Delving deep into history, Thiruvirumbai was a prominent site nestled within the boundaries of Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Oyma nadu. Here, Lord Shiva, a principal deity in Hinduism, was venerated under the names Thiruvirumbaiudayar and Thirumahalamudaya Nayanar. Several inscriptions adorn the temple walls, offering glimpses into the reigns of various dynasties:
- Chozhas, Pandyas, and Sambuarayas: These great South Indian kingdoms all had their influence over Thiruvirumbai, as noted from the inscriptions.
- Donation from Kulothunga Chozha’s Reign (1207 CE): This inscription narrates the generous donation of both agricultural and non-agricultural lands to the deity, Thirumahalamudayar. However, parts of this inscription have sadly been damaged over time.
- Gifts during Vikrama Pandya’s Era (1403 CE): This inscription talks about the endowments made for temple rituals, with specific mention of lands in Mathur nattu Olukarai, also referred to as Kulothunga Chozha nallur.
- Rajanarayana Sambuvarauyar’s Time: Marking the 10th year of his rule, inscriptions elucidate land gifts for the temple festivals, regular rituals, and maintenance of both Thiruarasili and Thiruvirumbai temples.
Legends that Echo Through the Corridors
The temple is not just a silent spectator of historical events but also a storyteller of fascinating legends.
- The Battle of Amban and Ambasuran: Legends whisper about two demons, Amban and Ambasuran, who sought blessings from Ma Parvati. However, she vanquished them at a location named Ambar. Following this, Ma Parvati meditated to cleanse herself and later enshrined Shiva Lingas at several places, including Ujjain, Irumbai, and Ambar. Thus, Lord Shiva became known as Mahakalanathar.
- The Tale of Kaduveli Siddhar: The temple walls come alive with murals narrating the story of Kaduveli Siddhar. It’s said that during his deep meditation, he sustained himself by merely catching falling leaves from a peepal tree. Such was the power of his penance that the region faced a drought, causing immense distress to the populace. The tale takes a twist when a dancer named Valli, with her charm and wit, awakens the Siddhar from his trance. As they interact, an incident with her anklets showcases the Siddhar’s mystical powers, leading to a reconciliation between him and the villagers.
Accompanying this narrative are beautiful verses that speak of love, dedication, and unity. One such poignant verse goes:
“During the day, I will untie your anklet, O Veğuḷi, During the night, I will tie it back, O beautiful one, Morning and evening, I will serve only you, Never to leave you even if the rock crumbles.”
Deciphering the Ancient Inscriptions
South India boasts countless temples, each with its unique story told through ancient inscriptions. One such tale comes from a place previously named Thiruvirumbai, which finds mention in various inscriptions:
- Historical Dominance: The region, nestled within Jayangonda Chozhamandalathu Oyma nadu, saw the influence of various dynasties:
- Chozhas
- Pandyas
- Sambuarayas
- Gifts & Endowments:
- An inscription from 1207 CE, during Kulothunga Chozha’s reign, speaks of land donations to Thirumahalamudayar. However, parts of this inscription are damaged.
- By 1403 CE, during Vikrama Pandya’s era, records tell of land grants in Mathur nattu Olukarai, or Kulothunga Chozha nallur, specifically for temple rituals.
- Rajanarayana Sambuvarauyar’s reign in the 10th year saw land offerings for festivals, regular rituals, and maintenance of both Thiruarasili and Thiruvirumbai temples.
Legends of the Land
The Tale of Amban, Ambasuran, and Ma Parvati: A battle raged between demons Amban, Ambasuran and Ma Parvati. After vanquishing them in Ambar, Ma Parvati sought atonement and consecrated Shiva Lingas in Ujjain, Irumbai, and Ambar, bestowing upon Lord Shiva the revered name, Mahakalanathar.
The Odyssey of Kaduveli Siddhar: Murals paint a vivid picture of Kaduveli Siddhar’s penance, surviving solely on falling peepal tree leaves. His dedication inadvertently caused a severe drought, plaguing the locals with hunger. The narrative tells of a challenge set by King Kulothungan, eventually met by Valli, a Thasi. Valli broke Siddhar’s deep meditation with a simple offering of food, leading to a series of miraculous events, including Siddhar’s display of divine power.
Siddhar’s songs, originally in Tamil, are deeply evocative:
“During the day, I will untie your anklet, O Veğuḷi, During the night, I will tie it back, O beautiful one, Morning and evening, I will serve only you, Never to leave you even if the rock crumbles.”
A later song brings fragmented deity pieces together:
“Recognizing both the halves as one, Recognizing both the halves as yours, The two halves shall unite as one.”
The culmination of Siddhar’s journey saw him merging with the divine glow of Lord Shiva.
https://veludharan.blogspot.com/2020/08/sri-mahakaleshwarar-temple-maha.html
