Devanathaswamy Temple, Thiruvanthipuram – Inscriptions

Devanathaswamy Temple, Thiruvanthipuram – Inscriptions

Inscriptions at the temple relating to the period 11th-13th Century AD on the walls of the prakara of the main shrine of Deiva Nayakan provides insights into the functioning of the temple, the festivals, ornaments of the Lord and the battles in this region.

Inscriptions on Offerings:

While inscriptions on the walls of the Vahindapuram temple record gifts of lands and villages for offerings and worship to the Lord, gifts of sheep and cows for perpetual lamps, gift of ‘Kasu’ for feeding the Vaishnavas at the temple Mutt and for providing offerings to God on the 8th day of the festival.

Inscriptions on release of Chola Emperor:

One of the lengthier inscriptions found on the West Wall of the Prakara of the Deiva Nayakan Divya Desam in Thiru Vahindapuram that dates back to 1232 AD to the rule of Raja Raja Chola III records the process of securing the release of the Chola Emperor from Kopperunjinga. When King Vira Narasimha Deva heard that Kopperunjinga had captured the Chola Emperor at Sendhamangalam, he vowed to vindicate his title as the leader of the Chola Country.

Starting from Dorasamudra, he uprooted the Makara Kingdom, while his two generals destroyed Ellers and Kalliyurmulai village.  On their way, they offered their prayers to the Lord at Ponnambalam following which they went on to destroy Tondaima Nallur. They then camped at Thirupathiri Puliyur (today’s Cuddalore) before the Hoysala army marched on to Thiru Vadigai (about 15 kms West of Thiru Vahindapuram and destroying that village.  

Finally, they reached Sendhamangalam forcing Kopperunjinga to release the Chola Emperor. Celebrating the release, the Chola Emperor was accompanied by the army into his dominion. On the Western Gopura, at the entrance, there is a reference to Tondaiyar Koman Adaiya Valaindapiran and his heroism in battle.

Garden for the Temple:

There was an order in 12th Century for a flower garden for the temple. In addition, expenses were also provided for, for the subsequent repairs and maintenance of the garden.

Necklace for Deiva Nayagan:

An inscription dating to the rule of Kulothunga III refers to a gift of a gold necklace to Deiva Nayagan.

The Standing Vishnu:

An inscription dating to 11^th Century refers in simple terms to the Lord of Thiru Vahindapuram as ‘The Standing Vishnu’.

Sacred Bath for Deva Nathan:

Inscriptions also record minute details like taking care of God's bath during his processions on Festive occasions when he leaves the temple premises. Expenses were sanctioned for providing a sacred bath to the Lord. One such inscription in Tamil on the South Wall of the Prakara records an order communicated to the trustees of the temple granting lands and a garden, free of taxes, for expenses of taking God for a sacred bath to the sea near Nissankhamallan Pattinam on the Maasi Magam day.