9th century inscriptions, idols found in Pudukkottai

It is said, while the workers were digging the ground for constructing the drainage, they found idols and stone inscriptions. They immediately passed on the information to the archaeological research centre of Pudukkottai. 

Founder of the centre, Karu Rajendran, A Manikandan and M Muthukuamr rushed to the spot and identified the stone inscriptions. 

He said they belonged to Parantaka Cholan, the ancestor of Rajaraja Cholan. Subsequently, when they inspected the stone idols (Lord Muruga in sitting position), Manthi, Gowmari, siva idols, and Chandikeshwarar idols that belonged to an era between 8th and 10th century. 

After inspecting the stone inscriptions further, they were of the view that Parantaka Cholan had maintained a temple in the region. They also found a Jain saint measuring 1.5 feet in a meditating posture. 

“This indicates that there was a Jain monastery in the region. It also means that Saivism and Jainsm had coexisted,” said Rajendran.