The Tirumalavadi Temple

Tirumalavadi, an ancient town in Ariyalur Taluk, is situated 55 km away from Tiru-chirappalli town on the northern bank of the river Coleroon. It was one of the capitals of Kulottunga Chola I. The temple of Sri Vadyanathaswami has been in existence for more than one thousand five hundred years. It is a sacred place for the saivites. Lord Vaidyanathaswami is praised by the famous saiva saints Appar, Sambandar, Sundarar and Ayyadigal Kadavar Kon. There are hundred and fifty long historical inscriptions on the walls of the temple. They belonged to the periods, the Vijayanagar kings, etc. They help us to know the political history which plays an important role in the changes of the social conditions. It exposes the developments of the economic conditions and changes thereon, of the people through the ages. Chatrapati Sivaji encamped for Twenty-two days in this temple Hyder Ali Khan of Mysore also stayed at Tirumalavadi for some time. Thus the temple of Tirumalavadi plays an important role in the history of Tamil Nadu. This monograph gives a comprehensive study of the Temple at Tirumatavadi. The author believes that it is a distinct contribution to our knowledge of South Indian History.