Temples of Munnur (Historical Study)
by R. Muthuraman | 2016 | 67,784 words
This essay represents a historical study of the Temples in and around Munnur, situated in the Dakshina Kannada district in the state Karnataka (India). Munnur is regarded as an important religious city for the followers of both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The ancient history of Munnur traces to the reign of the Chola, from whom the city derives it's ...
Vijayanagar period
Next king to be represented in this Arulala Perumal temple epigraph is Saluva Narasingaraya Udaiyar, a regent of Vijayanagar.[1] This Vijayanagar regent played a vital role in the history of Arulala perumal temple. The importance given to Vaishnavism in Munnur by Vijayanagar regent is revealed by an epigraph and it clearly shows that the patronage of the Vijayanagar rulers their promotion to Arulala Perumal the temple. A perusal of this inscription reveals the fact that the village Munnur was under the sovereignty of the Vijayanagar empire for some years.
A prominent regent of Vijayanagar empire left an indelible imprint in religious activities of the Munnjur temple. For instance the last inscription[2] of Vijayanagar regent Narasinga Saluva raya Udaiyar Devarayar issued on 30th day of Karthigai month in Sriviya year is found on north side wall of the cella of the Arulala Perumal temple. The record[3] states that one Annamarasar, perhaps the Governor of Vijayanagar in the Oima Nadu donated a land gift for burning the Thiruvilakku[4] the perpetual lamp. The lands which were donated for the above mentioned purpose was known as Thiruvilakku Kudi.[5] Besides, the assignment was entrusted to one Manradi meaning a servant of Muththaliyar.[6] The temple contains no other inscriptions after the Vijayanagar empire.
We many conclude that both the Adavalleswara temple and the Arulala Perumal temple have not lost its fame and significance even today.
In 1812 the British East Indian company under took the administration of Hindu temples including the Munnur temples. In the post–Independence India, Munnjur region, was located in the district of South Arcot. Subsequently, the then South Arcot district was bifurcated into Cuddalore and Villuppuram district with effect for administrative convenience from 30th September 1993. At present Munnjur is a village Panchayat situated in Villuppuram district. Having analysed both literary and epigraphical records, it is clear that the name of the Village Munnjur is known at present in the name Munnur. The above description leads one to the conclusion that the Village and the temples of Adavalleswarar and Arulala Perumal temple are historically important right from yoke.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
A.R.E., 53 of 1919.
[2]:
A.R.E., 59 of 1919.
[3]:
Ibid.,
[4]:
Ibid.,
[5]:
Ibid.,
[6]:
Ibid.,