A few abandoned sculptures and two new inscriptions were discovered from two temples at Anbil village near Lalgudi in the district by research scholars of the Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research.
The inscriptions were found during explorative studies conducted at the Bramhapurisvara and Sundararaja temples in the village by R.Akila, assistant professor in history, Arignar Anna Government Arts College, Musiri, and M.Nalini, Head, Department of History, Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College.
According to R. Kalaikkovan, Director, Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, both the temples are epigraphically rich and most of the inscriptions have already been copied.
Yet, the recent study was able to bring out two more records.
A 15{+t}{+h}century inscription was copied from the front pillared mandapa, named as Sangamarayan Thirumandapa, at the main sanctum of the Vishnu temple.
It records a gift of 60 kasu and four granite stones by Ramanujarayar son of Urangavillarayar of Maran Marudur towards the construction of the mandapa. Dr. Nalini identifies the village with the present Mayanur situated near Kulithalai and suggests the age of the record as CE 15{+t}{+h}century on palaeographical grounds.
Another inscription engraved on a stone slab reveals the repair and reconstruction works undertaken between CE 1910 and 1913 by the trustees of the Perumal temple, Dr. Kalaikkovan said in a press release.
An interesting sculpture of Vishnu with Lakshmi was found in the bushes at the Siva temple on its western side.
Vishnu is seated on a stone pedestal in sukhasana with his right hand in abhaya and the left hand kept on the thigh is adorned with a kirita makuta.
His sacred thread worn in niveta fashion and the sharpness of the features suggest its Pallava origin. Lakshmi is seated to his left in utkudi asana.
A small figure shown close to the right foot of Vishnu with crossed hands that are kept on the chest may be identified with Garuda and this makes the sculpture unique.
Two well finished Chola sculptures depicting Chandesvara in ‘sukhasana’ and Bhairava in ‘samabhanga’ were found abandoned in the bushes on the north and the west of the Siva Temple. Chandesvara has a well arranged jatabhara (headgear) that adds beauty to his face. Rolled palm leaves adorn his ears.
