800-Year-Old Pandya Era Shiva Temple Unearthed in Tamil Nadu

An important archaeological discovery has been made in Udampatti village of Melur taluk, Tamil Nadu, where the foundation of an 800-year-old Shiva temple belonging to the later Pandya period has been unearthed. Although only the stone base remains, the site is of major historical interest due to Tamil inscriptions dating back to 1217-1218 CE that reveal the temple’s name—Thennavanisvaram—and its financially independent status. This find sheds light on the cultural, architectural, and socio-economic dynamics of the Pandya era.

Why in News?

The recent unearthing of a Pandya-era Shiva temple at Udampatti in Melur taluk, with inscriptions from the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya, offers significant insights into ancient temple administration and land transactions. The discovery also reveals that the current village was once known as Attur, providing critical historical and linguistic data for researchers.

Key Highlights of the Discovery

• Location: Udampatti village, Melur Taluk, Madurai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Era: Later Pandya period (circa 13th century CE).
• Inscription Date: 1217–1218 CE.
• Ruler: Maravarman Sundara Pandya.
• Temple Name: Thennavanisvaram.
• Ancient Village Name: Attur.

Key Personalities Involved

• Prof. P. Devi Arivu Selvam (Temple Architect & Researcher).
• C. Santhalingam (Archaeologist, Pandya Nadu Centre for Historical Research).
• Village Administrative Officer (VAO), local authorities, and villagers.

Details from the Inscriptions

• The inscriptions are sale deeds mentioning the sale of a waterbody (Nagankudi) and adjoining lands for 64 kasu (ancient coins).
• Seller: Alagaperumal, chieftain of Kalavalinadu.
• Buyer: Nambi Perambala Kuthan alias Kangeyan.
• The proceeds from the land were earmarked for daily expenses of the temple deity.
• The four boundaries of the land and waterbody are well documented in the inscription.

Cultural and Historical Significance

• Demonstrates financial independence of temples during the Pandya era.
• Provides information about the administrative structure, including taxation and land ownership.
• Confirms the use of temple endowments and donations for sustaining religious institutions.
• The temple name “Thennavanisvaram” is connected to Pandya royal titles, affirming the temple’s possible royal patronage.

Background & Previous Documentation

• The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology (1974–75) had recorded the presence of ancient temples in the region.
• Many of these temples have now vanished or lie in ruins, making this discovery even more valuable.