The ‘Sri Vitiruindha Perumal Temple’ has four stone inscriptions written in Tamil on three sides of
the wall except the eastern side. The sanctum sanctorum, has the deities of Lord Vishnu along with
his consorts Sri Devi (Goddess of Wealth) and Bhoo Devi (Goddess of Earth) on the right and the
left respectively.
Structure
The small mandap in the front has the deities of Lord Vishnu belonging to Chola period and Lord
Anjaneya sitting on a ‘peedam.’ The outer walls have stone windows on three sides and Lord
Narasimhar on the southern side facing the temple tank.
“Lord Vishnu is found in sitting posture as it is a single-storyed structure,” says C.Shanthalingam,
Archaeological Officer.
Explaining the structure, he says that the temple has a sanctum sanctorum, ‘artha mandap’ and
‘maha mandap.’ Next to sanctum sanctorum, there is a circumambulatory passage similar to that of
‘Kanchipuam Varadharajaperumal Temple’ and ‘Thirukostiyur Temple.’ Referring to the temple
‘vimana,’ Mr. Shanthalingam confirms it to be a ‘Dravida vimana’ (eight-faced) stucco structure.
ANCIENT (Clockwise) Lord Vishnu with his consorts in sanctum sanctorum, Lord Narasimhar and
the stone windows on the walls of the temple and Lord Anjaneya and Lord Vishnu in Maha Mandap
Inscriptions
Explaining the contents of the four stone inscriptions, Mr. Shanthalingam says that the temple was
built during the early Chola period in 10th century A.D. A “Bhrama dheya,” an exclusive Brahmin
settlement named ‘Rajendra Chola Chathurvedi mangalam’ was created during the period. The
settlement was named after the King Rajendra Chola belonging to 11th century A.D. (1012 to 1044
A.D).
“Later, the village was known by this name,” he says.
Referring to the four inscriptions, Mr. Shanthalingam says that all belong to 13th Century referring
to later Pandya period. According to the first inscription, a chieftain Kalavazhi Nadaalvan of
Kalavazhi Naadu implemented an order and set right the problem that cropped up over the land
donated to Brahmin priest of the village.
The second inscription also refers to a donation. Sundara Pandia Bhramathi Rajan of Thiruvellarai,
a village near Tiruchi, donated one ma (a measurement) of land at a hamlet named as ‘Damodhara
Mangalam.’
Chakkarathalvar
The third inscription states that the lands of Panangadi and nearby villages were made tax free and
donated to Chakkarathalvar deity consecrated at Alagar Koil towards the expense of food offerings.
Thunjalur Udayan, a resident of Thunjalur installed the deity at Alagar Koil, a famous Vaishnavite
centre, during the period of ‘Ko nerinmai kondan’ (one who has no equals).
Worshipping of Chakkarathalvar, a cult during 12th and 13th Century A.D.) may have evolved
during the period given the evidence from the inscription,” says Mr. Shanthalingam.
Names and reasons
About the change in the names of the temple and the village, Mr. Shanthalingam says, the temple
was earlier known as Uttama Chola Vinnagara Emperumal Temple since it was built during the
period of Chola king ‘Uttama Chola belonging to 10th century A.D.
The structure of the ‘Athishtanam’ of the temple explicitly presents the structures of the later
Pandya period architecture. “Possibilities are there that they might have rebuilt the temple and
established Lord Vishnu with his consorts,” he says and notes that a deity of Lord Vishnu that is
found at the maha mandap belongs to the Chola period.
The village also has ‘Thiruvaazhi kal’ a stone engraved with a wheel to mark the boundaries of the
lands donated to the Vishnu temple.
The village was originally called ‘Panankulam’ which came under the sub-division Then Parappu
nadu.’ Later, it was renamed after King Rajendra Chola as ‘Rajendra Chola Chathurvedi
mangalam.’ Now, it is known as ‘Panangadi.’
The temple priest, S. Raghupathy, however, adds the village was also known as Gowrayapatti
before it was christened Panangadi as the area has palm trees in abundance.
Rare feature
Given the dominance of Naidu community in the village, the name Gowrayapatti may have been
existed in those days, says Mr. Shanthalingam.
It is rare to see Lord Anjaneya on the Shivalinga peedam (pedestal) of Lord Shiva here. It is
believed that Lord Shiva prophesied that King Rama (Lord Vishu) would suffer like a mortal on
earth. To help Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva took the 12th avatar in the form of Hanuman. He is also
known as Rudra Avathar, Anima Sakthi Anjaneyar, Astama siddhi Anjaneyar and Siranjeevi
Anjaneyar.
But sadly, this beautiful structure of the temple is slowly loosing its structure to the vagaries of
nature and human negligence.
Panangadi Sri Amman kovil
Amman kovil front view
