Thiruchirapalli
The Archaeological Research Foundation of Pudukkottai has confirmed that it dates back to 982 AD during the Uthamachola’s reign.
A stone slab with inscriptions has been found near the well at Shiva Temple at Kiliyur, near Annavasal in Pudukkottai district. The Archaeological Research Foundation of Pudukkottai has confirmed that it dates back to 982 AD during the Uthamachola’s reign.
According to Archaeological Research Forum founder A Manikandan and president Karu Rajendran, the inscription clearly says that it was made by the Chola King titled as Kopparakesari, Uthamachola (970-985 AD), and it was carved on the 12th year of his reign.
“Though the letter style and the years referred here may mislead that it may be of King Paranthakachola, who had also been titled as Kopparakesari, it is not. King Paranthaka had been titled in his third year as “Madurai Konda Kopparakesari” and this title is missing in the inscription,” they said.
The Kiliyur village has mention in the same name even before 1000 years. It has been mentioned in the same name in South Siruvayil Nadu. This inscription also throws light on the existence of South Siruvayil Nadu like North Siruvayil Nadu.
The Shiva temple is built with bricks and the type of temple is known as Thali. The lord worshiped here is called Mahadevar. The inscription on the stone slab shows that the temple was made of brick and the inscription is erected near-by. Today, the Linga and Nandhi remain intact, but the temple has been renovated. The ancient Linga and Nandhi are worshipped even today, they said.
Many lines in the inscription are ravaged by time. The slab is 4 ½ feet high and 2 ½ feet width and has 17 lines of inscription. A trident symbol was carved beneath the inscription.
The inscription denotes that a piece of land was donated to Mahadev and it was made tax free. Revenue collected from the land should be used to offer sacred rice to the Lord. Everyday two units (nazhi) of rice should be given to the Lord as offering. The tax exemption (Iraiyili) powers remain with the locals. The details of the donor are not available.
The mention of the name Siruvayilnattupattan gives us a clue that he might have donated the land or he may be made the trustee to carry on the sacred service, said Manikandan.
Visit news.dtnext.in to explore our interactive epaper!
Download the DT Next app for more exciting features!
Click here for iOS
Click here for Android