Vijayalaya Choleeswaram is a temple in Narthamalai. Locating on the outskirts of Tiruchy district. Easy to reach by highway to Pudukottai.

Where is it?

Narthamalai is a cluster of small hills. Futher more 25 km away from Tiruchi. Along the Tiruchi-Pudukottai road in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This charming region consists of nine small hills. They are Mela-malai, Kottai-malai, Alurutti-malai, Kadambar-malai, Paraiyan-malai, Uvachchan-malai, Man-malai, Bommadi-malai, and Pon-malai. Surrounding its southeast along with forest. This Vijayalaya Choleeswaram part is a thin forest that falls under the forest reserve area. Legends, when Hanuman carried the Sanjeevani hill through here. Along a few shrubs fell in this region, making it famous for its magical shrubs. There is also an mention in Perungalur Sthala-puranam. The name “Narthamalai” is from the sage Narada.”

Historical Significance

Narthamalai, a sprawling trading center in tamilnadu. It was bustling with activity in ancient times. Its name likely originates from “Nagarattar-malai,”. Obviously “Nagarattar” refers to a mercantile community lives. Also known as Nattukkottai Chettiyars. A Chola inscription attests to a Nagarattar. Includes selling land for daily worship in the larger cave temple near Vijayalaya Choleeswaram. Furthermore, During the reign of the Chola king Rajaraja I, people attests the temple. Narthamalai as “Annavayil-kurram,” a sub-division in Keralantaka-valanadu alias Konadu. Later, during Chola king Kulottunga I, became “Irattappadi-kondachola-valanadu.” And under Pandya rule, as “Telingakulakalapuram” alias “Kulottungacholapattinam.”

Vijayalaya Choleeswaram: The Jewel of Narthamalai

The Vijayalaya Choleswaram is west facing temple. Vijayalacholeswaram temple is the main attraction in Narthamalai. Although, This Vijayalaya Choleeswaram structure is the parivara-shrine style architecture. And featuring eight subsidiary shrines. Moreover, encircling the central structure. Moreover, The central shrine of Vijayalaya Choleeswaram holds a special place in the study of temple architecture. Lastly, temple consists of a mandapa (hall), antarala (vestibule), and garbha-griha (sanctum).

The Magnificent Architecture

The Vijayala Choleeswaram temple’s adhisthana (platform) is relatively simple to see. Although with various architectural elements like upapitham, upanam, kumudam, kandam, and agrapattiyal. Moreover, The agrapattiyal block lacks the vyala row seen on platforms of the cave mandapas. The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram pilasters rise above the agrapattiyal, forming deep niches on the vimana (tower) and shallow niches on the mandapa. However, all these niches remain empty. Corbels are on the square protruding abacus. Lastly, a bhuta/gana row is under the cornice.

The tri-tala (three-storey) vimana is square at the base and rises to three diminishing square storeys. The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram roof is of a regular arrangement. Moreover of karna-kuta (square shrines on corners) and sala (oblong shrines on sides), each adorned with kudus. The third storey is similar to the first storey, featuring images under kudus.

Above the third storey stands a circular griva (neck) adorned with a bhuta-gana row. The griva is a crown with a circular shikhara (cupola). Moreover, boasting four maha-nasikas (big kudus) on its sides. Images of Shiva with Parvati is here. Lord Shiva as Veenadhara, under these maha-nasikas. Futhermore, Four Nandi statues at the four corners, facing either east or west. Interestingly, the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram circular garbha-griha inside the square vimana allows space for a circumambulatory path. And categorizing Vijayala Choleesvaram as a sandhara temple for all.

Narthamalai Through Time

Originally named Nagaratharmalai, Narthamalai derived its name from the Nagarathar community, active in trade in the Trichy – Pudukottai – Madurai regions. The Nagarathars made significant contributions to the region, including canals, temples, and religious establishments. In the 7th to 9th centuries, Narthamalai was under Mutharaiyars. They were feudatories of the Pallavas. Later, by the Medieval Cholas.

The Temple’s Origins of Vijayalacholeswaram

Despite name as Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, the temple was originally built by Sattan Paliyili, a Muttaraiyar. An urban lieutenant of Cholas. Nevertheless during the seventh reginal year of Pallava king Nripatungavarman in 862 CE. Although some accounts attribute it to the first king of the Medieval Cholas, Vijayalaya Chola, the view is highly debated. Nevertheless, after construction, the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple suffered damage from rains and lightning, requiring restoration by Tennavan Tamiladirayan.

In modern times, the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple is protected and managed by the Archaeological Department of India as a preserved monument.

Architectural Marvels

The Vijayala Choleeswaram temple complex in Narthamalai consists of three main structures: a temple, a rock-cut cave temple, and another rock-cut cave dedicated to Jains.

The first cave is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, housing twelve life-size sculptures. Moreover, The Vishnu shrine is the oldest among the temple’s complexes. Although the sculptures represent the first twelve names of the Chaturvimshatimurti, often used in Yajurvedic rituals. The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram sanctum is guarded by Dvarapalas carved on the pillars of the rock-cut temple. The base of the lingam inside the Garbhagriha has 24 pits, likely representing the 24 Names of Vishnu.

The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is surrounded by eight shrines, with six remaining today. The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram main shrine faces west and contains the Lingam, the aniconic representation of Shiva. The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram vimana, the shrine over the sanctum, has a semi-spherical shape with four storeys. The sanctum is plain, unlike later Chola temples with niches for housing images. The vimana’s uniqueness lies in its two circular pilasters with circular shafts, indicating its antiquity.

Heritage of Vijayalacholeswaram

The Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple is an early example of Cholan Art, blending the rock-cut and Dravidian architectural styles. Lastly, It serves as inspiration for the Gangaikonda Cholesvarar Temple.

endra Chola I. Originally, the temple had eight subsidiary shrines, but six are still standing today, each featuring a semi-spherical top and a four-pillared mandapa at the front.

The legacy of Vijayalacholeswaram in Narthamalai is a testament to India’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. It stands as a proud reminder of the glorious past that continues to inspire and awe visitors to this day.

The post Vijayalaya Choleeswaram- Pinnacle of Love and Culture first appeared on JP KNOWLEDGE.

The post Vijayalaya Choleeswaram- Pinnacle of Love and Culture appeared first on JP KNOWLEDGE.

The post Vijayalaya Choleeswaram- Pinnacle of Love and Culture appeared first on JP KNOWLEDGE.