Perumukkal – History

Perumukkal – History

The recorded history of Perumukkal dates back six millennia. Historical landmarks in Perumukkal include the 4000 B.C.E. Petroglyph, the 7^th century Mukthialeeswarar Temple, the ruined Kamatchiamman temple, and an ancient Fort.

Mukthialeeswarar Temple:

This temple, which had originally been built in brick, was converted into a stone temple during the period of Vikrama Chola (1118-35 CE). The donations made by the Cholas, Pandyas, Sambuvarayars, Kadavarayas, Vijayanagara rulers have been recorded in more than 60 inscriptions found on the temple walls. Oldest inscription found in this Temple belongs to Uthama Chola. Most of the other inscriptions belongs to Kulotunga Chola and Vikrama Chola. The Temple was reconstructed in granite by Vikrama Chola.

This Village was called as Jayamkonda Chozha Mandalathu Oyma Naadana Vijaya Rajendra Valanaatu Perumukillana Gangai Konda Nallur during Later Cholas Period. The Village might be renamed during Rajendra Chola I, remembering his Gangetic expedition. Idol of Kakku Nayagan, who has done many donations for the reconstruction, Idol of Periyan Thiruvanaana Sirthondan, chief architect and Idol of Thiru Chitrambalamudaiyan Anbarkkarasu Bhattan can be found in the Temple premises.

There is a unique inscription belongs to Chola period about open tender for Temple renovations can be seen here. Another inscription talks about group worship called Aramiranga Naatu Santhi for the welfare of country. There is a belief that Nandasiriyan, a renowned Ajivika Saint contemporary to the famous Sangam period Pandya emperor Thalaiyaalanganathu Seru Vendra Neduchezhiyan Pandiyan, attained Mukthi here. Hence Lord Shiva of this Temple is called as Mukthialeeswarar. Also, Mailam Pommapura Aadheenam Bala Siddhar Balayogi also performed penance on Lord Mukthialeeswarar here.

In 1906 AD, Sri Chandrasekarar, the 66th Peedathipathi of Shankara Madam was performing his Chaturmasya Viradha in Mukthialeeswarar Temple. A Child named Swaminathan came to worship Kanchi Shankaracharya along with his parents. Kanchi Shankaracharya impressed with his devotion and knowledge. Kanchi Shankaracharya nominated that Kid as 68th Peedathipathi of Shankara Madam in few years. He is none other than Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamigal.

Perumukkal Fort:

During Nawab period, a representative of Arcot Nawab called Hyder Ali Khan ruled over the region. Nawab Chanda Sahib Son marriage was to be held in Puducherry. Nawab instructed his representative of Perumukkal to invite French Governor for the marriage. This incident was noted by Ananda Ranga Pillai, Dubash of French East India Company. Hyder Ali Khan was in friendly terms with French.

During the British invasion of Puducherry, British captured Perumukkal Fort from Hyder Ali Khan in 1760 AD. Hyder Ali of Mysore Kingdom captured Perumukkal from British in 1780 AD. British recaptured Perumukkal in 1783 AD. Tippu Sultan, son of Hyder Ali, captured again in 1790 AD. British again recaptured within few years. Due to continuous battels and invasions, the fort was completely destroyed. Only remains of few fort walls and Temples can be seen now.

Seetha Caves:

A cave found on the western hillock is called Seetha Cave. There are petroglyphs found in this cave. This is the only petroglyph ever discovered in Tamil Nadu and is one of the four found in India. These petroglyphs are similar to the Egyptian Hieroglyphics letters and hence are believed to be from around 4000 BCE. However, some researchers date these to the megalithic age. There are also some Tamil Vattezhuthu inscriptions dating back to 7^th century A.D in this cave.