Puduthurai is a small village located near Thirunagari on Seerkazhi-Sattanadhapuram route in Seerkazhi dt, TN. Here lies a 11th century large Shiva temple in highly dilapidated state. The Lord blesses us here as Shri Tharaneeswarar in a glorious linga Thirumeni.
It is very heart wrenching to see the current state of this ancient temple. It is a treasure of inscriptions which give extensive details about contributions/grants given to this temple by several Chola kings like Utthama Chola (mentioned as Madhurantakan), Raja Raja Chola and Vikrama Chola. Incidentally, Raja Raja Chola is referred as Siva Padha Sekharan in the inscriptions. Vikrama Chola was the latest in the lineage and he ruled over this region between 1118-1135 CE. Looking at the inscriptions, we understand Vikrama Chola had contributed land and gold. Possibly this temple must be even older.
Though most part of this ancient temple might have been collapsed, it is heartening to see the devotion of pious villagers. They are making sure regular pooja carried out to the Lord here. The murthis are kept in a part which is minimally restored. However, the broken structure gives us a glimpse of the grandeur this temple once would have been. Miniature stone sculptures and historical evidences like inscriptions are lying there whispering & craving for our attention .
Our temples are our pride and reminiscent of our grand and glorious history. Let us join our hands and restore these treasures.
Om Namah Shivaya.
Credits to Kadambur Vijay.
The google map location is https://goo.gl/maps/To68DwA1nUvxBMpEA
Comments