PADHANGEESWARAR TEMPLE
Distance: 15 kms from Chengulpet
Shiva: Padhangeeswarar
Amman: Brammarambigai or Vandarkuzhali Mangai
Speciality:
This temple is on the Northern side of river Paalar.
The village Palur is referred as Thiru Padhangaadu in the inscriptions. There are many tamil inscriptions in the walls of the temple.
The temple faces east. The Nandhi and Balipeetam are present. There is no Jwajasthambam (flag staff).
Vinayaka, Amman, Surya, Bhairava, Navagrahas are in the outer prahara.
In the inner prahara there is an Arumugar sannidhi and Nalvar sannidhi.
The navagraha Sannidhi was not present in the ancient days but later after renovation this sannidhi has been newly Constructed.
The 6 faced Arumuga sitting on his peacock with the arch behind are made from a single sand stone. Valli and Deivanai are beside him.
Among the Nalvar of the Chola age the Sundharar was damaged. A new Sundharar was replaced but the crown on his head was missing.
There are no Dwarabalagars but in recent periods Sudhai Dhwarabalagas have been installed.
Ambaal is seen with 4 hands holding Rudhrakshamala, Kamandalam in the upper hands and Abaya and Varahastham in the lower hands. There is a Simha Vahanam in front of the Amman.
The Theertham is now dry.
All the Koshta deities are present.
All the idols are very big in size and have been sculptured in a very artistic manner.
A warrior in the ground in the southeast corner of the temple on the outside is seen cutting his head with his own sword. This practice known as Navakandam is well explained in the tamil scriptures.
History:
Padhangan means Sooriyan. Since Padhangan worshipped this lord the lord is known as Padhangeeswarar and the place was called Thirupadhangaadu. Soorya worshipped lord Shiva of this temple as Vishnu advised him when he approached Vishnu seeking ways to get rid of Dhosham by which he was affected.
Inscriptions:
On the west and south walls of the Main Shrine there are inscriptions of Raja Kesari Varman Kulothunga Chola I. It specifies about the introduction of 'Pugazh Suzhndha Punari' and registers the sale of tax free Madapuram by the Uravar of Palaiyur (now Palur) of Utrukattu Kottam in Jayamkonda Chola Mandalam for feeding brahmins and saints by maintaining 'Madam' called 'Val Maravan Madam'. The name of Palur during the Chola period was 'Rajendhra Chola Nallur'. The gift of oil for lamps in the temple were made by Nagarathar of Rajendhra Chola Nallur. The name of the Shiva was then called 'Thiru Padhanga Mudaiya Mahadevar of Rajendhra Chola Nallur of Palaiyur Naadu'. The structure of the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola I.
Another inscription of 'Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerinmaikondan Kulothunga Chola III' is found in the Mandapam in front of the Main Shrine.
There are other inscriptions on the walls ranging from Vikrama Chola to Kulothunga Chola III and Rajaraja Chola III and Vijayanagara Kings.
Vikrama Chola inscription is about the feedings in 'Aachara Seelan madam' on Ammavasya days by a resident of Kurichi in Pandikulasani Valanadu.
One Vijayanagara records mentions provisions made for repairs and maintenance of the temple and money given to dancers and drummers during ritual times.
From certain inscriptions we can find that the Pallavas, Pandyas and the Cadavars have also maintained the temple.
Inscriptions:
On the west and south walls of the Main Shrine there are inscriptions of Raja Kesari Varman Kulothunga Chola I. It specifies about the introduction of 'Pugazh Suzhndha Punari' and registers the sale of tax free Madapuram by the Uravar of Palaiyur (now Palur) of Utrukattu Kottam in Jayamkonda Chola Mandalam for feeding brahmins and saints by maintaining 'Madam' called 'Val Maravan Madam'. The name of Palur during the Chola period was 'Rajendhra Chola Nallur'. The gift of oil for lamps in the temple were made by Nagarathar of Rajendhra Chola Nallur. The name of the Shiva was then called 'Thiru Padhanga Mudaiya Mahadevar of Rajendhra Chola Nallur of Palaiyur Naadu'. The structure of the temple was built by Kulothunga Chola I.
Another inscription of 'Thiribhuvana Chakravarthi Konerinmaikondan Kulothunga Chola III' is found in the Mandapam in front of the Main Shrine.
There are other inscriptions on the walls ranging from Vikrama Chola to Kulothunga Chola III and Rajaraja Chola III and Vijayanagara Kings.
Vikrama Chola inscription is about the feedings in 'Aachara Seelan madam' on Ammavasya days by a resident of Kurichi in Pandikulasani Valanadu.
One Vijayanagara records mentions provisions made for repairs and maintenance of the temple and money given to dancers and drummers during ritual times.
From certain inscriptions we can find that the Pallavas, Pandyas and the Cadavars have also maintained the temple.
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