Location:
Cholamadevi, 12 kms away from Trichy city
Built in: 1065 AD
Presiding Deity: Lord Siva
Amidst the lush green paddyfields and sylvan surrounding on the northern
banks of the Uyyakondan channel in a sleepy hamlet named Cholamadevi near
Thiruverumbur, 12 km away from Trichy City, stands a dilapidated temple. But
for a trained eye, the historical importance of its majestic ruins wouldn't
go unnoticed. The temple, dating back to the 11th century, is a virtual
treasurehouse of historic information pertaining to the Cholas. The
adhistana and the walls of the temple are fully covered with inscriptions
belonging to the periods of Raja Raja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I and Vira
Rajendra Chola I. A majority of the inscriptions belong to Raja Raja I.
Further, the inscriptions contain the earliest known reference to Sankara
Bhashyam, a commentary on Sankara's philosophy, written by Chidaananda
Bhattaara. The inscription is in Tamil with a few Sanskrit words in between
written in Grantha characters.
Structure of the Temple
Apart from the importance of the inscription, the temple itself is rated as
an architectural marvel and built as per specifications of the Silpa
Shasthra. The Siva temple consists of a central shrine, ardha and
Mahamandapas. The presiding deity, the Linga has a square base. The
four-pillared ardhamandapa has exquisite in the front. Two dwarapala
sculpture adorn the entrance of the ardhamandapa.
Apart from the importance of the inscription, the temple itself is rated as
an architectural marvel and built as per specifications of the Silpa
Shasthra. The Siva temple consists of a central shrine, ardha and
Mahamandapas. The presiding deity, the Linga has a square base. The
four-pillared ardhamandapa has exquisite in the front. Two dwarapala
sculpture adorn the entrance of the ardhamandapa.
A Closer View
A unique feature of the temple is the innumerable panel sculptures on
almost every stone, which has gone into its construction. Among the most eye
catching carving are an image of Bhikshatana, a figure of a lady holding a
ladle and a row of pots, Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy and a sculpture of Krishna
caught in the act of stealing butter.
Accessibility
Trichy is connected with Chennai, Sharjah, Kuwait, and Colombo by regular
flights. Besides, excellent rail and road networks connect it with Chennai,
Thanjavur, Madurai, Tirupati, Tuticorin, Bangalore, Coimbatore, Mysore,
Kochi, Kanyakumari, and Mangalore.
Staying
There are excellent accomodation facilities in and around Tiruchirapalli.
Kailasamundaiyar
Temple
