The Epigraphy Division of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in Mysore has recently finished copying inscriptions onto maplitho paper using the estampage technique at three Mandirs in Thirukurungudi, located in the Tirunelveli district.
P Balamurugan, Assistant Epigraphist at ASI, spent nearly 15 days copying around 25 inscriptions from the Nambi Rayar Mandir, Thirumalai Nambi Mandir, and Aniliswarar Mandir. He noted that these inscriptions were discovered during renovation work at the Mandirs.
A preliminary examination of one inscription reveals a donation of 50 sheep to the Aniliswarar Mandir. This inscription, dating back to the 9th century during the Pandya period, is written in Vattezhuthu and Tamil. According to Balamurugan, the sheep were given to provide ghee for lighting perpetual lamps (nundha vilakku) in the Mandir.
A preliminary examination of one inscription reveals a donation of 50 sheep to the Aniliswarar Mandir. This inscription, dating back to the 9th century during the Pandya period, is written in Vattezhuthu and Tamil. According to Balamurugan, the sheep were given to provide ghee for lighting perpetual lamps (nundha vilakku) in the Mandir.
He also noted that some inscriptions were partially damaged, making it challenging to identify the names of the donors and the reigns of the kings. Further analysis of these inscriptions will be conducted, and the findings will be included in the ASI’s annual report, he added.
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