Centuries-old sculpture, inscriptions found in Chola age temple

Cleared/285 WordsTrichy: A bas-relief sculpture dating to the 11th century and three inscriptions of various ages were found in the Soundaresvarar temple near Perambalur. A research team that analyzed the antiquities found that they record the temple’s renovation and land endowment for the temple’s maintenance.The temple, constructed during the reign of Parantaka Chola in the 10th century, is currently in dilapidated condition. A team of researchers comprising Mani Maran, a Tamil pandit at Saraswathi Mahal Library in Thanjavur, and G Thillai Govindarajan, a retired government school headmaster, visited the site following information provided by local resident Jegadeesan.According to the researchers, the bas-relief depicts King Rajathiraja Chola, who ruled from 1044 to 1052 CE, along with his wife.

They are shown worshipping a Shiva Lingam. Rajathiraja Chola, a descendant of Parantaka Chola, was killed in the battle of Koppam against the Chalukyas.The team identified three inscriptions. Maran said, “The inscription states that he renovated the temple built by his ancestors during his third regnal year.”Among the three, one located on the north side of the mahamandapa, refers to the presiding deity as ‘Alagiya Nayanar’ and records a land endowment.

A second inscription indicates patronage by Nayak rulers during the Vijayanagara period in the 15th century. A third, dated 1681 CE, documents a land donation by Rangappa Mazhavaraya to the temple treasury.Maran noted, “The inscriptions emphasise the use of royal endowments for the temple’s continued maintenance.”During the visit, researchers also observed marine fossils in the rock formations around the temple, suggesting the area was once under the sea.The temple, which received support under the Cholas, Pandyas and Nayaks, remains in disrepair, though villagers visit occasionally for worship, the researchers noted.