Chitrambakkam - 7th century Pallava's inscription slab

Nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, Chitrambakkam is a quaint village located approximately 60 kilometers from Chennai, India. Not too far away lies Thakolam, a site known to many, just 13 kilometers distant. In the midst of this tranquil village stands a small temple, but it holds within its sacred walls a vital piece of historical evidence, one deserving our exploration.

Chitrambakkam, a name unfamiliar to many, conceals within its bosom a little-known gem – the Selli Amman Temple. Within the precincts of this humble temple resides a weathered stone slab bearing inscriptions dating back to 679 CE, a treasure trove of historical significance. These inscriptions recount the construction of a temple, undertaken during the reign of Paramesvara Pallava I, a paramount figure in the annals of history.

These ancient inscriptions, etched in stone, stand as some of the oldest evidence documenting the existence of structural temples within the Tamil Nadu region. Remarkably, the temple mentioned in these inscriptions has since faded into the sands of time, leaving behind only this vestige of its past glory. Today, the Selli Amman Temple, a more recent addition, beckons pilgrims and visitors. Unbeknownst to many, the very stone bearing this inscription serves as a simple stepping stone for those who enter the temple, unaware of the invaluable history etched upon its surface.

Happy travelling.