these plates contain previously unknown Thevaram hymns, or are they duplicates of already recorded ones? Based on the hymns deciphered thus far, it appears they align with existing Thevaram songs. The comprehensive effort to fully read, compare, and compile all the copper plates is actively ongoing, promising a clearer understanding of their historical and religious significance.