Five uncopied inscriptions belonging to 13th, 14th and 15th centuries have been discovered from the Paravatagiriswarar Temple at Kundrandarkovil in Pudukottai district by research scholars of Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi.
The inscriptions belong to the Pandyas of the second Empire and the Vijayanagara dynasty.
All the inscriptions were discovered from the walls of the inner prakara, maha mandapa and the pillars in the prakara during an explorative study conducted by a team of scholars led by M. Nalini, Associate Professor, Department of History, Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College, said R. Kalaikkovan, Director, Dr. M. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research. The research team included S. Sumitha, M.P. Nandhini and P. Loganathan.
A much defaced inscription engraved during the 20th reignal year of Vira Pandya (13th century AD) records the creation of a special service at the temple by Sundarapandya Brahmaraya and Karaperumal with the concurrence of the Nattar of Irattai Malai Nadu and Velan Nadu.
An undated inscription records the gift of a fallow land at Kunrakkudi by Adavai Singan alias Porkoyil Velan of Nerpukkai towards lighting a special lamp and a regular lamp. Through this inscription it is understood that Kundrandarkovil was formerly know as Kunrakkudi. The deity is referred to as Mahadeva of Kunrakkudi. Palaegraphically, the inscription could be dated to 14th century AD, Dr. Kalaikkovan said.
Another inscription belonging to the period of Sundara Pandya reveals that Kunrakkudi and all Devadana lands of the presiding deity gifted towards various endowments at various periods was under the custody of Vadukan Maduraikku Vaitha Pandya Thevar, an important officer in the palace of Sundara Pandya.
Further studies
An undated pillar inscription records the name of Ayyam Perumal as the dance teacher of the temple, which still has a dance hall. Another inscription that is partially hidden behind by a huge sign board, records the gifts made towards worship at the temple. This inscription belongs to the period of Malligarjuna, a King of Vijayanagara dynasty, Dr. Kalaikkovan said. Further studies would throw more light on the by-gone era, he added.
