Tamil Nadu: Ancient Tamil script and inscriptions discovered at 1,100-year-old Thalikiswarar Temple

Members of the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre have uncovered significant historical artefacts at the 1,100-year-old Thalikiswarar Temple in Kovilpalayam near Koduvai, in Tirupur district. Their discovery includes a Vattezhuthu script (an ancient Tamil script) and eight Tamil inscriptions.

The research, led by S. Ravikumar and K. Ponnusamy from the centre, was conducted following a tip from Alagumalai Panchayath Union President Thuyamani. “Thalikiswarar Temple is one of the ancient granite stone temples in the Kongu region,” stated Ravikumar.

“During our research, we found inscriptions on the four walls of the shrine dedicated to the presiding deity, Thalikiswarar,” he added.

Vattezhuthu, a form of Tamil script prevalent from the 5th to the 12th century AD, was among the discoveries.

“We found 12 lines of Vattezhuthu inscription on the Arthamandapam of Thalikiswarar shrine, which was deciphered by the eminent Indian historian Prof. Y. Subarayalu,” Ravikumar explained.

According to the inscriptions, the temple was constructed by the medieval Chera ruler Kokkandan Viranarayanan, who reigned over the Kongu region in the 9th century AD. The inscription underscores the importance of preserving the temple, warning that any damage to it would result in severe repercussions for the offender’s lineage.

Additionally, researchers highlighted that the inscriptions shed light on the temple’s historical context and the village’s ancient heritage, which spans over 2,500 years. These findings offer valuable insights into the medieval Chera and Kongu Chola rulers’ reigns.

In related news, Goa police have instructed temple committees in North Goa to install CCTV surveillance systems and burglary alarms due to a surge in temple thefts. Investigations revealed that many recently burglarised temples lacked such security measures. During a meeting to address these issues, several suggestions were proposed, including emptying donation boxes weekly and not keeping gold ornaments on idols overnight.

Meanwhile, a recently inaugurated ropeway service at Rathinagireeswarar Temple in Ayyarmalai, Karur, experienced a malfunction, leaving 11 devotees stranded on Thursday afternoon. They were rescued after a two-hour operation. The service has been temporarily suspended while engineers investigate the issue, which was attributed to heavy winds causing the cables to get stuck.