Vijayalaya Choleeswaram
| Vijayalaya Choleeswaram | |
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 Vijayalaya Choleeswaram
Location in Tamil Nadu
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| Geography | |
| Coordinates | 10°30′47″N 78°36′04″E / 10.51306°N 78.60111°ECoordinates: 10°30′47″N 78°36′04″E / 10.51306°N 78.60111°E |
| Country | India |
| State | Tamil Nadu |
| District | Pudukottai |
| Location | Narthamalai |
| Culture | |
| Primary deity | Shiva |
| Architecture | |
| Architectural styles | Nagara architecture, Rock cut |
Vijayalaya Choleeswaram in Narthamalai, a panchayat town in Pudukottai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Nagara style of architecture and rock cut architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the 9th century by Muttaraiyar kings, the cardinals of Pallavas, with later expansion from the Cholas. The rock-cut architecture is an early example of Cholan Art, continuing the tradition of the Pallavas. The other portions of Narthamalai houses the 8th century Jaina Abode, the Aluruttimalai Jain Caves. There are also two rock-cut caves, one of which houses twelve life size sculptures of Vishnu. The temple is considered one of the oldest stone temples in South India.
The temple is maintained and administered by Department of Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument.
Narthamalai was originally called Nagaratharmalai on account of the business men (called Nagarathar in Tamil) who were active in business in the Trichy - Pudukottai - Madurai regions. The Nagarathars are attributed to the major contributions in terms of the canals, temples and religious establishments in the region. Narthamalai was ruled by the Muttaraiyaras during the 7th to 9th centuries, where were under the Pallavas. The region was later captured by Medieval Cholas. Though the temple is called Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, the temple was originally built by Muttaraiyar lieutant, Sattan Paliyili, during the seventh regnal year of Pallava king Nripatungavarman during 862 CE. As per some accounts, the temple is believed to have been built by the first king of Medieval Cholas, Vijayalaya Chola (848- 891 CE), but the view is highly debated. As per the inscriptions, immediately after the construction, the temple was damaged by rains and lightning. The restoration work was carried out by Tennavan Tamiladirayan.
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Wikipedia