The Sangam literature throws light into the age old Tamizh society with references to several clans like Panar, Paratavar, Eyinar, Uzhavar, Kanavar, Vettuvar, Maravar etc. One of the significant tribes which was spread across ancient Tamizhagam and Sri Lanka was Naga clan. They were in charge of the security of coastal regions particularly Coromandel coast (North and East Tamilnadu) and North Sri lanka. The Tamizh epics Silappathikaram (5-6th century CE) and Manimekalai (6th century CE) talks of Naga Nadu right from Kaveripoompattinam, spreading thro' Nagapattinam till Nainathivu islet in Sri Lanka. This region is dotted with places with names referring to this clan (Nagapattinam, Nagoor, Nagar kudi etc.). Manimekalai also describes the marriage-alliance of early Chola ruler Killivalavan and Naga princess Pilli Valai and the prince born out of this alliance Thondai Eelam Thiraiyar was identified as the progenitor of the Pallava Dynasty which ruled northern part of ancient Tamizhagam.
In a region of such glorious history, near Udaiyarpalayam in Ariyalur district, lies a quaint village called Nagampanthal. This place is around 30 kms north of Gangaikondachozhapuram established by Emperor Rajendra Chozhan. At the entrance of this village, lies the ancient Nagalingeshwarar temple on the banks of a beautiful pond. Unlike other temples nearby, this centuries old east facing temple is built of bricks. Not much is known about the history of this temple. However, It is very disheartening to see the current state of it. The structure is severely eroded and dilapidated.
There is a beautiful Nandi in the front and the vigrahams looks weathered out with almost nil maintenance. In the Garba griha of Ambal's sannidhi, few markings/symbols are noticed. The meaning of these symbols couldn't be deciphered. This temple like several such ancient temples are in the state of collapse and we don't intervene now, they will be lost forever.
Nagapanthal is located five kms from Srimushnam - Rajendrapattinam Road. The google map link is https://goo.gl/maps/Q7s6gXCZgCWRtQw89
Credits to Kadambur Vijay.
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