Sri Shikanathar Temple, Kudumiyanmalai / ஸ்ரீ சிகாகிரீஸ்வரர் கோயில் குடுமியான்மலை, Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.

The First visit to this temple was a part of Pudukkottai Heritage Visit with Trich Parthy. The second visit to this Sri Shikanathar Temple at Kudumiyanmalai was a part of Heritage Visit to temples around Keeranur in Pudukkottai District, organized by “Yaaooyakay – யாஊயாகே” group on 2^nd and 3^rd, October 2021.

 

Kudumiyanmalai was ruled by Vaanaathirayars, Irukku Velir, Early Pandyas, Pallavas, Latter Chozhas, Latter Pandyas, Nayaks and Thondaimans.  The remains of earlier human settlement are found around Kudumiyanmalai. The natural shelter on the hills are used as human habitation in the early times.  The Jain monks also lived in the same natural shelters. Tamizhi inscriptions are found on the Jain beds. The temple complex consists of stone structural temples and Rock cut cave temple.

Moolavar  : Sri Kuduminathar /

                 Thirunalankundrathu Perumanadigal

Consort    : Sri Akilandeswari

Some of the important features of this temple are...

The temple is facing east with a 7 tier Rajagopuram base pillars, but without super structure. The Vasantha mandapam is immediately after the entrance has 24 pillars with statues / sculptures, was built during Nayak period. On the right side is the 1000 pillar mandapam. Urchavars are in maha mandapam. In koshtam Pickshadanar and Kotravai.

 

Sri Akilandeswari Amman Temple is on the north west corner of the temple complex. A 2 tier vimana is on the sanctum. The Vimana was built during 12-13^th century. After Amman sannadhi is the mukamandapa, a 12 pillar mandapam,  on the east and a 6 pillar mandapa, It was learnt that Pudukkottai Thondaiman  kings used to conduct their coronation functions in the Amman’s 24 pillar Mandapa also called as Chokkatan mandapa. A big size stone slab is paved especially for this functions.

 

In the outer prakaram, a 1000 pillar mandapam, Madapalli, Urchava Mandapa, Soundaranayaki Amman sannadhi, Vinayagar sannidhi and Akilandeswari Amman Temple. On the south side of the Rock cut cave temple is Sri Soundaranayai Amman temple / Malai Mangai Amman sannadhi, was built by one devaradiyar Durgaiyandi’s daughter Nachi during 13^th Century Veera Pandiyan period.

ARCHITECTURE

The Kuduminathar sanctum sanctorum consists of  Sanctum, Antarala, Artha mandapam, Maha mandapam and a mukha mandapam. The temple sanctum sanctorum is with 2 thala vimana and mukha mandapas are beautifully constructed. Sanctum sanctorum sala and Karnapathi has Panchara Koshtas. Kumbha panjaras are in the aharai / saleelantharam between Salaipathi and karnapathi.  Different adhisthanas are shown on the Salaipathi ( Sripandam ), karnapathi and akarai ( Padma kesaram ). 

The temple is with 3 prakaras. Sanctum sanctorum, Ardha mandapam, mukha mandapam, Sabha mandapam are in the parakaram. Anivottikal mandapam  pillars are with beautiful sculptures is in the second prakaram. Ardha mandapam bitti has the pilasters with vazhaipoo mottu and single pillar panchara.

Maha mandapam… the mandapam is supported with many pillars without any ornamental sculptures. On the way to maha mandapam to ardha mandapam, Nagabandham and padmavari.

Vimanam… The adhisthana is with upana, Padma vari, kandam, Kapotham, Nasikudu. Yazhivari is above the kapotha. Adisthanam is with big padma jagathi, virutha kumudam, kapotham with beautiful nasikudus, Pattigai with Kumuda.

Prastaram is with Padmavari, kodungai, Yazhivari. Stone lifting Bhuta, Conch blowing Bhutas, Monkey, Lion, Vinayagar, Narasimhar, Elephant, Natarajar, Maha Vshnu, Yoga Dakshinamurthy are in the Keerthi mukha nasikudus.

Gopuram.. The entrance is with a 7 tier Rajagopuram with less ornamental work doors. Gajalakshmi is on the top of the entrance. Dwarapalakas are on both sides.

Vasantha mandapam… This mandapam measures 90’ X 90’  in square. There are totally 96 pillars, each row consists of 12 pillars. The Pillars has the various deity sculptures like, Murugan, vinayagar, Sankara Narayanar, Manmathan, Rathi, Hanuman, Oorthuva thandavar, mohinis etc,. This mandapam was renovated between 1215 to 1265 CE. 

Mukha mandapam Donors

Hanuman

Arumugar

Narasimhar

Ravana

Manmathan and Rathi

Kali

Mohini with Rishis

Mohini with Rishis

Sankara narayanan

Sankara Narayanan

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The Mela Koil was excavated after the Saiva samaya marumalarchi. The Chozha period inscriptions are found ( 9^th to 10^th Century ), in the Mela Koil and Second Parakaram, but not in the main shrine. It is believed that the temple might have reconstructed / remodeled. Based on the architecture style, it is believed that this temple was constructed / re-modeled during Maravarman Sundara Pandyan-I, period. 

There are more than 120 inscriptions found on Moolavar, Sri Akilandeswari Amman Sanctum, Soundara Nayaki Amman sanctum, Madapalli and Prakara walls. Sri Kuduminathar’s sanctum Sanctorum belongs to 9^th Century. The Amman temple and the rest of the mandapams were constructed during 12^th to 13^th century. As per the Pudukottai inscription, this hill was also called as Thirunalankundram and Lord Shiva was also called as Shikamaninathar.

The inscriptions mainly records the donations made in the form of gold, land, taxes, irrigation, judgement made for the offences, auction sale, towards annadhanam, Naivedyam, burning perpetual lamps, Poojas and offerings etc,.  

Pandya period inscription on the Amman sannidhi wall records the details of returning back the kingdom of Chozhas. Pudukkottai Thondaiman Kings used to do their Coronation in the   24 Pillar Chokkattan mandapam. 

A 14^th to 15^th Century, Sundaratholudayan Mavalivanaatharayan’s, ( who ruled Madurai and Ramanathapuram area ), inscription in the form of poem on the north wall of 2^nd Rajagopuram entrance records the flag of all the three Dynasties of Tamil Nadu and Garuda Flag is above the all

சென்னிப் புலிகொடியும் தென்னன் கயல் கொடியும்

மின்னும் கழல் பிறையோன் விற்கொடியும் – மன்னும்

வருசைக் கொடைத் திருமல் மாவாலிவாணன் தன்

கருடக் கொடியே கொடியாம் காண்

Another poem reads as

வன்புடையார் தேவியர் தம்  மங்கலனான் தட்டானிக்கன்புரிய வொடாணியாகு மெ யின்பராசர் கொபாலன் பல்லவர் கொன் கொளி வீரராயன் சிஞ்கார வாள் !

As a proof of construction of 2^nd level Rajagopuram by Pandyas, their emblem Fish with Chendu is found on the side column.

An inscription on the foot path leads to Amman temple records as “Swathisri Thirunalakundram Rakutharayan Ashram Anjinan Pukazhidam”. This inscription belongs to 13^th Century. This inscription shows that this Ashram served as a refugee camp for those frightened.  

The inscription on the steps leading to ( Kudaboga Koil – Kudaivarai Kovil ) the mandapam records the gift by Raghunatharaya Thondaman.

The sanctum wall inscription records the gift of well being of the Sri Venrumalaiyida Pallavarayar’s son Sri Ranganatha Pallavarayar by Venru Malai Idan Pallavarayan.

Kulothunga Chozha’s 18^th reign year inscription records the endowment of Thirupalli ezhuchi at Ambal temple with Naivedyam, Kariamudhu, for which a two ma land was gifted to this temple and the lands periphery limits are mentioned by a person called Kulothunga Chozha Kadambarayan.

The inscription without King’s name records that a Lady working with the temple called Solaichi’s daughter PallavarayamanickathaL was given with Kaani vilai piramanam ( Land sale ) and Chandeswara pattayam. Thithiyandi Silamban had stolen decorative Pattu / Silk  cloth of the Ammaichiyar Agalameentra nayagiyar  and sold. This was found out and he was chased out of the Village and fined 10 pon. When he said he cannot give that amount his land was confiscated and sold for 10 pon and deposited in the treasury.

The temple treasury people ordered, and the same was in the form of inscription to Visalur Konattu Mutharaiyar and Sevinthivanamutharaiyar no to cover their faces and head.  This order is given, when they went along with dead body for cremation ( … ?) and they was removed from the caste so they tried to vacate this place.

The Soundaranayagi Amman Sannidhi is on the south side of the Rock cut cave temple. This was constructed during 13^th Century Pandya Period. The Veerapandya’s 11^th Reign year inscription found on the sanctum wall records that this was constructed by a daughter of a Dancer.

THIRU METRALI ( ROCK CUT CAVE TEMPLE )

The Rock cut cave temple called Melakovil by the locals is on the foot hills, excavated during 8^th century, once called as Thirumulattanam / Thirumetrali. Vinayagar and Dwarapalakas are on the walls of the sanctum in ardha mandapam. The Shiva Linga is with square avudayar, an integral part of the mother rock. The sanctum in side walls are finished neatly with motif  on all four sides of the roof. The Cave temple consists of sanctum, ardha mandapam and a Mukha mandapam The front Mukha mandapam was built at a latter date, abutting the ardha mandapam. The ardha mandapam was supported by 2 square pillars and 2 pilasters with a platform constructed by Raghunatha Thondaiman. Somaskandar and Chandikeswarar are in sukhasana in the Mukha mandapam.

On the left ( South ) side of the sanctum sanctorum entrance Grantha inscription records the name of the 7 or 8 string Veena’s name as “Parivathini” also called as Vallabi or Vibanji

HISTORY & INSCRIPTIONS

There are 45 inscriptions found in the Rock cut cave temple. Out of 45, 26 are in mukha/ front pillars, 18 are in mandapam walls and one on sanctum pilaster.  These inscriptions belongs to Pandya ( Oldest ) and Chozha period. The inscriptions records Lord Shiva Kuduminathar as “Thirunalagundrathu Perumanadigal” and mainly records about the donations made to the temple in terms of money, Gold and Lands. The Rock cut cave might have been excavated during 7th century or before with the presence of Parivadini ( a musical instrument -7 String Veena ) inscription. 

One of the Chozha king Koparakesari Panmar Parantaka Chozha’s 15^th year rule inscription mentions that his son Kothandaraman donated 15 thulai gold towards burning of a perpetual lamp. 

Kovi Rajakesaribarmar’s 10^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 7 Kalanju gold was gifted by Kundriyur Nattu Kuththakudi KanpanThunaiyanen.

Kovi Rajakesari’s 20^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp for which 2 klanju gold was gifted by Mutharaiyar Nambi’s daughter ( Eravakko) daughter Nangai Vikrama kesariyan Achci Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar’s wife Nangaiyar.  Also in continuation Thaliyuran also gifted Thulaipon for burning daylight lamp.

Koparakesaribarmar’s 6^th reign year inscription records the endowment of burning a perpetual lamp by Kodumbalur Thazhi Aruran, for the same 11 thulai gold was gifted to this temple.

The Pandya King Veerapandya’s… period inscription records that the sabha assembled at the temple to enquire the theft of Gold by Siva Brahmin. During the enquiry, the Karthachan and Siva Brahmin accepted that they had taken 60 pon and the rest was taken by the other Siva Brahmins. After enquiry the lands owned by those were confisticated and attached to the temple. 

MUSICAL INSCRIPTIONS:

This inscription is on the left side of the rock cut cave temple on the rock. From the inscriptions, this place was called as Thirunalagundram, Kundriyur during early Pandiya period and Kudumiyanmalai from 17^th century.

On the left side of the Rock cut cave temple, 12^th Century 4 feet Vinayagar is carved. By the side of the Vinayagar is the famous Musical inscriptions. The inscription records about the music, believed to be inscribed in 7^th Century. The inscription is in 7 parts and starts with Sitham Namasivaya. As per the experts the inscription describes the Ragas and some experts of the opinion that this is the South India’s basic musical rules.

மத்ய க்ராமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

ஷ்ட்ஜக்ராமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

ஷாதவே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

ஸாதாரிதே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

பஞ்சாம சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

கைசிக மத்யமே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

கைசிகே சதுஷ் பிரஹார ஸ்வராகமா:

Rudrachariyar’s disciple a King inscribed the above inscription for learning to the students. The 4 feet Vinayagar bas-relief  on the right side of this inscription belongs to 12^th Century.

On the south west corner “Malai mangai Amman” stone structure temple was constructed by a Devaradiyar Nachi, daughter of Dhukkaiyandi, which shows how Devaradiyars are treated and their position in the society. The Vinayagar temple on the North side of the Mela Koil was constructed by the Villagers of Vayalogam. 

Near the Parivadhini inscription, there is a 6^th Century vattezhuthu inscription on the rock, which records the name of “Paramasevakan Nakkan”. As per the scholars the name may be of the person responsible for excavating the rock cut cave. This is the earliest inscription to the Musical inscription and Maransadyan inscription.

On the back side of the Rock cut cave temple on the hill rock Shiva and Parvathi are sitting on Nandi in the form of Rishabarudar, on both sides 63 Nayanmars are shown on both sides carved in the form of bas-relief.

LEGENDS

As per the legend, the Sivachariyar gave the flower, which was meant for Poojas to a lady. When the King arrived unexpectedly, the Sivachariyar didn’t know what to do. So he got back the flower from the lady. The Sivachariyar had done the pooja and gave the flower to the King. On receiving the flower, the King noticed a hair in the flower. When the king asked for explanation for the hair, the Sivachariyar told that the hair belongs to Lord Shiva. Immediately Lord Shiva appeared with a tuft on his head. Hence Lord Shiva is called as Kuduminathar.

POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS

Apart from regular Poojas, special poojas are conducted on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, Pongal, Navaratri, Deepavali, Vinayagar Chaturthi, Arudra Darshan, Panguni Uthiram  and on all important festivals.

TEMPLE TIMINGS

The temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 12.00 hrs and 17.00 hrs to 20.30 hrs.

HOW TO REACH: 

Kudumiyanmalai is on the bus route from Pudukkottai to Manaparai.

Kudumiyanmalai is 19.5 KM from Pudukkottai, 55 KM from Karaikudi, 60 KM from Tiruchirappalli and 389 KM from Chennai.

Nearest Railway station is Pudukkottai and Junction is Tiruchirappalli.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE  : CLICK HERE

Ayyanar

---OM SHIVAYA NAMA---