Pulakeshin II was the most illustrious Emperor of the Chalukya Dynasty. Considered the most powerful ruler during his times, he had defeated even two other powerful emperors, Harshavardhana and Mahendravarma Pallava. However, there was an end to his uninterrupted victories. Narasimhavarma Pallava I, a rare Indian ruler who had never experienced a defeat, routed him repeatedly. The Copper Plates of Kuram record the triumph of Narasimha over the Chalukyan army in three places. Manimangalam, a suburb of the current Chennai city, is one of those sites.
This historic battlefield, a quiet village until a few decades ago and a busy developing locality nowadays, is dotted with many temples. The later-Chola-era Dharmesvara temple is one among them. This article is about that architecturally beautiful temple.
The temple is a visual treat with an unbelievably large peepul tree located in a vast open area with the waterbody on one side. Neatly maintained by ASI, the atmosphere gives us a serene feel.
(Note: I have curated a heritage trip to this site. I have already written about this temple in my blog and book. The current article is a lengthy one with more information.)
Introduction
Manimangalam is situated at a distance of 10 km west of Tambaram, the southern suburb of Chennai. Google Map location (coordinates) is provided at the end of the article.
A beautiful temple of Lord Shiva (called Dharmesvara) is located at the end of the village. The ancient temple, built during the Chola period, has architectural contributions from Pandyas and Vijayanagara Kings.
History
The earliest reference about the village is from Kuram Copper Plates in the 7th century CE. However, the oldest inscription of the temple is after six centuries from Kulottunga Chola III.
A total of 7 inscriptions are found in the temple complex. The number of inscriptions from each King is listed below.
Kulottunga Chola III - 1 inscription
Yadavaraya - 1 inscription
Rajaraja Chola III - 1 inscription
Jatavarma Sundara Pandya I or II- 1 inscription
Kopperunchinga - 2 inscriptions
Unknown - 1 inscription
Even though none of the inscriptions talks about the temple construction, based on the earliest inscription found and the structure's architectural style, we can assume that it was constructed during the later Chola period.
The Cholas built the Main Shrine. The Pandyas constructed the shrine of the Goddess. The Mukha mandapa was built by Vijayanagaras.
From the inscriptions, we understand that Tanmeesvara was the original name of the deity and the village was also known as Gramasikhamani Chaturvedi Mangalam.
A brief description along with critical information about all the inscriptions can be seen below. Please note that they are listed down in chronological order.
Inscription # 1
Reference - A.R. No. 282 of 1897 and Epigraphica Indica V
Location - North wall
Period - 7th March 1207 CE
King - Kulottunga Chola III
Language - Tamil
It records gift of two lamps.
Inscription # 2
Reference - A.R. No. 281 of 1897
Location - South wall
Period - Early 13th century CE
King - Yadavaraya, chief under Kulottunga Chola III
Inscription # 3
Reference - A.R. No. 19 of 1896 and South Indian Inscriptions Vol III No. 41
Location - East wall
Period - 1233/34 CE
King - Rajaraja Chola III
Language - Tamil
The inscription records the gift of two kalanju of gold, from the interest of which the two lamps had to be lightened regularly.
From this inscription, we understand that Manimangalam was also known as Gramasikhamani Chaturvedi Mangalam, and it was a part of Kundrathur nadu (sub-division) of Puliyur Kottam (district) or Kulottunga Cholavala nadu in Jayankonda Cholamandalam. . The deity was referred to as Tanmeesvara.
Inscription # 4
Reference - A.R. No. 277 of 1897
Location - South wall
Period - 13th century CE
King - Jatavarma Sundara Pandya (I or II)
Language - Tamil
It is a mutilated record.
Inscription # 5
Reference - A.R. No. 278 of 1897
Location - East wall
Period - 13th century CE
King - Kopperunchinga
Language - Tamil
It contains an order regarding temple revenue from Nilangarayan, during the period of Kadava King Kopperunchinga.
Inscription # 6
Reference - A.R. No. 279 of 1897
Location - East wall
Period - 13th century CE
King - Kopperunchinga
Language - Tamil
It contains an order regarding temple revenue from Gandagopala alias Madurantaka Potappi Chola, the father of Nilangarayan, during the period of Kadava King Kopperunchinga.
Inscription # 7
Reference - A.R. No. 280 of 1897
Location - South wall
Period - Unknown
King - Unknown
Layout
The temple complex is vast, and it occupies an area of around 1.75 acres. However, the structural portion is spread across only 0.25 acres. The rest of the land has vast open space and gardens.
The temple has entrance in east direction. There is no tower (Gopura). The main shrine also faces the east direction. There is just one prakara around the main shrine. The south-facing shrine of Goddess is located outside the main shrine and prakara.
Entrance
The huge temple has just one gateway. The entrance is very simple and devoid of any sculpture. It does not even have a tower. The relief images of Ganesha and Subramanya are found on either side of the entrance walls.
Dharmesvara
In the form of a Shiva Linga, the temple's presiding deity, Dharmesvara, is enshrined in the east-facing Moolasthana (sanctum). It is a moderately big Linga (about 2-3 feet high).
Main Shrine
The main shrine consists of Garbha griha (sanctum), Antarala, Ardha mandapa, Maha mandapa and Mukha mandapa. The entire structure is situated atop a big granite platform (plinth) which can be reached only through a flight of steps.
The entrance of the sanctum has a sculpture of Ganesha.
The sculptures of Ganesha and Subramanya-Valli-Devasena adorn the gate of Ardha mandapa.
Maha mandapa enshrines Navagraha (nine planets), Surya, Chandra and Shaneesvara.
A small Nandi is found facing towards the sanctum.
Although the sanctum faces the east direction, there is no entrance in that direction. Maha mandapa extends to the south-facing Mukha mandapa, which the Vijayanagaras constructed. The pillars of the hall are studded with good images.
Vimana
The Vimana of the temple follows Gajaprshtha (Thoonganai in Tamil) style. It should be noted that only the super-structure and not the base is Gajaprshtha.
Koshta Deities
Ganesha and Dakshinamurti in the south, Vishnu in the west, Brahma and Vishnu Durga in the north are the Koshta Devas.
Chandikesvara's image is a beautiful Chola-era sculpture. He is found in a tiny shrine near Durga's niche.
Vedambika
The presiding Goddess, Vedambika, is enshrined in a Pandya-era south-facing shrine. It is located outside the main temple. She is found with arms and is standing.
Four sculptures of Ganesha, named Chaturveda Vinayaka, with an elephant vahana, are found in the Ardha mandapa.
Other Images
A few old sculptures, including a Navakandam, are located in the prakara. They do not belong to the temple. They were discovered from the nearby land.
As there is no gate in the east direction for the main shrine, a wall with a beautifully sculpted window divides it from Nandi mandapa. Nandi and bali peetha (offering platform) are found facing the main shrine.
Bhairava in the northeast corner and two images on northwest and southwest corners are found.
Happy travelling.
