The Epigraphy Division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has made a captivating discovery, recently documenting a collection of rare inscriptions from the glorious era of the imperial Cholas. These precious historical records were found etched within the ancient Vedapureeswarar temple, located in Therizhandhur, Mayiladuthurai district.
A dedicated ASI team, led by Assistant Epigraphist P.T. Nagarajan and supported by A. Kathavarayan and A.A. Manikandan, diligently copied ten inscriptions during an extensive twelve-day exploration. Mr. Nagarajan confirmed that these vital texts were located on the door jamb of the ‘Ardhamandapam’ and throughout the ‘Mahamandapam’ areas of the temple.
Among the findings, two particularly notable inscriptions, beautifully carved in Tamil script from the 12th Century CE, pertain to the 34th and 44th regnal years of Kulottunga Chola I. These records detail a generous grant of five ‘kāsu’ (gold coins) by several esteemed individuals—Kaviṇiyan-Vāman Ciriḷaṅkōviyan, Kaviṇiyan-Vāman Nārāyaṇan, Cheyiṟṟiya Cītaraṉ, Bhāratāyan Kēraḷaṉ Nārāyaṇan, and Karaṇattāṉ Tiruvaḻuntūruṭaiyān Tānatār Aṇiyaḻuntūrninṟān. The funds were earmarked for the continuous lighting of sacred lamps, ‘Tiruvilakku’ and ‘Sandhivilakku,’ within the temple complex, highlighting the religious devotion and patronage of the period.
Further insights emerged from inscriptions on the ‘Jagathi,’ ‘Kumudham,’ and ‘Pattigai’ of the ‘Mahamandapam.’ These carvings, dating to the reign of Kulottunga Chola III, document donations specifically for ‘Tirumanjanam’ (sacred ablutions) and outline penalties for those who defaulted on their commitments. Additionally, another inscription from the time of Rajaraja II records contributions made for the ‘Nundavilakku,’ another form of lamp lighting.
Mr. Nagarajan pointed out that the temple’s architectural style strongly suggests its origins lie in the early period of the imperial Cholas. He also mentioned that the ASI is actively working to transcribe five more inscriptions from the temple, which are currently fragile and partially damaged, ensuring their preservation for future generations.