Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur

Saivite Temples, Pudhukottai District

God

Muchukundeswara, facing east

Goddess

Amman, facing south

Other Deities

None at present

Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur is an ancient temple that is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur originally had several other deities namely, Ganesha, Muruga, Jyestha, Bhairava, Chandikeswara, Chandran and Saptamadar. The remnants of these shrines are found. The sanctum niches also should have had the idols of Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Vishnu and Brahma as indicated in the Vimaanam. Tha Vimaanam of the main deity is a 2 tiered square structure which is called the Nagara style Vimaana. On each side of the Vimaanam in the two tiers are sculptures as follows: Shiva and Veena Dakshinamurthy (South), Vishnu in both (West), Brahma in both (North). A large Nandi is seen in a new temple nearby which could also have connections with Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur was built in 920 CE during the 4th year of rule of Chola King Parantaka I by Mahimalaya Irukkuvel, a chief of Kodumbalur. The Irukkuvels were allies and vassals of the imperial Cholas. They were believed to have constructed several temples in the region, though nothing remains now, except the Muvar Kovil and Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur. The Mahamantapa and the goddess shrine were later added in the 13th Century CE.

Eleven inscriptions dating back from 10th Century CE to 16th century CE have been found here. Four of them belong to the period of Parakesari Parantaka I (907 – 953 CE) and one each of Rajaraja I, Rajendra I, Kulothinga I, Vikramachola, Sundara Pandian, Vijayanagar Kings and an Araiyar Chieftain. An inscription of Rajaraja I found here mentions another temple in Kodumbalur, built by a Merchant Guild called ‘Ainnuravar’ which is not in existence today. Other inscriptions mention various gifts of land, contributions for burning perpetual lamps and about several other temples which are not in existence now. An inscription of 1532 CE mentions the goddess’s name as Thirumudu Kundrathu Nachiyar as discovered recently.

Kodumbalur is mentioned in ancient literary works. The Silappadikaram mentions it as ‘Kodumbai’ lying on the highway between Uraiyur and Madurai. The Periyapuranam mentions this place as ‘Konattukkodi Nagaram’.

Legend

No information

Directions

Muchukundeswara Kodumbalur is 1.6 kilometers east of the Thiruchirapalli – Madurai Highway. Take a right at about 7.5 kilometers after crossing Viralimalai.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thiruchirapalli.