Article by Dr E. Ramanathan & Photos by Mr. Velmurugan
Vijayalaya Chozha was a king of the Chola Dynasty who ruled over the Tamil kingdom of southern India in the 9th century. He is known for establishing the Chola Empire and expanding its territories. He was a powerful ruler and conquered several neighboring kingdoms, including the Pallavas. He also built many temples and patronized the arts, helping to revive the glory of the Chola dynasty. He is regarded as one of the greatest kings in the history of southern India.
The path to reach the temple should be improved at the foot of the rock.
The rock-cut temple at Narthamalai is believed to have been built during the 9th century by Mutharaiyar dynasty kings. They are the cardinals of Pallavas. Later Vijayaalaya Chozha took control of Pudukottai, Thanjavur and Trichy from Mutharaiyar kings and expanded this cave structure into siva temple.
The Rock-cut Temple by Pallavas
The rock-cut structure houses twelve life size sculptures of Vishnu.
The rock-cut architecture is a tradition of Pallavas. Later, Chozhas continued that tradition. The other portions of Narthamalai houses the 8th century Jaina Abode, the Aluruttimalai Jain Caves. There are two rock-cut caves, one of which houses twelve life size sculptures of Vishnu.
Vijayalaya Chozhabuilt a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva in Narthamalai, near the city of Pudukkottai in Tamil Nadu, Southern India. The temple, known as the Narthamalai Annamalaiyar Temple, is considered to be one of the oldest Chola era temples in the region and is an important historical and cultural site. The temple is known for its sculptures and inscriptions, which provide valuable information about the history and culture of the Chozha dynasty.
Though the temple continues to be a place of worship for Hindu devotees and attracts visitors from all over the world who are interested in its rich cultural and architectural heritage, it needs more attention in maintaining the daily rituals.
There should be an understanding among the local people, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR & CE), Government of Tamil Nadu and The Department of Archaeological Survey of India in maintaining the daily temple rituals regulalarly. Ministries of Tourism of both India and Tamilnadu should promote this wonderful temple at international level.
ASI Notice board is more keen on alerting the public against any damage of historical monuments, than giving historical information about them. The concerned executives are requested to take action on installing historical information along with the alert notice board.
The path to reach the temple should be improved at the foot of the rock.
The temple is built at the top of a cluster of rocks. The distant view of the rock temple along with the lake is wonderful!
There is another way to Vijayalaya Chozheeswaram rock temple from the Highways. We can park the vehicle and go comfortably. It is not too steep. Even elders can take a nice trekking from this spot.
The rock is not steep; it is almost flat. Even, elders can comfortably have a nice trekking experience.
We had Mr. Manikandan, driver and Gurunithi, a village lad as our guides to take us to the top of the hill.
This temple is said to be a prototype of Thanjavur Brahadeeswarar Temple, popularly known as Thanjai Periya Kovil. The king Vijayalaya Chozha had a big dream of constructing a temple with his temple model at Narthamalai.
