Researchers from Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre uncover Vattezhuthu script and eight Tamil inscriptions at the millennium-old Thalikiswarar temple in Kovilpalayam, Tirupur district, shedding light on the region's rich history.
Coimbatore: Members of the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre have made a significant discovery at the 1,000-year-old Thalikiswarar temple in Kovilpalayam near Koduvai, Tirupur district. The researchers found a Vattezhuthu (ancient Tamil script) inscription along with eight Tamil inscriptions, providing valuable insights into the region's historical and cultural heritage.
S Ravikumar and K Ponnusamy, members of the research centre, conducted the study based on information provided by Thuyamani, the Alagumalai panchayath union president. Ravikumar stated, "Thalikiswarar temple is one of the ancient granite stone temples in the Kongu region. During our research, we found inscriptions on the four walls of the shrine dedicated to the presiding deity, Thaleekeeiswarar."
The researchers discovered 12 lines of Vattezhuthu inscription on the Arthamandapam of the Thalikiswarar shrine. Ravikumar explained, "Vattezhuthu is a form of Tamil writing script that was prevalent from the 5th century AD to the 12th century AD. The inscription was deciphered by the eminent Indian historian Prof Y Subarayalu."
According to the deciphered inscription, the temple was built by Kokkandan Viranarayanan, a medieval period Chera ruler who governed the middle part of the Kongu region in the 9th century AD. Ravikumar added, "The inscription states that the temple built by Kokkandan Viranarayanan should be protected at any cost, and the entire hereditary of the person who damages it will severely suffer and perish."
This discovery not only sheds light on the temple's origins but also provides valuable information about the political and cultural landscape of the Kongu region during the medieval period. The Thalikiswarar temple, with its ancient inscriptions, stands as a testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
The findings of the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre highlight the importance of continued research and preservation efforts for ancient temples and historical sites in the region. Such discoveries contribute significantly to our understanding of Tamil Nadu's cultural history and the evolution of Tamil script over the centuries.
S Ravikumar and K Ponnusamy, members of the research centre, conducted the study based on information provided by Thuyamani, the Alagumalai panchayath union president. Ravikumar stated, "Thalikiswarar temple is one of the ancient granite stone temples in the Kongu region. During our research, we found inscriptions on the four walls of the shrine dedicated to the presiding deity, Thaleekeeiswarar."
The researchers discovered 12 lines of Vattezhuthu inscription on the Arthamandapam of the Thalikiswarar shrine. Ravikumar explained, "Vattezhuthu is a form of Tamil writing script that was prevalent from the 5th century AD to the 12th century AD. The inscription was deciphered by the eminent Indian historian Prof Y Subarayalu."
According to the deciphered inscription, the temple was built by Kokkandan Viranarayanan, a medieval period Chera ruler who governed the middle part of the Kongu region in the 9th century AD. Ravikumar added, "The inscription states that the temple built by Kokkandan Viranarayanan should be protected at any cost, and the entire hereditary of the person who damages it will severely suffer and perish."
This discovery not only sheds light on the temple's origins but also provides valuable information about the political and cultural landscape of the Kongu region during the medieval period. The Thalikiswarar temple, with its ancient inscriptions, stands as a testament to the rich historical and architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
The findings of the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre highlight the importance of continued research and preservation efforts for ancient temples and historical sites in the region. Such discoveries contribute significantly to our understanding of Tamil Nadu's cultural history and the evolution of Tamil script over the centuries.