The visit to this Kadambar Koil, at Kadamba Malai near Narthamalai was a part of Heritage Visit to temples around Keeranur in Pudukkottai District, organized by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே” group on 2nd and 3rd, October 2021. It was told that the temple was built inside a fort and the remains of the walls can be seen.
Moolavar : Kadambu Udaya Nayanar
The temple is facing North west direction in orientation with the Hill, Kadambar malai. The Temple tank is in front. Prakara walls are built only on three sides. Two balipeedas and a Rishabam are between the Temple tank and the entrance. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Dakshinamurthy is alone in the koshtam.
In ardha mandapam loose sculptures of Brahma, Uma Maheswara, etc,. In praharam Ambal / Durgai (..?), Saptamatrikas in two panels and Vinayagar. A Shiva Linga and 2 Chandikeswarar are carved on the rock in the form of a bas-relief.
ARCHITECTUREThe main temple consists of sanctum sanctorum, antarala, ardha mandapam and mukha mandapam. Ambal shrine built at a latter stage is on the south side of the main temple. The main temple followed the Dravidian style of architecture with adhisthana, bitti, prastaram, Greevam, Sigaram and Stupi. An ekathala Vimana is on the sanctum sanctorum.
The adhisthana consists of Upana, Padma vari, kampu, Jagathi, small atho padma, small oorthuva padma, vrutha Kumuda, small atho padmam, kampu, kandam, kampu, oorthuva padmam, pattikai, atho padmam and kampu. As per Kasyapa silpa sastra the syle of architecture is Pushba pushkalam in padabandha adhisthana.
The vethigai is with kandam ( with kanda pada ), kampu, oorthuva padma, pattikai and kampu.
The Bitti / pada varga or the walls are supported with Vishnu kanda pilasters. The pilasters consists of Asuvapatham, 8 surface leg, idaikattu, kalasam, thadi, Kumbha, Padma mandi and Palakai. Deva koshtas are at the centre of bitti, with Nakulapada pilasters. Veerakandam, Utharam and prastaram are on the above pillars. Kapotha, viyalavari, two nasikudus, Kodipalai and maiya palai are on the prastaram. Nasikoodus are with kaadam, thorana and flower arrangements. Vedhigai, big Nasikoodu are on the sutra Vimana. The Vimana is of Dravidian style.
The Greeva is on the square tala with round / vrutha with 4 koshtas. Koshta images are of stucco and found in damaged condition. Sigaram is also vrutha / vesara with maha nasis, Chandra mandala. Stupi is also similar to the sigaram. Since the complete vimana is constructed with stone, Vimana is called as Sudha Vimana, greevam and sigaram are in round / vurutha shape called as Vaijayanthi and alpa Vimana ( Ekathala ).
Antarala is with two pillar panchara. Mukha mandapa is very much similar to prastaram of sanctum sanctorum and central koshta has the pathra thorana. The Maha mandapa base / adhisthana is with Upanam, Padmavari and Kampu. The Maha mandapa is with three angas Chithra kanda pillars with nagabandam, pothyal, uthram thangi and roof.
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSThis temple was built during Pallava period by the Mutharaiyars. The Inscriptions recorded from this temple and on the rocks belongs to Rajaraja-I, Rajendra-II, Kulothunga-I, Maravarman Sundara Pandyan and Vijayanagars. The inscriptions of Rajaraja-I and Rajendra-II are inscribed on the surface prepared exclusively for these inscriptions. As per the inscriptions this place was called as Rettapadikonda Chozhavalanattu annalvayil Kootrathu Telugukulakalapuram. During Kulothunga Period this place was called as Kulothunga Chozha Pattinam.
Rajendra Chozha-II’s 4th reign year inscription records the Vanika kuzhu ( group ), Thisaiyaayirathu Ainnurruvar. In that A Merchant Arumozhi, who belongs to Narthamalai was fixed a betrothal, Kattileruthal, one of the marriage ritual with a Girl. This was objected by Thillai Koothan and some people. They also arranged another betrothal with Raman’s daughter and compelled Arumozhi. On hearing this the previous Girl took poison and died. The Vanika Kuzhu ordered Arumozhi to construct a Temple for Sangu Parameswari Amman and light a nandha deepam, as a parikara.
Rajaraja Chozha’s 22nd reign year inscription records his complete meikeerthi / title and endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 2 Kalanju gold was gifted by a person of Keralanthaka valanattu Annavayil Kootrathu Kizhathayanallur.
Rajaraja Chozha’s 28th reign year inscription records his complete meikeerthi / title and gift of land with its periphery limits and the inscription is incomplete.
Thiribhuvana Chakravarthy Rajendra’s period inscription records that a land was gifted to Akalanga Achari for doing thirupani to this temple’s, Thiruvanaika Udaya nayanar temple and Nachimar Temple along with his father. During that time Thirukodu Devar was installed by them and for the same as dakshina / remuneration was the above land gifted.
Sundara Pandyan’s 3rd reign year inscription records the endowment of Thirumanjanam, Naivedyam, burning lamp by Siva Brahmin Veliyatrudayan Choran Thanthi and his sister Ariyaantral. For the same Porpon Ettumarinar ( .. ?) kalanju.
Sri Sundara Pandyan’s period inscription records that Thiru kamakotta Nachiyar and Thiruvanaikavudaya nayanar was established by A Merchant Pazhuvoorudayan. The Inscription further records the gift of land after sale. 
Inscription - This place was called as Kulakalapuram 
Surface is prepared before inscribing 
Letters were written before inscribing with chisel
LEGENDSIt is believed that, when, Hanuman was carrying the Sanjeevini Hill from north to save the life of soldiers and Lakshmana during the war between Rama and Ravana, Nine pieces were fallen down and formed these 9 hills.
In Another legend Naradar, came and stayed here for some time. Hence this place was called as Nardar Malai and the same corrupted to the present name of Narthamalai.
TEMPLE TIMINGSSince the temple is under Archaeological Survey of India, regular Poojas are not done.
HOW TO REACHKadambar Koil / Kadamba Malaimalai is about a KM from Narthamalai, 9 KM from Keeranur, 19 KM from Pudukkottai, 41 KM from Tiruchirappalli and 363 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway station is Keeranur and Junction is Tiruchirappalli
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
The remains of old Fort--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
The temple is facing North west direction in orientation with the Hill, Kadambar malai. The Temple tank is in front. Prakara walls are built only on three sides. Two balipeedas and a Rishabam are between the Temple tank and the entrance. Dwarapalakas are at the entrance of ardha mandapam. Dakshinamurthy is alone in the koshtam.
Inscription - This place was called as Kulakalapuram
Surface is prepared before inscribing
Letters were written before inscribing with chisel
The remains of old Fort
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