Monograph on an ancient temple

THE TIRUVANAIKKA TEMPLE: Dr. K. Sekar; Published by the Registrar, Bharatidasan University, Tiruchi-620024. Rs. 400.

TIRUVANAIKKA TEMPLE, also known as Jambukesvaram, is five km north of Tiruchi on the northern bank of river Kaaveri, and is one of the largest and historic temples sung by saints like Appar and Aiyadigal Kadavarkon. It is one of the Panchabhoota sthalas and associated with water since the Siva Linga in the sanctum is always surrounded by water and is hence called "Appu Linga".

The temple is not only religiously important, but also contains historical inscriptions, beautiful towers, spacious pillared halls (mandapas) and subshrines belonging to different periods and displaying a variety of architectural and sculptural beauties.

Based on the study of more than 150 inscriptions, the author has traced the historical development of the temple and discussed the contributions of several kings and dynasties.

One of the earliest kings was Kochengannan Chola, referred to by Appar in his "Thevaram" as a great devotee of this temple. More than 50 inscriptions belong to the Chola dynasty from Parantaka I (909 A.D.) to Rajendra III (1251 A.D.); about 25 to the Hoysalas from 1235 to 1295; A.D., about 10 to the Pandyan kings (like Maravarman Sundara and Jatavarman Sundara) from 1219 to 1278 A.D.; about 20 inscriptions belong to the Vijayanagara Kings from 1427 to 1519 A.D. and Madurai Nayakas from 1566 to 1732. A.D.

The author has discussed the historical context of these inscriptions and state of the affairs of the temple during this long period, the patronage received and constructional activities.

The big compound wall around the temple was a Pandyan contribution and hence named as "Tiruneetru Sundara Pandyan Madhil".

The chapter on "Architecture'' gives a detailed description of all important shrines, (including that of Goddess Akilandesvari), Vimanas, and Mandapas of the temple.

The temple is noted for its tall towers like the Karthigai- Gopuram, Mallappan Gopuram and the seven-storeyed Sundara Pandyan Gopuram.

This temple, along with the nearby temple of Sri Ranganatha at Srirangam, suffered damage and disruption during the invasion of the Moghul army in the 14th century. Order was restored during the Vijayanagara rule and the worship in the temple was revived.

The author has provided a wealth of interesting research material in several other chapters on economic history, temple administration, and literary works about the temple, pujas and festivals.

On the whole, this is one more well-documented and valuable addition to the monographs on ancient and sacred centres of Tamil Nadu.

K. V. RAMAN

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