Rama Navami is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the birth of Shri Rama also known as Shri Ramachandra. Shri Rama is one of the principal deities of Hinduism. The Rama Navami or the birthday of Shri Rama falls on a propitious day when Punarvasu (புனர்பூசம்) star and the Navami (நவமி), the ninth lunar day of waxing moon period get together in the Tamil month of Panguni (பங்குனி) (English Month: March - April). This post details an overview of this festival for kids.
Showing posts with label Vaishnavite Temple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Vaishnavite Temple. Show all posts
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Heritage Trail: Thiruvallam, Melpadi, Mahendravadi and Pullalur 4
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| Mahendravadi Rock cut Cave (Views) |
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| Mahendravarman I split the rock to build temple for Murari |
On the way we saw the huge Mahendravadi lake receiving supply from Palar river. The Pallava kings have also excavated huge tanks and lakes such as: Chitramega Tadakam (Mamandur), Vairamekan Tadakam (Uttaramerur), Thralaya Thadakam (Thenneri), Paramesvara Tadatakam (Varam Eri), Avani Narayana Chaturvedi Mangalam Lake (Kaveripakkam), Kanakavalli Tadakam (Vellore Kurram), Marutanadu Lake (Vandavasi Kurram) and some more lakes.
Mahendravadi (மகேந்திரவாடி), a historical village (Geo-location co-ordinates : Latitude 12.891 and 79.758 Longitude) located in Arakkonam taluk (அரக்கோணம் வட்டம்), Vellore district (வேலூர் மாவட்டம்), Tamil Nadu Pin Code 632502, is popular for its rock cut cave temple hewn by Mahendravarman I. The village is part of Mahendravadi Village Panchayat and as per census 2011 it has a population of 2503 people and 72.12 % literacy rate. Agriculture is the main source of income for the people of this village. Nemili, Sholinghur and Arakonam are nearest towns of Mahendravadi and is well-connected by bus transport.
Rock cut Caves of Mahendravarman I
Most of the rock cut cave temples Mahendravarman I 's are located in small villages and a small or moderate lakes were dug out nearer to some caves. The inscription in the Mahendra-Vishnugriha (Mahendravadi) mentions about the presence of Mahendra-thataka (Mahendra Lake) around Mahendravadi.
Rock cut Cave Temples of Mahendravarman I | |||
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| The seven rock cut caves accompanying the inscriptions of Mahendravarman I | |||
| Rock cut Cave | Inscription Name | Title | Location |
| Mandagapattu | Lakshidayanam | Vichitrachittan | Villupuram - Ginjee Road |
| Mamandur (Dusi-) - Narasamangalam | - | - | Kanchipuram - Vandavasi Road |
| Mahendravadi | Mahendra-Vishnugriha | Gunabaran | Kanchipuram - Arakonam Rd; >> Senthamangalam - Nemili Rd; >> Nemili - Banavaram Rd |
| Pallavaram | - | - | GT Road. |
| Seeyamangalam | Avanibhajana-Pallaveshvaram Griham | Lalitankuran | Chennai - Tindivanam >> Tindivanam - Vandavasi >> Thellaru - Desur >> Seeyamangalam |
| Tiruchirapalli | 'Lalithankura Pallaveshvara Griham | Lalitankuran | Tiruchirapalli Rockfort >> Upper western cave |
| Dhalavanur | Satrumallesvaram | Satrumallan | Villupuram - Ginjee >> 28th km >> Dhalavanur |
The three rock cut caves do not accompany the inscriptions of
Mahendravarman I. They depict the rock cut cave architecture styles
employed during period of Mahendravarman I. Though these three caves do
not accompany any inscription about the constructor, it is possible to
consider them as Mahendravarman I style cave. The three caves include:
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| Vallam Caves nos.1 - 3 | Vasanteshvaram - | - | Chengulpet - Tirukazhukundram Rd. |
| Kurananilmuttam | Alvar of Kal-Mandakam | - | Kanchipuram - Vandavasi Rd. >> 8th km >> left road >> |
| Sikhari Pallaveshvaram | Sri Sikhari Pallaveshvaram | - | Ginjee - Mel Malayanur Rd >> Singavaram >> Sikhari Pallaveshvaram |
Among the seven rock cut caves accompanying the inscriptions of Mahendravarman I, Mahendra-Vishnugriha, is the lone rock cut cave temple dedicated to Vishnu (Murari).
The east facing Mahendra-Vishnugriha rock cut cave in Mahendravadi is small and cute. The well planned and well executed single sanctum rock cut cave is hewn from a free standing boulder measuring about 3.35 meter long and 7.62 meter wide from north to south. The cave comprise a facade, a rectangular mukha mandapa, ardhamandapa and the slightly projected cubical sanctum.
The facade floor is formed 0.50 meter above the ground level. The facade measures 5.71 meter in north south direction and 0.60 meter in east west direction. The facade comprise two pillars with the features of square, octagonal kattu and square in the middle and two pilasters one on each side of the corners. There are three wide 'anganas' (bays) are formed between the pillars and pilasters.
The lower square and kattu are long when equated with the upper square. While all the upper faces of the square are decorated with circular lotus medallions, all the lower faces except the west face is adorned with flower medallions. The flower medallions appear different from lotus medallions and the square frames also have deep embellishments. While the upper south and north faces of the pilasters have lotus medallions, the east faces of the pilasters also have only half frame of the medallions and the west face is left blank.
The lone four line inscription of Mahendravarman I in Pallava grantha script and in Sanskrit language is inscribed on the north face of the southern pilaster just below the lotus medallion. The details of the inscription will be discussed in succeeding paragraphs. The vettu potikas holding the prastara components such as uttira (beam) and vajanam. The mother rock is evenly sculpted and extended in a semi-circular shape. In spite of its appearance as kapota, the structure is not shaped as kapota in its full form. Also there are two deep grooves above the facade - the lower one is short and the upper one extends up to the entire cave length.
The open rectangular mukha-mandapa is formed between two rows of pillars i.e., row of pillars in the facade and the row of rear pillars with the features of square, octagonal kattu and square in the middle. No medallions noticed on the faces of the square part. Here also the vettu potikas holding the prastara components such as uttira (beam) and vajanam. The floor level is raised above up to 0.05 meter. The side walls, measuring about 5.75 meter in length and 1.15 meter in width, are left blank. The floor and roof are even and there is a band of vajanam running on all four sides.
We may call the space formed between two rows of pillars i.e., row of rear pillars and rear wall as ardhamandapa. Ardhamandapa measures about 5.87 meter in length and 2.22 meter in width. The floor level is still raised above up to 0.05 meter.
The sanctum is formed on the western lateral wall facing east and it is protruding out of the western lateral wall up to 0.39 meter. The sancum floor level is raised above up to 0.59 meter. The components of adhishtana of the sanctum includes jagadi, kumuda, khanta and pattika flanked by kampa. The moldings are more distinct on the northern wing than the southern wing. A flight of three steps without ballustrades, cut from the mother rock, leads to the sanctum. The doorway is framed by east facing pilasters on either side. There are two niches - one on either side of the sanctum, excavated up to 1.51 meter high on the western lateral wall. Both south and north niches houses two male dwarapalakas. The niches are framed patti (band) on all four sides. The roof is supported by uttiram, vajanam and rough kapota. The lateral walls of the sanctum are not even at roof level.
Lord Narasimha appears in padmasana posture in the sanctum and this could be the later addition. The original prime deity 'Murari,' as mentioned in the inscription could not be found. The pilasters at the entrance and the rear row of pillars bear niches for lighting oil lamps. This also could be the lateral additions.
In this cave temple daily pujas are not offered to Lord Narasimha. At least the sanctum can be maintained with some respect. Let it not be used as store room for plastic pots, broomsticks etc.
Dwarapalaks
Both the dwarapalakas (door guards) in Mahendravadi appear in parsavakosana, an unusual posture. The
dwarapalaka in the right niche appear in parsavakosana with the left leg in parsva (foot slightly towards right) and the right leg 90 degree. The left and right heels are aligned and the thighs are firm and the right thigh outward and the center of the kneecap is in line with
the center of the right ankle. The left hip slightly forward,
towards the right and the upper torso extends back to the left. The face is upright and smiling. The left hand and the broken right hands are resting on his hips. He appears wearing headband, karandamakuta with chanka motiff and ornaments worn by him includes patra kundala in ears, sarapali in the neck, armlets (tolvalai). The yagnapavita is worn in niveta fashion. The knots of the waist attire is shown on the right.
The left niche dwarapalaka also appear in parsavakosana with the left in parsva (foot slightly towards left) and the right foot 90 degree. The left and right heels are aligned and the thighs are firm and the right thigh outward and the center of the kneecap is in line with the center of the right ankle. The left hip slightly forward, towards the right and the upper torso extends back to the left. The face is slightly bent and smiling. The right hand and the broken left hands are resting on his hips. He appears wearing headband, karandamakuta with chanka motiff and ornaments worn by him includes patra kundala in ears, sarapali in the neck, armlets (tolvalai). The yagnapavita is worn in niveta fashion. The knots of the waist attire is shown on the left.
Inscription
As told earlier the north face of the southern pilaster at the facade bear the inscription of Mahendravarman I in Pallava Grantha script and use Prakrit (Sanskrit) language (Epigraphia Indica Vol. IV pp. 152 - 153).
English Translation: The wide temple of Murari (Vishnu), named Mahendra-Vishnugriha was caused to be made by splitting the boulder by Gunabhara (Pallava king Mahndravarman I) on the bank of Mahendra Tataka (Mahendra Tank) in the prominent (city of) Mahenthirapura and this is extremely appreciated by estimable citizenry.
How to Get There – Proceed up to 20 km in the Kanchipuram - Arakkonam road and take diversion on the left and travel further in the enthamangalam - Nemili road. From Nemili proceed further in the Nemili - Banavaram road. Mahendravadi is located in the 8th km on Banavaram-Nemili road.
The east facing Mahendra-Vishnugriha rock cut cave in Mahendravadi is small and cute. The well planned and well executed single sanctum rock cut cave is hewn from a free standing boulder measuring about 3.35 meter long and 7.62 meter wide from north to south. The cave comprise a facade, a rectangular mukha mandapa, ardhamandapa and the slightly projected cubical sanctum.
The facade floor is formed 0.50 meter above the ground level. The facade measures 5.71 meter in north south direction and 0.60 meter in east west direction. The facade comprise two pillars with the features of square, octagonal kattu and square in the middle and two pilasters one on each side of the corners. There are three wide 'anganas' (bays) are formed between the pillars and pilasters.
The lower square and kattu are long when equated with the upper square. While all the upper faces of the square are decorated with circular lotus medallions, all the lower faces except the west face is adorned with flower medallions. The flower medallions appear different from lotus medallions and the square frames also have deep embellishments. While the upper south and north faces of the pilasters have lotus medallions, the east faces of the pilasters also have only half frame of the medallions and the west face is left blank.
The lone four line inscription of Mahendravarman I in Pallava grantha script and in Sanskrit language is inscribed on the north face of the southern pilaster just below the lotus medallion. The details of the inscription will be discussed in succeeding paragraphs. The vettu potikas holding the prastara components such as uttira (beam) and vajanam. The mother rock is evenly sculpted and extended in a semi-circular shape. In spite of its appearance as kapota, the structure is not shaped as kapota in its full form. Also there are two deep grooves above the facade - the lower one is short and the upper one extends up to the entire cave length.
The open rectangular mukha-mandapa is formed between two rows of pillars i.e., row of pillars in the facade and the row of rear pillars with the features of square, octagonal kattu and square in the middle. No medallions noticed on the faces of the square part. Here also the vettu potikas holding the prastara components such as uttira (beam) and vajanam. The floor level is raised above up to 0.05 meter. The side walls, measuring about 5.75 meter in length and 1.15 meter in width, are left blank. The floor and roof are even and there is a band of vajanam running on all four sides.
We may call the space formed between two rows of pillars i.e., row of rear pillars and rear wall as ardhamandapa. Ardhamandapa measures about 5.87 meter in length and 2.22 meter in width. The floor level is still raised above up to 0.05 meter.
The sanctum is formed on the western lateral wall facing east and it is protruding out of the western lateral wall up to 0.39 meter. The sancum floor level is raised above up to 0.59 meter. The components of adhishtana of the sanctum includes jagadi, kumuda, khanta and pattika flanked by kampa. The moldings are more distinct on the northern wing than the southern wing. A flight of three steps without ballustrades, cut from the mother rock, leads to the sanctum. The doorway is framed by east facing pilasters on either side. There are two niches - one on either side of the sanctum, excavated up to 1.51 meter high on the western lateral wall. Both south and north niches houses two male dwarapalakas. The niches are framed patti (band) on all four sides. The roof is supported by uttiram, vajanam and rough kapota. The lateral walls of the sanctum are not even at roof level.
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| Lord Narasimha's Sanctum |
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| Lord Naraimha's Sanctum |
In this cave temple daily pujas are not offered to Lord Narasimha. At least the sanctum can be maintained with some respect. Let it not be used as store room for plastic pots, broomsticks etc.
Dwarapalaks
The left niche dwarapalaka also appear in parsavakosana with the left in parsva (foot slightly towards left) and the right foot 90 degree. The left and right heels are aligned and the thighs are firm and the right thigh outward and the center of the kneecap is in line with the center of the right ankle. The left hip slightly forward, towards the right and the upper torso extends back to the left. The face is slightly bent and smiling. The right hand and the broken left hands are resting on his hips. He appears wearing headband, karandamakuta with chanka motiff and ornaments worn by him includes patra kundala in ears, sarapali in the neck, armlets (tolvalai). The yagnapavita is worn in niveta fashion. The knots of the waist attire is shown on the left.
Inscription
As told earlier the north face of the southern pilaster at the facade bear the inscription of Mahendravarman I in Pallava Grantha script and use Prakrit (Sanskrit) language (Epigraphia Indica Vol. IV pp. 152 - 153).
मह्हिततमं सतामु [प] महेन्द्र [त] टाकमि [दम्]
स्थिरमुरु कारितं गुणभरेन विदार्य्य शिल [|म] [|]
ज [न] नयनाभिर [|] मगुणधाम महेन्द्रपुरे
मह्हति महेन्द्रविष्णुगृहनाम मुरा [रि] गृ [हं] [॥]
(Script Cortesy: Saurabh)
Mahhitatamam sataamu [pa] mahendra [ta] taakami [dam]
Sthirmuru kaaritam gunabharen vidaaryya shila [am] [|]
Ja [na] nayanabhir [|] magunadhaam mahendrapure
Mahhati mahendravishnugrihanaam mura [ri] griha [ham] [||]
(Script Cortesy: Saurabh)
மஹ்ஹிதாதாமம் சதாமு [ப] மஹேந்த்ர [த]டாகமி [தம்]
ஸ்திர்முரு காரிதம் குணபரன் விதார்ய ஷீல [அம்] |
ஜ [ந] நயநாபிர் | மகுநதாம் மஹேந்த்ரபுர
ஜ [ந] நயநாபிர் | மகுநதாம் மஹேந்த்ரபுர
மஹ்ஹதி மஹேந்த்ரவிஷ்ணுகிரிஹனாம் முரா[ரி] கிரிஹ [ஹம்] ||
English Translation: The wide temple of Murari (Vishnu), named Mahendra-Vishnugriha was caused to be made by splitting the boulder by Gunabhara (Pallava king Mahndravarman I) on the bank of Mahendra Tataka (Mahendra Tank) in the prominent (city of) Mahenthirapura and this is extremely appreciated by estimable citizenry.
How to Get There – Proceed up to 20 km in the Kanchipuram - Arakkonam road and take diversion on the left and travel further in the enthamangalam - Nemili road. From Nemili proceed further in the Nemili - Banavaram road. Mahendravadi is located in the 8th km on Banavaram-Nemili road.
Reference:
- Amazing Temple Carved Out of a Single Block of Rock. Ram Subramanian. Tamilnadu.com Mar. 5, 2014
- Mahendravadi – Vishnu Temple of Mahendravarman. Saurabh. Indian History and Architecture. October 20, 2010 Purattatva.in
- Mahendravadi (Wikipedia)
- Seeyamangalam-cave temples of the Pallavas. Lakshmi Sharath. September 3, 2010
- Welcome to Pallava cave hunting. Lakshmi Sharath. September 4, 2010
- குடைவரை கோயில் அமுது கௌரி பாலன் October 16, 2014
- பல்லவர்கள் Maya Digi Media 9 February 2015
- மகேந்திர விஷ்ணு கிருகம் in மகேந்திரர் குடைவரைகள். நளினி, மு. மற்றும் கலைக்கோவன், இரா. pp. 80 - 88. 2012. 286 p. ரூபாய். 225/-
- மாமண்டூர் ஏரியை அமைத்த பல்லவர்கள். sathiyamweekly.com June 18, 2015.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
Uthiramerur Inscriptions on Chola Kudavolai Election System
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| Facade of Vaikundaperumal Temple - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam |
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| Plaque 1: Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I Explained |
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| Plaque 2: Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I Explained |
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| Plaque 3: Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I Explained |
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| South plinth (Upa-peeta, Upana, Jagadi, kumuda) showing inscriptions |
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| West plinth (Upa-peeta, Upana, Jagadi, kumuda) showing inscriptions |
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| View from North-East corner: Vaikundaperumal Temple - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam |
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| Vaikundaperumal Temple Vimanam of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam |
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| Vaikundaperumal Temple Pillared Hall - General Village Assembly (Mahasabha) of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam |
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| Jayagandan, Sasi Dharan and D Kannan |
- Uttaramerur Inscriptions of Parantaka Chola I (முதலாம் பராந்தகன் )
- Location: Uttaramerur, Kanchipuram Taluk, Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
- Chola Emperor: Parantaka Chola I (முதலாம் பராந்தகன்) (907 - 956 AD.)
- Regnal Years: 12th Regnal year (919 AD) inscription 12 lines and 14th Regnal Year (921 AD) inscription 18 lines
- Inscription Language: Tamil
- Inscription Script: Tamil Grantha of 10th century
Uttaramerur, an ancient Chola village once known as Chaturvedimangalam, is located about 85 km from Chennai. This village, developed on the canons of the agama texts, has the village general assembly aka. mahasabha mandapa at the centre. The three temples well known for its architecture, sculptures and epigraphy i.e, 1. Kailasanatha Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, 2. Sundara Varadaraja Perumal Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and 3. the Balasubramanya temple dedicated to Lord Subramanya, are oriented with reference to the mandapa.
Background
The Chola administration was functioning on the principles of democracy and the Panchayat system flourished during their reign. The Chola self government was built up on 'general assemblies' or 'sabhas' or 'mahasabhas' of the villages. All aspects of village community life were administered by these general assemblies. The mahasabhas encouraged and accepted endowments from public towards temple functions and services and disposed services as per laid down procedure. In several occasions they exercised their authority in selling the land portions under their jurisdiction to individuals of various villages and towns. They also ascertained the purchase and accepted endowments offered by public. The mahasabha also to accept paddy grains or ghee as well as gold Kalanchu, accrued as interest of the principal, in certain stipulated measurements. The sabha also accepted gifts from royal king and his family members and the same was registered and documented with care.
During Chola Empire the Uttaramerur village was gifted to 1200 Vaishnava Brahmins and hence known as Chaturvedimangalam (சதுர்வேதிமங்கலம்) or Brahmadeya or Devadana type of villages (Brahman
settlements). The village gained more popularity as the temples became the centres
of life and these villages were administrated by the mahasabha. The mahasabhas
were apparently an exclusively Brahman assembly of the villages. The
inscriptions on the temple walls speak about prevalence of village
general assemblies in Manur (Tirunelveli), Tiruninravur (Thiruvallur),
Manimangalam (Kanchipuram), Dadasamudram (Kanchipuram), Sithamalli and
Thalaignayiru (Thanjavur), Jambai (Villupuram) and Ponnamaravathy
(Pudukottai).
Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam
The village general assembly or mahasabha of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam, also known as Vaikunta Perumal Temple, is the huge granite structure with sanctum sanctorum and the huge pillared hall with roof measuring about 2500 s.ft. The Dravidian kind of vimanam adorns on top of the sanctum. The village assembly appears to be the dynamic hub from 9th century A.D. to 11th century. Lord Vishnu, the presiding deity of Vaikunta Perumal Temple and the Lord of Just, would have presided over the transactions of the village assembly sessions. The present sanctum has no deity.
Two complete inscriptions were copied from the plinth of the sabha mandapa walls of the temple complex of Vaikundaperumal at Uttaramerur (Uthiramerur Taluk , Kanchipuram District) by ASI (now popularly known as 'Uttaramerur inscriptions.'. Both inscriptions belong to the Chola King: Paranthaka I (907–955).
The inscription details the resolutions of the general assembly of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam relating to the Royal orders of Parantaka Chola I issued on
the 11th and 14th regnal years on the constitution of the sabha or mahasabha and the 'Pot ticket
election procedures' (Kudavolai (குடவோலை முறை) system) to be followed for the village general assembly or sabha of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam. The village general assembly met and resolved about the qualification for the members of the sabha, election procedures for the 30 wards of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam.
Chola Emperor
Paranthaka I (907–955) who conquered Madurai (மதிரை கொண்ட கோப்பரகேசரிவர்மர்)
Regnal Year
12th Regnal year of Paranthaka I (யாண்டு பனிரெண்டாவது) (12ஆம் ஆட்சியாண்டிலும் (Approximately 919 AD கி.பி919), and
14th Regnal Year sixteenth day of Paranthaka I ) (யாண்டு பதினாலாவது நாள் பதினாறு) 14ஆம் ஆட்சியாண்டிலும் (Approximately 921 AD கி.பி. 921)
14th Regnal Year sixteenth day of Paranthaka I ) (யாண்டு பதினாலாவது நாள் பதினாறு) 14ஆம் ஆட்சியாண்டிலும் (Approximately 921 AD கி.பி. 921)
Royal (Letter) Order
The Chola emperors gave Royal (verbal) orders (tiruvakya-kelvi) which were drafted by the private secretary and confirmed by the Olainayakam (Chief Secretary) and a Perundaram (higher officials) before its despatch by the Vidaiyadhikari (despatch clerk).
The Royal (letter) Order of Devendhran, the Emperor, Sri Viranayana Sri Parantaka Deva (who also assumed the title as) Parakesari varman was in receipt and was shown to us (members of mahasabha) (தேவேந்திரன் சக்ரவர்த்தி ஸ்ரீ வீரநாராயண ஸ்ரீ பராந்தக தேவர் ஆகிய பரகேசரி வர்மர் ஸ்ரீ முகம் அருளிச் செய்து வரக்காட்ட)
Village Under Reference
We the members of the Mahasabha of the village Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam of Dhana Kurru forming part of Kaliyur Kottam (காலியூர் கோட்டத்து தன கூற்று உத்திரமேரு சதுர்வேதி மங்கலத்து சபையோம்)
General Assembly met in the Presence of the Village Assembly Officer
We the members met this day as general assembly in the presence of Karanjai Kondaya - Kramavitha bhattan (Brahmin caste title) alias Somasiperumal of Srivanga nagar (name of town) in Purangarambainadu (name of district), of the Chola Nadu (country) (சோழ நாட்டுப்புறங் கரம்பை நாட்டு ஸ்ரீ வாங்க நகரக்கரஞ் செய்கை கெண்ட யக்ரமவித்த பட்டனாகிய சோமாசி பெருமாள்)
Resolution of the Assembly and the Settlement
The village general assembly of the Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam met in the general assembly hall of the village, where it deliberated the resolution:
The village general assembly of the Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam was convening the committee as directed in royal order and was resolved and settled as per the terms given in the royal letter. Accordingly it was resolved to choose the member for the 'Annual Committee,' (ஸம்வத்ஸர வாரியம்) 'Garden Committee,' (தோட்ட வாரியம்) and the 'Water bodies Committee' (ஏரிவாரியம்) commencing from this year. (உத்திரமேருச்சதுர்வேதிமங்கலத்து சபையோம் இவ்வாண்டுமுதல் எங்களூர் ஸ்ரீமுகப்படி ஆஞையினால் தத்தனூர் மூவேந்த வேளான் இருந்து வாரியமாக ஆட்டொருக்காலும் ஸம்வத்ஸர வாரியமும் தோட்ட வாரியமும் ஏரிவாரியமும் இடுவதற்கு வ்யவஸ்தை செய்த பரிசாவது..)
Village ward or Kudumbu' (குடும்பு)
According to the inscriptions, each village was divided into wards or Kudumbu' (குடும்பு), and each ward or Kudumbu' (குடும்பு) could send one representative to the general assembly.
There shall be thirty wards in Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam; (முப்பதா முப்பது குடும்பிலும் )
In all these thirty wards, all people who live in each ward shall fore gather and shall elect anyone possessing the following qualifications through "pot-tickets" (Kuda Olai - குடவோலை) election system: (குடும்பு முப்பதா முப்பது குடும்பிலும் அவ்வவ் குடும்பிலாரே கூடிக் )
Specific qualifications were prescribed for those who wanted to contest: 1. age, 2. possession of immovable property and 3. education. Thus, those who wanted to be elected had to be above 35 years of age and below 70 years. Only those who owned land that attracted tax could contest. And such owners had to own a house built on a legally-owned site to qualify for the elections. A person serving in any of the committees could not contest again for the next three terms, each term lasting a year.
Those who wanted to contest:
1. Must own more than a quarter veli (One Veļi = 6.17 acre 6.17 ஏக்கர் ஒரு வேலி Tamil Wikipedia) tax-paying land (காணிலத்துக்கு மேல் இறை நிலமுடையான் );
2. Must own a house built on a legally-owned site (தன் மனையிலே அகம் மெடுத்துக் கொண்டிருப்பானை );
3. Must be above 35 years of age and below 70 years (எழுபது பிராயத்தின் கீழ் முப்பத்தைந்து பிராயத்தின் மேற்ப்பட்டார் );
4. Must have knowledge of 'Mantrabrahmana' (Mantra Text) as well as experience in teaching the same to others (மந்த்ர பிராமணம் வல்லான் ஒதுவித்தறிவானைக் );
5. Can own only one - eighth (1 / 8) veli of land and must have learned one Veda and one of the four Bhashyas and experienced in explaining them to others, then he shall be eligible to contest i.e, voters write his name on the pot-ticket (ballot) to be cast into the pot (ballot pot) (அரக்கா நிலமே யுடையனாயிலும் ஒரு வேதம் வல்லனாய் நாலு பாஷ்யத்திலும் ஒரு பாஷ்யம் வக காணித்தறிவான அவனையுங் குட வோலை எழுதிப் புக இடுவதாகவும்);
6. Must be among those possessing qualifications such as expertise in business and are known for their virtues (அவர்களிலும் கார்யத்தில் நிபுணராய் ஆகாரமு டையாரானாரை யேய் கொள்வதாகவும்);
7. Must be among those who possess honest earnings and pure mind; (அர்த்த சௌசமும் ஆன்ம சௌசமும் உடையாராய்);
Those Disqualified to contest
1. Are those who have served in any of the committees for the last three years and have not submitted their accounts and all their relatives mentioned in the following classes. (மூவாட்டினிப்புறம் வாரியஞ் செய்து கணக்குக் காட்டாதே இருந்தாரையும்);
The relatives of the defaulter
2. The sons of the younger and elder sisters of defaulter's mother (இவர்களுக்குத் தாயோடு உடப் பிறந்தானையும் = தாயின் சிறிய, பெரிய சகோதரிகளின் மக்கள்);
3. The sons of defaulter's paternal aunt and maternal uncle (அவர்களுக்கு அத்தை மாமன் மக்களையும்);
4. The uterine brother of defaulter's mother (மாமன்);
5. The uterine brother of defaulter's father (இவர்கள் தகப்பநோடுப் பிறந்தானையும்);
6. Defaulter's uterine brother (இவர்களுக்குச் சிற்றனவர்);
7. Defaulter's father-in-law (மாமனார்);
8. The uterine brother of defaulter's wife (பேரவ்வைக்களையும்);
9. The husband of defaulter's uterine sister (தன்னோடுப் பிறந்தாளை வோட்டானையும் = உடன் பிறந்தாளை திருமணம் செய்தவர்);
10. The sons of defaulter's uterine sister (உடப் பிறந்தாள் மக்களையும்);
11. The son-in-law who has married defaulter's daughter (தன மகளை வேட்ட மருமகனையும் = தன் மகளை மணம் புரிந்த மருமகன்):
12. Defaulter's father (தன தமப்பனையும்);
13. Defaulter's son (தன மகனையும்);
14. One against whom incest (agamyagamana) or the first four of the five great sins are recorded (இடப்பெருதாராகவும், அகமியாகமனத்திலும் மகா பாதங்களில் முன் படைத்த நாலு மகா பாதகத்திலுமெழுத்துப் பட்டாரையும்);
15. All defaulter's relations above specified shall not have their names written on the pot-tickets and put into the pot (இவர்களுக்கும் முன்
சுடப்பபட்ட இத்தனை பந்துக்களையும் குடவோலை எழுதிப்புக);
16. One who is foolhardy (சாகசிய ராயிரைப்பாரையும்);
17. One who has stolen the property of another (பரத்ரவியம் அபகரித் தானையும்);
18. One who has taken forbidden dishes (?) of any kind and who has become pure by performing expiation (கிராம கண்டகராய் ப்ராயஸ்சித்தஞ் செய்து சத்தரானாரையும்);
19. One who has committed sins and has become pure by performing expiatory ceremonies (பாதகஞ் செய்து பிராயச் சித்தர் செய்து சுத்தரானாரையும்);
20. One who is guilty of incest and has become pure by performing expiatory ceremonies (அகமியாங்கமஞ் செய்து ப்ராயஸ்சித்தஞ் செய்து சுத்தரானாரையும்);
21. All these thus specified shall not to the end of their lives have their names written on the pot-ticket to be put into the pot for any of the committees (ஆக இச்சுட்டப்பட்ட அனைவரையும் ப்ரானாந்திகம் வாரியத்துக்குக் குடவோலை எழுதி எழுதிப்புகவிடப் பெருதாக).
Mode of Election
1. Excluding all these, thus specified (ஆகா இச்சுட்டப்பட்ட இத்தனைவரையும் நீக்கி);
The names shall be written for pot-tickets in the thirty wards (இம்முப்பது குடும்பிலும் குடவோலைக்குப் பேர் தீட்டி);
2. Each of
the wards in these twelve streets of Uttaramerur shall prepare a
separate covering ticket for each of the thirty wards bundled
separately. These packets shall be put into a pot. (இபன்னிரண்டு சேரியிலுமாக இக்குடும்பும் வெவ்வேறே வாயோலை பூட்டி முப்பது குடும்பும் வெவ்வேறே கட்டிக்குடம் புக இடுவதாகவும்);
3. When the pot-tickets have to be drawn, a full meeting of the Great
Assembly, including the young and old members, shall be convened (குடவோலை பறிக்கும் போது மகா சபைத் திருவடியாரை சபால விருத்தம் நிரம்பக் கூட்டிக் கொண்டு);
4. All the temple priests (Nambimar) who happen to be in the village on
that day, shall, without any exception whatever, be caused to be seated
in the inner hall, where the great assembly meets (அன்றுள்ளீரில் இருந்த நம்பிமார் ஒருவரையும் ஒழியாமே மகா சபையிலேரும் மண்டகத்தி லேயிருத்திக் கொண்டு);
5. In the midst of the temple priests one of them, who happens to be the
eldest, shall stand up and lift that pot looking upwards so as to be
seen by all people (அந்நம்பிமார் நடுவே அக்குடத்தை நம்பிமாரில் வருத்தராய் இருப்பா ரொரு நம்பி மேல் நோக்கி எல்லா ஜனமுங் காணுமாற்குலெடுத்துக் கொண்டு நிற்க);
6. One ward, i.e., the packet representing it, shall be taken out by any
young boy standing close, who does not know what is inside, and shall be
transferred to another empty pot and shaken. From this pot one ticket
shall be drawn by the young boy and made over to the arbitrator
(madhyastha) (பகலே யந்திர மறையாதானொரு பாலனைக் கொண்டு ஒரு குடும்பு வாங்கி மற்றொரு குடத்துகே புகவிட்டுக் குலைத்து அக்குடத்திலோரோலை வாங்கி மத்யஸ்தன் கையிலே குடுப்பதாகவும்);
7. While taking charge of the ticket thus given to him, the arbitrator
shall receive it on the palm of his hand with the five fingers open. (அக்குடத்த வோலை மத்தியஸ் தன வாங்கும்போது அஞ்சு விரலும் அகல வைத்த உள்ளங்கையாலே ஏற்றுக் கொள்வானா கவும்);
8. He
shall read out the name in the ticket thus received (அவ்வேற்று வாங்கின வோலை வாசிப்பானாகவும்);
9. The ticket read by him shall also be read out by all the priests present in the inner hall (வாசித்த அவ்வோலை அங்குள் மண்டகத்திருந்த தம்பிமார் எல்லோரும் வாசிப்பாராகவும்);
10. The name thus read out shall be put down (and accepted). Similarly one man shall be chosen for each of the thirty wards (வாசித்த அப்பர் திட்டமிடுவதாகவும் இப்பரிசே முப்பது குடும்பிலும் ஒரே பேர் கொள்வதாகவும்);
Constitution of the Committee
11. Of the thirty men thus chosen, those who had previously been on the Garden committee and on the Tank committee, those who are advanced in learning, and those who are advanced in age shall be chosen for the Annual Committee. ( இக்கொண்ட முப்பது பேரினுந்தோட்ட வாரியமும் ஏரி வாரியமும் செய்தாரையும் விச்சையா வருத்தரையும் வயோவ்ருத்தர்களையும் சம்வத்ஸர வாரியராக கொள்வதாகவும்);
11. Of the thirty men thus chosen, those who had previously been on the Garden committee and on the Tank committee, those who are advanced in learning, and those who are advanced in age shall be chosen for the Annual Committee. ( இக்கொண்ட முப்பது பேரினுந்தோட்ட வாரியமும் ஏரி வாரியமும் செய்தாரையும் விச்சையா வருத்தரையும் வயோவ்ருத்தர்களையும் சம்வத்ஸர வாரியராக கொள்வதாகவும்);
12. Of the rest,
twelve shall be taken for the Garden committee and the remaining six
shall form the Tank committee. (மிக்கு நினாருட்பன்னிருவரைத் தொட்ட வாரியங் கொள்வதாகவும் );
13. These last two committees shall be chosen
by showing the Karai (நின்ன அறுவரையும் ஏரி வாரியமாகக் கொள்வதாகவும்);
Duration of the Committees
14. The great men of these three committees thus chosen for them shall hold office for full three hundred and sixty days and then retire ((இவ்வாரியம் செய்கின்ற மூன்று திறத்து வாரியப் பெருமக்களும் முன்னுற்றருபது நாளும் நிரம்பச் செய்து ஒழிவதாகவும்);
14. The great men of these three committees thus chosen for them shall hold office for full three hundred and sixty days and then retire ((இவ்வாரியம் செய்கின்ற மூன்று திறத்து வாரியப் பெருமக்களும் முன்னுற்றருபது நாளும் நிரம்பச் செய்து ஒழிவதாகவும்);
Removal of Persons Found Guilty
15. When one who is on the committee is found guilty of any offence, he shall be removed at once (வாரியஞ் செய்ய நின்றாரை அபராதங் கண்டபோது அவனை யொழித்துவதாகவும்);
15. When one who is on the committee is found guilty of any offence, he shall be removed at once (வாரியஞ் செய்ய நின்றாரை அபராதங் கண்டபோது அவனை யொழித்துவதாகவும்);
16. For
appointing the committees after these have retired, the members of the
Committee “for Supervision of Justice” in the twelve streets of
Uttaramerur shall convene an assembly kuri with the help of the
Arbitrator (இவர்கள் ஒழித்த அனந்தரமிடும் வாரியங்களும் பன்னிரண்டு சேரியிலும்
தன்மைக்ருதயங் கடை காணும் வாரியரே மத்யஸ்தரைக் கொண்டு குறிகூட்டிக்
குடுப்பராகவும்);
17. The committees shall be appointed by drawing pot-tickets
according to this order of settlement (இவ்வியவஸ்தை யோலைப்படியே...க்ருக்குடவோலை பரித்தக் கொண்டே வாரியம் இடுவதாகவும்).
Pancavara and Gold Committees
18. For the Pancavara committee and the Gold committee, names shall be written for pot-tickets in the thirty wards. Thirty packets with covering tickets shall be deposited in a pot and thirty pot-tickets shall be drawn as previously described. (பஞ்சவார வாரியத்துக்கும் பொன் வாரியத்துக்கு முப்பது குடும்பிலும் குடவோலைக்குப் பேர் தீட்டி முப்பது வாயோலை கட்டும் புக இட்டு முப்பது குடவோலை பறித்து முப்பதிலும் பன்னிரண்டு பேர் பறித்துக் கொள்வதாகவும்);
18. For the Pancavara committee and the Gold committee, names shall be written for pot-tickets in the thirty wards. Thirty packets with covering tickets shall be deposited in a pot and thirty pot-tickets shall be drawn as previously described. (பஞ்சவார வாரியத்துக்கும் பொன் வாரியத்துக்கு முப்பது குடும்பிலும் குடவோலைக்குப் பேர் தீட்டி முப்பது வாயோலை கட்டும் புக இட்டு முப்பது குடவோலை பறித்து முப்பதிலும் பன்னிரண்டு பேர் பறித்துக் கொள்வதாகவும்);
19. From
these thirty tickets chosen, twenty-four shall be for the Gold committee
and the remaining six for the Pancavara committee. (பறித்த பன்னிரண்டு பேர் அறுவர் பொன் வாரியம் அறுவர் பஞ்ச வாரியமும் ஆவனவாகவும்);
20. When drawing
pot-tickets for these two committees next year, the wards which have
been already represented during the year in question on these committees
shall be excluded and the reduction made from the remaining wards by
drawing the Karai. (பிற்றை ஆண்டும் இவ்வரியங்களை குடவோலை பறிக்கும் போது இவ்வரியங்களுக்கு
முன்னம் செய்த குடும்பன்றிக்கே நின்ற குடும்பிலே கரை பறித்துக்
கொள்வதாகவும்);
21. One who has ridden on an ass and one who has
committed forgery shall not have his name written on the pot-ticket to
be put into the pot (கழுதை ஏறினாரையும் கூடலேகை செய்தானையும் குடவோலை எழுதிப்புக் இடப் பெருததாகவும்).
Qualification of the Accountant
1. Any Arbitrator who possesses honest earnings shall write the accounts of the village (மத்தியஸ்தரும் அர்த்த சௌசமுடையானே கணக்கெழுது வானாகவும்);
1. Any Arbitrator who possesses honest earnings shall write the accounts of the village (மத்தியஸ்தரும் அர்த்த சௌசமுடையானே கணக்கெழுது வானாகவும்);
2. No accountant
shall be appointed to that office again before he submits his accounts
for the period during which he was in office to the great men of the big
committee and is declared to have been honest (கணக்கெழுதினான் கணக்குப் பெருங்குறிப் பெருமக்களோடு கூடக் கணக்குக் காட்டி
சுத்தன் ஆச்சி தன பின்னன்றி மாற்றுக் கணக்குப் புகழ் பெருதானாகவும்);
3. The accounts which one
has been writing, he shall submit himself and no other accountant shall
he chosen to close his accounts (தான் எழுதின கணக்குத் தானே காட்டுவானாகவும் மாற்றுக் கணக்கர் புக்கு ஒடுக்கப் பெருதாராகவும்);
Implementation
1. The Royal Order shall implement Pot Ticket Procedure (Kudavolai System) from this year and shall continue till the existence of Moon and Sun (இப்பரிசே இவ்வாண்டு முதல் சந்த்ராதித்யவத் என்றும் குடவோலை வாரியமே இடுவதாக )
Received From
1. Royal Order received from Devendhran, the Emperor, Sri Viranayana Sri
Parantaka Deva (who also assumed the title as) Parakesari varman (தேவேந்திரன் சக்ரவர்த்தி பட்டிதவச்சவன் குஞ்சர மல்லன் சூரா சூளாமணி கல்பகசரிதை ஸ்ரீ பரகேசரிபன்மர்கள் ஸ்ரீ முகம் அருளிச் செய்து);
Received and Submitted by Village Assembly Officer
1. Royal Order received and shown (submitted) to the Members of the general assembly of Uttaramerur Chaturvedhi Mangalam by Karanjai Kondaya - Kramavitha bhattan (Brahmin caste title) alias
Somasiperumal of Srivanga nagar (name of town) in Purangarambainadu
(name of district), of the Chola Nadu (country) (வரக் காட்ட ஸ்ரீ ஆளஞயால் சோழ நாட்டு புறங்கரம்பை நாட்டு ஸ்ரீ வங்க நகர்க்
காஞ்சை கொண்ட யாக்ரமவித்த பாட்டனாகிய சேர்மாசி பெருமானுடன் இருந்து
இப்பரிசு செய்விக்க);
Madhyasthan
1. Kadadippottan Sivakkuri Rajamallamangalapriyan functioned as the madhyasthan of Uttaramerur Chaturvedimangalam sabha (நம் கிராமத்து அப்யுதயமாக துஷ்டர் கேட்டு விசிஷ்டர் வர்த்திப்பதாக
வியவஸ்தை செய்தோம் மத்யஸ்தன் காடாடிப் போத்தன் சிவகுறி இராஜமல்ல மங்கலப்பிரியனேன்);
The Scribe
1. At the order of the great men, sitting in the assembly, the Arbitrator Kadadippottan Sivakkuri Rajamallamangalapriyan, thus wrote this settlement. (உத்தரமேரு சதுர்வேதி மங்கலத்துச் சபையாம் இப்பரிசு குறியுள் இருந்து பெருமக்கள் பணிக்கு வியவஸ்தை மத்யஸ்தன் காடாடிப் போத்தன் சிவகுறி இராஜமல்ல மங்கலப்பிரியனேன்.)
The Scribe
1. At the order of the great men, sitting in the assembly, the Arbitrator Kadadippottan Sivakkuri Rajamallamangalapriyan, thus wrote this settlement. (உத்தரமேரு சதுர்வேதி மங்கலத்துச் சபையாம் இப்பரிசு குறியுள் இருந்து பெருமக்கள் பணிக்கு வியவஸ்தை மத்யஸ்தன் காடாடிப் போத்தன் சிவகுறி இராஜமல்ல மங்கலப்பிரியனேன்.)
Reference
- An 1100 years-old Constitution http://satyameva-jayate.org/2008/07/12/1100-yrs-constitution/
- Ancient Epigraphical Inscription on elections: Vaikuntha Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur, Kancheepuram District http://tnsec.tn.nic.in/historical/Epigraphical%20Inscription.html
- Constitution 1,000 years ago. The Hindu Chennai 11 July 2008
- Status of Panchayati Raj in the States of India, 1994 http://books.google.co.in/books?isbn=8170225531
- Temple of democracy Business Standard July 20, 2014 http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/temple-of-democracy-112070700027_1.html
- Temple inscriptions point to early Chola inroads into Pallava region by T.S. Subramanian The Hindu Chennai Nov 20, 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/11/20/stories/2008112057012200.htm
- Uttaramerur http://reachhistory.blogspot.in/2006/12/uttaramerur.html
- Uttaramerur model of democracy The Hindu Chennai March 13, 2010 http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/uttaramerur-model-of-democracy/article243997.ece
- Village Administration in Ancient India by Shriram Yerankar http://www.jstor.org/discover/10.2307/41855799?uid=3738256&uid=2129&uid=2&uid=70&uid=4&sid=21104509300513
- வியக்க வைக்கும் சோழர்களின் தேர்தலும், ஆட்சி முறையும் http://www.mayyam.com/talk/showthread.php?10963-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%AF%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95-%E0%AE%B5%E0%AF%88%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%9A%E0%AF%8B%E0%AE%B4%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%95%E0%AE%B3%E0%AE%BF%E0%AE%A9%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%A4%E0%AF%87%E0%AE%B0%E0%AF%8D%E0%AE%A4%E0%AE%B2%E0%AF%81%E0%AE%AE%E0%AF%8D-%E0%AE%86%E0%AE%9F
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple
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| Prime Deity Pazhaiya Seevaram Temple - Lord Lakshmi Narasimha with Mahalakshmi on His lap. |
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| Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple on top of Padmagiri Hillock in Pazhaiya Seevaram |
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| Pazhaiya Seeavaram Hillock viewed from Palar River: Hillock Padmagiri, Temple Gopuram, and Palar River Bridge |
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| Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Rajagopuram (Front view) |
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| Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Rajagopuram (Interior view) |
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| Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Temple Main Entrance and Vimanam |
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| Pazhaiya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy Vimanam (Rear side view) |
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| Goddess Ahobilavalli Thayar Shrine |
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| Gujarati Devotees' sculpture found on the pillar of the Mandapam |
Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy temple, seated on top of Padmagiri hillock in Pazhaiya Seevaram village, is located on the Kanchipuram - Chengalpattu State Highway SH58 and it is about 16 km from Chengalpattu and about 20 km from Kanchipuram. In reality the temple is located on the midway to the hillock i.e, about 100 steps to be climbed up to reach the temple.
The nondescript village Pazhaiya Seevaram, aka. 'Sripuram' is also on the northern bank of the holy river Palar and the Thirumukkoodal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal temple on the southern bank. The village is surrounded by lush green paddy fields, swaying coconut palm, huts and tiled houses and the winding streets. There is 'Sudharasana Hill,' another hillock found opposite to Padmagiri.
The name Sripuram has a hoary past. After the annihilation of Hiranyakasibu, Lord appeared ferocious. From the legends it is learned that the Lord was pacified by goddess Mahalakshmi at this shrine. Since goddess Mahalakshmi played the key role in appeasing the Lord and hence the village got the name 'Sripuram,'as a token of gratitude. Legends equate it as 'Sathya Varadha Kshetram.' The inscriptions of the Pallava King Vijaya Nripathunga found at Thirumukkoodal mention this village as 'Siyapuram' ('Siyam' means lion and 'puram' means place or shrine). It is difficult to make out the significance for the word 'Pazhaiya' or old.
Pazhaiya Seevaram village is also marked by the confluence of three rivers - Palar (Ksheera Nadhi), Seyar or Cheyyar (Bahu Nadhi) and Vegavathi (Saraswathi). The three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati unite together at the holy shrine Triveni Sangamam or Prayag, in Uttar Pradesh state, India. However the river Saraswati's presence is not visible to our eyes and hence marked as 'Antharvahini' meaning flowing below the earth. At the confluence point, known as Thirumukkudal (aka. Dakshina Prayag), one can physically witness the confluence of three rivers with the naked eye. Therefore Thirumukkudal is yet more holier than Triveni Sangamam or Prayag.
The hill temple complex is considerably big and the east facing temple has five tier rajagopuram, a tall dwajasthambam and balipeetam. The sanctum of the prime deity is facing west. The imposing six feet high (seated) prime deity, Sri Lakshmi Narasimha swamy appear with His consort Sri Mahalakshmi on His left lap and graces His devotees. Unlike many shrines where the Lord appears ferocious and with un-quenched anger, He appears with cool and composed emotions (as santhamoorthy) at this shrine. The Lord is adorns with a five yards by three yards (pathaaru) dhoti and angavastra and the consort wears the traditional nine yards sari. There is a separate sanctum for the consort Sri Ahobilavalli Thayar (Ahobilam). Also separate east facing sanctum exists for Andal, consort of Lord Vishnu at the north western corner. At the south eastern side corridor there are shrines for Nammaazhvaar, Thirumangai Aazhwar and Vishnu Chithar (Vaishnavitie saints). The temple also include one ornate (granite) pillared hall at the northern side and yet another four pillared hall at the eastern side of the corridor. The temple's antiquity can be established with 11th century Chola inscriptions. They speak about grants offered by the kings and the public. Some consider that this shrine might be still older.
The holy temple tank (pond) is located at the feet of the hillock and can be viewed while climbing up through steps.
The temple legend, Padmagiri Mahatmiyam, in chapter 17 of Brahmaanda Puranam speaks about the pursuit of a saint by name Vishnu Chithar for the best shrine to have darshan (glimpse) of Lord Vishnu after severe penance. When approached to Mareecha Muni, the saint guided Vishnu Sithar to Padmagiri. The glimpse (darshan) of Lord Narasimha (the fifth manifestation of Vishnu) would fulfill the purpose of his penance. Mareecha Muni also quoted the pursuit of Athri Rishi in getting glimpse (darshan) of Vishnu in the manifestation of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar after observing penance. Saint Athiri made an appeal to the Lord Narasimha to stay at Padmagiri to bless His devotees and the Lord fulfilled the wish of Athiri rishi and blesses the mankind with His benign grace.
Few Gujarati Vaishnava philanthropists, residing at Chennai for many generations, undertake the administration of the temple and Sri Gokulnathji of Vallabha Sampradaya remained here for years together and attended temple duties. The charity trust under the presidentship of Govinda Das Purushotham Das have extended various restoration work including rajagopuram and vimanam renovation, de-silting and deepening the holy tank of the temple.
Festival
Since the wooden idol of the prime deity Lord Varadaraja at Kanchipuram was worn out, the granite idol was sculpted out of the boulder obtained from Padmagiri. As a token gratitude, the festival of Paari Vettai Festival is observed and the procession deity of Lord Varadaraja proceeds to Sri Lakshmi Narasimha temple, Pazaiya Seevaram on every 'Mattu Pongal day' i.e, the day next to Sankranthi day every year, wherein thousands of ardent followers accumulate here for vana bhojanam (meal at the jungle) and aradhana.
Timings
Morning 6 am – 11 am and 5 pm – 8 pm
How to get there?
Pazhaiya Seevaram, Kanchipuram district PIN 631606, is a small village located about 20 km from Kanchipuram on the road going towards Chengalpattu. While going from Chengalpattu, one can reach Pazhaiya Seevaram 5 kms before Walajabad.
Reference
- Narasimhar temples in and around http://rangacharirama.blogspot.in/2009/06/narasimhar-templse-in-and-around.html
Pazhaiya seevaram http://mukurnarasimha.blogspot.in/2007_04_01_archive.html - Pazhaiya seevaram Narasimha Temple http://allaboutmadras.blogspot.com/2013/10/pazhaya-seevaram-narasimha-temple.html
- Raju's Temple Visit http://shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2007/08/23/6/
Friday, July 4, 2014
Thirumukkudal Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple Inscriptions on Vedic College, Hospital and Village Sabha II
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| Thirumukkudal Village Sign board. |
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| Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. View 1 |
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| Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. View 2 |
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| Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple. Information on Archaeology and Architecture |
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| Veera Cholesvara Aadhular Salai (medical center) . Information on the Drugs Stored in the dispensary |
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| ARE 248/1923 Inscriptions on Vedic College, Hospital and Village Sabha (Vira Rajendra Chola) Explained by Sasi Dharan |
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| Rajendra Chola I Meikeerthi (Prologue of an inscription recording great accomplishments of the emperor) found in tripatta-kumuda of the east prakaram wall |
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| Team members visited Thirumukkudal Temple with Temple and ASI staff |
Location: Thirumukkudal, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India Pin code 631606. Located about 58 km southwest of TN's capital city of Chennai.
Chola Emperor: Vira Rajendra Chola (1063-1068 A.D.)
Titles earned: From an inscription of his from Tirunamanallur dated in the fourth year of his reign, we understand that Virarajendra Chola held the titles Sakalabhuvanasraya, Srimedinivallabha, Maharajadhiraja Cholakula-Sundara, Pandyakulantaka, Ahavamallakula-Kala, Ahavamallanai-mummadi-ven-kanda Rajasraya, Vira-Chola, The Glory of the Solar race, Karikala-Chola, Sri-Virarajendradeva, Rajakesarivarma Perumanadigal (similar to the Nolamba Pallava titles of Permanadi from Kannada country) and Konerinmaikondan. (Wikipedia)
Regnal Year: 5th regnal year (1067 A.D.)
Inscription: ARE 248/1923
Language: Tamil
Script: 10th century Tamil Grantham
Length: 55 lines located on the east wall of the first prakaram
Identified by: K V Subramanya Iyer, epigraphist
Village Sabha of Thirumukudal: Village Sabha of Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam, Madhurantaka-Chaturvedimangalam (nadu), Kalatur-kottam or valanadu (district), Jayamkondasola-mandalam (Province).
- The Cholas had three major administrative divisions called Central Government, Provincial Government and Local Government. The king was the head of the administration. The king and the council of ministers formed the central government; the Chola Empire was divided into nine provinces or mandalams and was administered by the 'viceroys.' Each mandalam was divided into several kottams or valanadu (districts); Each kottam or valanadu was sub-divided into 'nadus.' Each nadu was further sub-divided into villages or 'ur.'
- The autonomous local government and the systematic local adminsitration was well developed and enjoyed more powers.
- The land revenue was the main source of income of the Chola Government. Customs and tolls were other income sources. Taxation (mines, ports, forests, salt pans, domestic house taxes and on professional taxes) was heavy and over burdened the society.
- The semi-autonomous provinces and districts of the Chola administration were successfully administered by the administrative officials and staff.
- The local residents of village or ‘Ur’ maintained the executive body known as “Abunganam” or “ganam” or “Miyalunganam” and this body gathered together to discuss matters on their villages, but not empowered to make any formal rule or procedure.
- Sabha or Mahasabha was the assembly of the Brahmin Settlement (Agrahara) and this complex machinery of local administration empowered to form policies or procedures, redressed disputes, implemented penalty and punishments.
- The sabhas or mahasabhas were empowered to administer public finance linked to the temple and the temples under Chola rule enjoyed huge annual income from land (lease) revenue, taxes, interests acrued from deposits and the offerings of devotees.
- The sabhas also acted as moneylenders to the cultivators and even financed commercial endeavors across the ocean.
- The Saivite and Vaishnavite Hindu temples also acted as the center for social and economic life in Chola Empire and the sabha or mahasabha assembly sessions were held at temple premises.
- The Chola temples employed number skilled staff (both male and female) and administered by the villagers as autonomous multipurpose institutions.
- The temples under sabhas offered Vedic education through schools, ran choultries and nurtured arts and crafts including dance, drama and music.
This post attempts to bring out one such 1200 years old Vaishnavite temple which offered Vedic education and cared the disciples with an hostel and the charitable dispensary.
Throughout the Thirumukkudal Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal Temple walls and pillars, we have come across
inscriptions, some of which date back to the Pallava ruler, Vijaya
Nripatungavarman of the (854-860 A.D.), Raja Raja Chola I (முதலாம்
இராசராச சோழன்) (985-1014 A.D.), Rajendra Chola I (முதலாம் இராஜேந்திர
சோழன்) (1012-1044 A.D.), Vira-Rajendra Chola (1063-1070 A.D.) and
Kulottunga Chola I (முதலாம் குலோத்துங்க சோழன்) (1070-1120 A.D.). All
these inscriptions stand as a source of interesting information about
endowments and gifts made to this temple and the Chola kings attached
much importance to this temple.
An
inscription (ARE 248/1923) of Vira Rajendra Chola dated in his 5th
regnal year (1067 A.D.) was found by epigraphist K V Subramanya Iyer.
The 55 line inscription in Chola Tamil script was viewed on the east
wall of the first prakaram. The record mentions about the Vedic College conducted in the ‘Jananatha Mandapam’ of the Sri Appan Venkatesa Perumal
temple. The Vedic education included Vedic and Vedanta subjects like Rig Veda, Yajur
Veda, Vyakaranam (வியாகரணம்), Roopavatharam (ரூபாவதாரம்), Siavagamam
(சிவாகமம்), Maha Pancharathram (மகா பாஞ்சராத்ரம்), Vaikanasam
(வைகானசம்); grammar, agamas and Hindu logic.
The inscription also provide information about the strength of the enrolled student disciples in the college, the number of Vedic teachers engaged for the prescribed subjects and remuneration in measures of rice-wages / paddy-wages and kasu (Chola coins). The hostel was attached to the college to enable the students to stay and learn Vedic education. The epigraph also details the servants and cooks engaged to take care of the inmates.
The unique and distinctive inscription also documents about the organization and administration of Veera Cholesvara Aadhular Salai (charitable dispensary or medical center), to treat students and temple staff, comprising fifteen beds.
The sabha of Rajaraja Chaturvedimangalam made an endowment of 45 veli cultivable land (‘வைத்தியக் காணி' ) to receive land revenue to meet the annual expenses of the Vedic college and dispensary. The endowments of cultivable land was accepted from devotees and treated as deposit in this temple.
The grant of rice ration for each patient (‘வியாதிப்பட்டுக் கிடப்பார்' ) for each day was one measure or nazhi (நாழி ). (வியாதிப்பட்டு கிடப்பார் பதினைவர்க்கு பேரால் அரிசி நாழியாக அரிசி குறுணி எழுநாழிக்கு நெல் தூணி ஐந்நாழி உரியும் ).
The epigraph details dispensary, its functional staff and the grants given to included the following:
1. One local physician of hereditary nature by name ‘Savarnan Kodhandaraman Aswathaaman Bhattan’ of Alapakkam (‘ஆலப்பாக்கத்து சவர்ணன் கோதண்டராமன் அசுவத்தாம பட்டன்'). Physician attended the medical needs of students and temple staff without expecting any return. Diagnosis was based on traditional pulse reading and prescription of ayurvedic drugs. The physician received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 90 kalam) Payment in coins (to be paid 80 kasu (coins).
2. One surgeon (Calliyakkiriyai Pannuvan) (சல்லியக் கிரியைப் பண்ணுவான்' ) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 30 kalam) and Payment in coins (to be paid 2 kasu (coins) .
3. Two male nurses to collect herbs and firewood, and prepare drugs (ஆதுலர்க்கு மருந்துகளுக்கு வேண்டும் மருந்து பறித்து விறகிட்டு பரியாரம் பண்ணுவரிருவருக்கு ) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 30 kalam) and Payment in coins (to be paid 1 kasu (coins).
4. Two female nurses to administered doses of medicines, feed the patients, and to look after cooking (ஆதுலர்க்கு வேண்டும் பரியாரம் பண்ணி மருந்திடும் பெண்டுகளிருவருக்கு) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 30 kalam) and Payment in coins (to be paid 1 kasu (coins).
5. Barber (ஆதுலர்க்கும் கிடைகளுக்கும் பாத்திரருக்கும் வேண்டும் பணிசெய்யும் நாவிசன் ), for discharging duties to patients, students and temple staff, received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 15 kalam).
6. One Waterman (தண்ணீர் கொடுவந்து வைத்துச் சாய்ப்பான் ஒருவனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியாக நாள் நூற்றெண்பதுக்கு நெல் பதினெண்கலமும்) received Payment in paddy (to be paid in 15 kalam).
Grant of azhakku oil was also made (fluid measurement) for each lamp to be kept burning in the hospital during the nights and computed to 45 nazhi oil (fluid measurement) for 360 days costs 2.30 kasu (coins) (ஆதுலசாலையில் இரா எரியும் விளக்கு ஒன்றுக்கு எண்ணெயாழாக்காக நாள் முன்னூற்றறுபதுக்கு எண்ணெய் நாற்பத்தைந்து நாழிக்கு காசிரண்டேகாலும்).
The names of different medicines that were kept in the store of the hospital were also mentioned in that inscription:
Haritaki - Ayurvedic haritaki herbal formulation in powder form; Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil; Ghrita – Ayurvedic medicated herbal ghee; Ayurvedic medicated water with cardamom and lemon as ingredients. Medicated herbal oils were prescribed for head / body massage to neutralize excess heat in human body. Ayurvedic oils also prescribed for 'tuvalai' or external applications. The ayurvedic drugs were administered through fumigation (vatu pitita), oral administration (consumed through mouth); nasal administration (naisyam); and ocular administration (kallikam).
Haritaki - Ayurvedic haritaki herbal formulation in powder form; Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil; Ghrita – Ayurvedic medicated herbal ghee; Ayurvedic medicated water with cardamom and lemon as ingredients. Medicated herbal oils were prescribed for head / body massage to neutralize excess heat in human body. Ayurvedic oils also prescribed for 'tuvalai' or external applications. The ayurvedic drugs were administered through fumigation (vatu pitita), oral administration (consumed through mouth); nasal administration (naisyam); and ocular administration (kallikam).
1. Haritaki (ஹரிதகி) (Terminalia chebula (Botanical) Chebulic Myrobalan (English) Haritaki in Sanskrit, Kadukkai (கடுக்காய்)in Tamil) 2 padi
2. Gomutra haritaki (கோமூத்திர ஹரிதகி) 2 padi (Ayurvedic herbal formulation in powder form);
3. Dasamula haritaki (தசமூலஹரிதகி) (Drug for treatment of mental illness) 1 padi (Ayurvedic herbal formulation in powder form to improve digestion);
4. Piplathaka haritaki (பிப்லாதக ஹரிதகி) 1 padi
5. Gandiram (கண்டீரம்) 1 padi
6. Balakoranda thailam (பலாகோரண்டதைலம்) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil);
7. Pancharka thailam (பஞ்சார்கதைலம்) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil);
8. Srilasratthakoranda thailam (ஸ்ரீலஸ்ரத்தா கோரண்டதைலம் ) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil);
9. Kanyathi thailam (கண்யாதிதைலம் ) 1 thooni (Thailam - Ayurvedic medicated herbal oil);
10. Sakrutham (சாக்ருதம்) 1 pathakku;
11. Bilvadi ghritam (வில்வாதி க்ருதம் ) 1 pathakku (Ghrita – Ayurvedic medicated herbal ghee);
12. Mandukara vatakam (மண்டூரவாகம்) 2000;
13. Mahasumanathri (மஹாசுமனத்ரி) 2000;
14. Thanrathi (தந்த்ராதி) 2000;
15. Panchakalpam (பஞ்சகல்பம்) 1 thooni/pathakku
16. Kalyana lavanam (கல்யாணலவணம்) ( Lavan means salt. Kalyana lavanam used for treatment of insanity in general, epilepsy and stammering)
The Original Text:
ஆதுரசாலை வீரசோழனில் வியாதிப்பட்டு கிடப்பார் பதினைவர்க்கு பேரால் அரிசி நாழியாக அரிசி குறுணி எழுநாழிக்கு நெல் தூணி ஐந்நாழி உரியும் வியாதிப்பட்டு கிடப்பார்க்கு பலபடி நிபந்தக்காரர்க்கும் கிடைகளுக்கும் பாத்திரர்க்கும் சிவஸ்யஞ்சொல்லியாணியாக தனக்கும் தன் வர்க்கத்தாருக்கும் பெற்றுடைய ஆலப்பாக்கத்து சவணன் கோதண்டராமன் அசுவத்தம்பட்டனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் முக்குறுணியும் காசெட்டும் சல்லியக்கிரியை பண்ணுவானுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியும் ஆதுலர்க்கு மருந்துகளுக்கு வேண்டும் மருந்து பறித்து விறகிட்டு பரியாரம் பண்ணுவரிருவருக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியாக நெல்பதக்கும் காசொன்றாக காசிரண்டும் ஆதுலர்க்கு வேண்டும் பரியாரம் பண்ணி மருந்திடும் பெண்டுகளிருவருக்கு பேரால் நாநாழியாக நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியும் பேரால் காசரையாக காசொன்றும் ஆதுலர்க்கும் கிடைகளுக்கும் பாத்திரருக்கும் வேண்டும் பணிசெய்யும் நாவிசன் ஒருவனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நாநாழி ஆதுரசாலை வீரசோழனில் ஆண்டொன்றிலருமருந்து ஸ்ரீப்ராஹ்ம்ய மகருக்கு இப்படியொன்றும் … இப்படி ஹரிதகி படி இரண்டும் கோமூத்திர ஹரிதகி படியிரண்டும் தசமூலஹரிதகி படியொன்றும் பிப்லாதக ஹரிதகி படியொன்றும் கண்டீரம் படியொன்றும் பலாகோரண்டதைலம் தூணியும் பஞ்சார்கதைலம் தூணியும் ஸ்ரீலஸ்ரத்தா கோரண்டதைலம் தூணியும் கண்யாதிதைலம் தூணியும் ….. பதக்கும் சாக்ருதம் பதக்கும் வில்வாதி க்ருதம் பதக்கும் மண்டூரவாகம் இரண்டாயிரமும் மஹாசுமனத்ரி இரண்டாயிரமும் தந்த்ராதி இரண்டாயிரமும் பஞ்சகல்பம் தூணிபதக்கும் கல்யாணலவணம் தூணி பதக்கும் இவையடுகைக்கு வேண்டும் மருந்துகளுக்கும் நெய்யும் … வும் உள்ளிட்ட …. ஆண்டுதோரும் புராண.. சர்வ பசுவிநெய் பதக்கும் கொள்ள காசுநாற்பதும் ஆதுலசாலையில் இரா எரியும் விளக்கு ஒன்றுக்கு எண்ணெயாழாக்காக நாள் முன்னூற்றறுபதுக்கு எண்ணெய் நாற்பத்தைந்து நாழிக்கு காசிரண்டேகாலும்.. ஜனநாதன்… ல தன்யனுக்கு பங்குனி உத்திரம் தொடங்கி புரட்டாசி திருவோணத்தளவும் பரம்பாலூர… தண்ணீர் கொடுவந்து வைத்துச் சாய்ப்பான் ஒருவனுக்கு நாளொன்றுக்கு நெல் குறுணியாக நாள் நூற்றெண்பதுக்கு நெல் பதினெண்கலமும் ஏலத்துக்கும் இலாமிச்சத்துக்கும் நெல் இரு… ண்ணியாஹம் பண்ணின பிராமணர்க்கு தக்ஷிணாகம் வெற்றிலை வெருங்காய்க்கும் நெல் கலனே தூணி இருநாழி முழக்கே முச்செவிடும் வயலைக்காவூர் காணியுடைய மாதவன் தாயன் வர்க்கத்தார்க்கு புரட்டாதி திருவோணத்து நாள் உடுக்கும் பரிசட்டம் இரண்டுக்கு காசொன்றே எழுமாவும் மூவாயிரத்து இருநூற்று நாற்பத்து முக்கலனே இருதூணி பதக்கு அறுநாழி உழக்கே முச்செவிடுக்கும் காசு இருனூற்றொருபத்து ஆறறையே இரண்டு மாவுக்கும் இக்காசு பத்ராவிடில் காசொன்றுக்கு தண்டவாணி ஒன்றோடொக்கும் பொன்காசு நிறைகால் இடுவதாகவும் இப்படியாண்டு ஆறாவது நிபந்தம் செய்தபடி இந்நிபந்தம் தழுவக்குழைந்தானான அபிமானபேரு பிரம்ம மாராயன். (Source: Sri LV Krshnan REACH Foundation http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2010/03/field-trip-of-second-batch-of-epigraphy.html)
Chola Units and measurements: Measure of Grain Volume
360 nel - 1 soadu (33.6 ml)
5 soadu - 1 aazhaakku
1 aazhaakku - 168 ml
1 uzhakku - 336 ml (2 aazhaakku)
1 Uri - 672 ml (2 Uzhakku / 4 aazhakku)
1 Nazhi (Padi) - 1. 344 lit. (2 Uri / 4 Uzhakku / 8 aazhakku)
1 Kuruni (Marakkal) - 10. 752 lit. (8 nazhi / 16 uri / 32 uzhakku / 64 aazhakku)
1 Pathakku - 21.504 lit. (2 kuruni / 16 nazhi / 32 uri / 64 uzhakku /128 aazhakku)
1 Thooni - 43.008 lit (2 pathakku / 4 kuruni / 32 nazhi / 64 uri / 128 uzhakku / 256 aazhakku)
1 Kalam - 86.016 lit (3 kalam / 6 pathakku / 12 kuruni / 96 nazhi / 192 uri / 384 uzhakku / 768 aazhakku)
Chola Units and measurements: Measure of Fluid volume
5 sevidu= 1 aazhaakku
2 mahani = 1 aazhakku (arai kal padi)
2 aazhaakku= 1 uzhakku (Kal padi)
2 uzhakku= 1 uri (Arai padi)
2 uri= 1 padi
8 padi= 1 marakkaal
2 marakkaal(kuRuNi)= 1 padhakku
2 padhakku= 1 thooNi
21 Marakkal = 1 Kottai
Chola Units and measurements: Measure of Gold weights
1 Nel edai - 0.0625 gram
1 Kundrimani - 0.25 gram or (4 Nel edai)
1 Manjadi (Panavedai) - 0.50 gram (or 8 Nel edai / 2 Kundrimani)
1 Kalanju - 2.5 gram (5 Manjadi (Panavedai)
1 Varaganedai - 4 gram (8 Manjadi (Panavedai) / 1.6 Kalanju)
1 Sovereign (Poun) - 8 gram (16 Manjadi (Panavedai) / 1.5 Kalanju
Reference
- Field trip of second batch of epigraphy students to Thirumukoodal. Reach Foundation. March 12, 2010. http://reachhistory.blogspot.com/2010/03/field-trip-of-second-batch-of-epigraphy.html
- In typical Pallava style by Chitra Madhavan. The Hindu Feb 04, 2005.
- Treatment of the mentally ill in the Chola Empire in 11th -12th centuries AD: A study of epigraphs by Vijaya Raghavan. D, Tejus Murthy. A. G, and Somasundaram, O. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2014 Apr-Jun; 56(2): 202–204.
- Medicinal plants to grow again at ancient temple Julie Mariappan http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/TOINEW/ArtWin.asp
- Reminiscing the Chola legacy Chitra Madhavan Indian Express Jan 29, 2014
- South Indian Inscriptions. Volume 12. Stones No.75 (A. R. No. 179 of 1915). Tirumukkudal, Conjeeveram Taluk, Chingleput District. On a slab supporting a beam set up in the inner enclosure of the Venkatesa-Perumal temple. http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_12/stones_51_to_75.html
- Thirumukkoodal Sri Appan Prasanna Venkatesa Perumaal. In Dhivya Dharsanam. Tuesday, May 24, 2011 http://www.dharsanam.com/2011/05/thirumukkoodal-sri-appan-prasanna.html
- Worship of Lord Brahma, Part 61
- ஆயிரம் வருட பழமையான கல்லூரி by Sasi Dharan March 4, 2013 https://www.facebook.com/SasidharanGS?hc_location=timeline
- வரலாற்று வரைவுகள் இரா. கலைக்கோவன் http://www.varalaaru.com/design/article.aspx?ArticleID=359
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