The Inscriptions of Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple of Tirunelveli

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I have been extensively documenting the Kantimati Sameta Nellaiyappar Temple in Tirunelveli, focusing on its intricate architecture, layout, iconography, deities, and other notable aspects. In this episode, I will provide a consolidated summary of the inscriptions found within this temple. While this is not a complete list, I have covered over 90% of the inscriptions from this inscription-rich site.

The earliest inscription dates back to 962 CE during the reign of Cholan Thalai Konda Veera Pandya, and the latest is from the 1914 CE.

The temple contains more than 140 inscriptions, and I have included 123 of them in this article. Some inscriptions from the later periods, which only mention the names of devotees, have been omitted.

Most of the inscriptions are from the Pandya era, with a significant number from the 13th century. There are only a few inscriptions from the Chola kings.

Here are a few highlights from some of the more interesting inscriptions:

A 1190 CE inscription from the reign of Jatavarma Kulasekhara Pandya I is found on the outer wall of the second prakara of the Nellaiyapper shrine. It states that the king constructed the high prakara wall of the Siva temple, who had emerged from bamboo, using the wealth obtained after defeating the Kerala, Chola, and Hoysala kings.

One inscription mentions the formation of Anavaradana Chaturvedi Mangalam, while another talks about the creation of Ravivarma Chaturvedi Mangalam.

An inscription refers to the victory over the Chola kingdom and Sundara Pandya I's coronation in Mudikonda Cholapuram.

A 10th-century inscription, along with five from the 13th century, refers to the Pandya king as the one who beheaded the Chola king.

The inscriptions also provide various names for the presiding deity and the goddess:

Nellaiyappar is referred to as Tirunelveli Udaiya Deva, Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanar, Periya Deva Mudaliar, and Kailasamudaiya Nayanar.

Kantimati, the goddess, is called Tirukkamakottaththu Aaludaiya Nachiar and Kama Kottamudaiya Nachiar.

Nellai Govindan is mentioned as Pallikondan and Kulasekhara Emperuman.

Even the temple’s parivara deities are mentioned, such as Ennayira Pillaiyar and Polladha Pillaiyar.

One inscription records the gift of a village to Brahmins, named after the Hoysala king Vira Someswara, whose authority was recognized by the Pandyas.

Another inscription mentions that King Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I constructed the Ponnambalam (the golden hall).

Contributions by Devadasis to the temple are also noted in several inscriptions.



Below is a list of the number of inscriptions attributed to each ruler:


From the Pandya dynasty:

Veera Pandya: 1

Pandya era (unknown king): 16

Maravarma Parakrama Pandya I: 1

Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya: 6

Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I: 15

Jaṭāvarman Sundara Pāṇḍya I: 1

Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya II: 10

Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva: 20

Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I): 21

Kō-Maravarman alias Kulasekharadeva Pandya II: 2

Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulashekharadeva Pandya I: 6

Kō-Maravarman alias Kulaśēkharadēva II: 1

Vikrama Pāṇḍyadēva: 3

Kulasekhara Pandya (Tenkasi Pandya): 1


From the Chola dynasty:

Rajendra Chola: 1

Sundara Chola Pandya: 1

Kulotunga Chola II: 1


Other rulers:

Kerala King Kulasekharadeva (likely Ravivarman Kulasekhara): 1

Hoysala King Vira Somesvara: 1


From the Nayaka period:

Unknown king: 5

Krishnappa Nayaka: 3


Other notable mentions:

Rajah Rama Varma of Venad (possibly): 1

British era: 5


A brief description of each inscription, organized chronologically, can be found below.

 

Inscription # 1

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 154 of 2005
Location - On the north wall of Moola Maha Linga shrine
Period - 962 CE
King - Cholan Thalaikonda Veera Pandya
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the donation of 50 goats to facilitate the lighting of Nanda (perpetual) lamp by Aathireyan Chenthal from Kummangalam.


Inscription # 2

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 115 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the Northwest mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription mentions that this pillar was donated by Adigal Arangan and Arangan Muthan.

Inscription # 3

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 116 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the Northwest mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription mentions that this pillar was donated by Adigal Arangan.

Inscription # 4

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 190 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the west mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription mentions that this pillar was donated by Adigal Arangan.

Inscription # 5

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 191 of 2005
Location - On the floor of the kodimara mandapa of Kantimati
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription is incomplete. It mentions the name of a region as Kalakkudi Nadu.


Inscription # 6

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 117 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the Northwest mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription mentions that this pillar was donated by Arangan Muthan from Kalakudi.

Inscription # 7

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 130 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the western mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription mentions that this pillar was donated by a Tirunelveli trader named Valikkon.

Inscription # 8

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 132 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the western mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 10th/11th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription mentions that this pillar was donated by a Kalakkudi citizen named Arangan.

Inscription # 9

Reference - A.R. No. 157 of 1894
Location - On two pillars in the mandapa on the southern side of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1019 CE
King - Rajendra Chola I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of money.

Inscription # 10

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 150 of 2005
Location - Northern wall on the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 11th century CE
King - Sundara Chola Pandya 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of lamp and gift of 50 goats to meet the expense of lighting the lamp.

Inscription # 11

Reference - A.R. No. 145 of 1894
Location - North wall of Sahasra Linga shrine in the Northern part of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1100s CE
King - Kulotunga Chola II  
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 12

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 120 of 2005
Location - On the western wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, near Subramanya shrine
Period - Late12th centruy CE
King - Maravarma Parakrama Pandya I
Language - Tamil


The inscription mentions the donation of land for the provision of Amudupadi, Sattupadi, and Tirumanjanam.


Inscription # 13

Reference - A.R. No. 128 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1192/93 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of lamp.

Inscription # 14

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 128 of 2005
Location - On a northern wall in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Kubera Linga
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Tamil

The inscription mentions the boundaries of land given as gift.

Inscription # 15

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 182 of 2005
Location - On a northern side of Polla Pillaiyar 
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Tamil

The inscription has no beginning or end. It has meikkeerti. 

Inscription # 16

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 183 of 2005
Location - On a pillar of Polla Pillaiyar shrine
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Tamil

The inscription mentions that the pillar was donated by Veeramazhagiya Pandia Devan.


Inscription # 17

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 129 of 2005
Location - On a northern wall in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Kubera Linga
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Tamil

The inscription provides the details of the purchase of the above mentioned gifted land.


Inscription # 18

Reference - A.R. No. 123 of 1894
Location - Eastern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, right at the entrance
Period - 1204 CE
King - Ko Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land. 

Inscription # 19

Reference - A.R. No. 150 of 1894
Location - Inner western wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1214 CE
King - Ko Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a donation of rice.


Inscription # 20

Reference - A.R. No. 126 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1215/16 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 21

Reference - A.R. No. 139 of 1894
Location - Western outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Early-13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land for worship on the king's birthday.

Inscription # 22

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 185 of 2005
Location - Northern outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Early-13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulasekhara Deva I Pandya
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the formation of Anavaradana Chaturvedi Mangalam.


Inscription # 23

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 102 of 2005
Location - Outer eastern wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th centruy CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription is eroded.

Inscription # 24

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 107 of 2005
Location - On the northern side of the Mani mandapa in front of Nellaiyappar shrine - on the eastern outer wall of first prakara
Period - 1222 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription starts with the meikeerti of Sundara Pandya. It records the sale proceeds of land by a Devadasi from Madurai temple named Rajeswarabujanga Talaikoli.

Inscription # 25

Reference - A.R. No. 154 of 1894
Location - Inner southern wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1223 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land.

Inscription # 26

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 113 of 2005
Location - Inner western wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Moongil Vinayaka
Period - 1227 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records about the Suthavalli Street traders agreeing to provide oil regularly to light the Nanda (perpetual) lamp. Interestingly, it is mentioned that the gift was intended to seek wellness for Bosala's leader.

Inscription # 27

Reference - A.R. No. 124 of 1894
Location - Eastern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, left of the entrance
Period - 1227 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records an order of the king to Tirunelveli Sabha on taxes.

Inscription # 28

Reference - A.R. No. 125 of 1894
Location - Eastern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, left of the entrance
Period - 1227 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records an order of the king to Tirunelveli Sabha on taxes. It mentions the King as one who distributed the Chola kingdom. 

Inscription # 29

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 97 of 2005
Location - Eastern outer wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1230 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription mentions about musical instruments provided to the temple musicians.

Inscription # 30

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 104 of 2005
Location - Northern wall of the Mani mandapa in front of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1230 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the agreement between Sankarapadiyar from Suthamalli Peruntheru and Cherman Thozhan from Malaimandalam regarding providing oil daily for Sandya deepam.

Inscription # 31

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 105 of 2005
Location - Eastern wall of the Mani mandapa in front of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1230 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the agreement by Sankarapadiyar from Suthamalli Peruntheru providing to oil to light lamps for the Vaikasi month Tirukkalyana utsava of Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanar.

Inscription # 32

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 106 of 2005
Location - On the Kumuda in the northern side of the Mani mandapa in front of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1232 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of vessels by Ulaguyya Vanda Perumal.

Inscription # 33

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 98 of 2005
Location - Eastern outer wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Sanskrit


Inscription # 34

Reference - A.R. No. 132 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1233 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 35

Reference - A.R. No. 155 of 1894
Location - Inner western wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1234 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription mentions about the King's victory over the Chola kingdom and his anointment in Mudikonda Cholapuram.


Inscription # 36

Reference - A.R. No. 133 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1235 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a donation of gold and paddy.

Inscription # 37

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 187 of 2005
Location - Southwestern side of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1240 CE
King - Maravarman Sundara Pandyan I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift called Tirugnanapuram provided to those who sing Devaram hymns in front of the diety. It starts with a meikkerrti.

Inscription # 38

Reference - A.R. No. 140 of 1894
Location - Western outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Mid-13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya I
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 39

Reference - A.R. No. 15 of 1912
Location - Western outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Mid of 13th century 
King - Hoysala King Vira Somesvaradevarasa
Language - Kannada


The inscription records gift of money for two lamps to the temple, by Vāmanna, the brother-in-law of Varadana-Dannāyaka, the śrī-karana of the Hoysala king Vīra-Sōmēśvaradēvarasa (1234-62), the contemporary of Jaṭāvarman Sundara Pāṇḍya I (1251-64). It mentions the presiding deity of the temple as Tirunelvēli Vudaya Deva.

Inscription # 40

Reference - A.R. No. 118 of 1894
Location - Eastern outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Mid of 13th century
King - Jaṭāvarman Sundara Pāṇḍya I
Language - Sanskrit

The inscription records gifts of ornaments and the erection of buildings at the Vēṇuvaṇēśvara or Vr̥bhivṛtiśvara temple, and refers to the king's victories over the Karṇāṭa, Kāṭhaka and Kākati kings.

Inscription # 41

Reference - A.R. No. 156 of 1894
Location - Inner northern wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1247 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara Pandya II
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of village to certain Brahmins and naming it after the Hoysala King Vira Someswara, whose supremacy was recognized by the Pandyas.

Inscription # 42

Reference - A.R. No. 149 of 1894
Location - Inner western wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1248 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II 
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 43

Reference - A.R. No. 143 of 1894
Location - Northern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1249 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of lamp.

Inscription # 44

Reference - A.R. No. 138 of 1894
Location - Western outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1250 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of lamp.

Inscription # 45

Reference - A.R. No. 146 of 1894
Location - East wall of Natesa shrine in the Northern-eastern corner of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1251 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II 
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a gift of paddy.

Inscription # 46

Reference - A.R. No. 147 of 1894
Location - East wall of Natesa shrine in the Northern-eastern corner of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1251 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II 
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a gift of paddy.

Inscription # 47

Reference - A.R. No. 148 of 1894
Location - East wall of Natesa shrine in the Northern-eastern corner of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1251 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II 
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a gift of gold.

Inscription # 48

Reference - A.R. No. 119 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1251 CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II (Probably)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land. 

Inscription # 49

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 111 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the mandapa located in north eastern corner of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Mid 13th century CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the arrangement done by GuruKulaththaraiyan for regular donation.

Inscription # 50

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 112 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the mandapa located in north eastern corner of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Mid 13th century CE
King - Kō-Maravarman alias Sundara-Pāṇḍyadēva II
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the arrangement done by GuruKulaththaraiyan for regular donation.


Inscription # 51

Reference - A.R. No. 129 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1256 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 52

Reference - A.R. No. 142 of 1894
Location - Northern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1256 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of lamp.

Inscription # 53

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 108 of 2005
Location - On the northern outer wall of the first prakara around Nellaiyappar, to the south of Sahasra Linga shrine
Period - 1257 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the regular donation of oil by the traders from Suthavalli street of Tirunelveli, to light Nanda lamp in Thadasiramudaiya Nayanar shrine in Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanar temple.

Inscription # 54

Reference - A.R. No. 136 of 1894
Location - Western outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1258 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of lamp.

Inscription # 55

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 114 of 2005
Location - Southern Wall of Polla Pillayar shrine
Period - 1259 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of providing oil regularly to light lamps in this shrine. It refers to the Pillaiyar as Ennayira Pillaiyar and Nellaiyappar as Tirunelveli Udai Nayanar.


Inscription # 56

Reference - A.R. No. 163 of 1894
Location - On the west wall of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1259 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription is incomplete, which mentions the Pandya King as the one who beheaded the Chola King.

Inscription # 57

Reference - A.R. No. 151 of 1894
Location - Inner western wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1260 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil


The inscription is an incomplete one.

Inscription # 58

Reference - A.R. No. 152 of 1894
Location - On a pillar in the Inner western wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1260 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva (Probably)
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription records setting up of this pillar.

Inscription # 59

Reference - A.R. No. 127 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1261 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Veera Pandya
Language - Tamil and Sanskrit

A record in the eighth year of Veera Pandya. The identification of Veera Pandya is debatable.

Inscription # 60

Reference - A.R. No. 160 of 1894
Location - On the north wall of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1264 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription records the gift of lamp. It mentions the Pandya King as the one who beheaded the Chola King.


Inscription # 61

Reference - A.R. No. 159 of 1894
Location - On the north wall of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1268 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription records the gift of lamp. It mentions the Pandya King as the one who beheaded the Chola King.

Inscription # 62

Reference - A.R. No. 162 of 1894
Location - On the west wall of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1268 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription records the gift of lamp. It mentions the Pandya King as the one who beheaded the Chola King.


Inscription # 63

Reference - A.R. No. 161 of 1894
Location - On the north wall of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1271 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva
Language - Vattezhuthu

The inscription is incomplete, which mentions the Pandya King as the one who beheaded the Chola King.

Inscription # 64

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 147 of 2005
Location - Southern wall on the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land provided to fifty priests and Kailasamudaiya Nayanar and Kulasekhara Emperuman.

Inscription # 65

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 148 of 2005
Location - Southern wall on the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land in Ravivarma Chaturvedi Mangalam provided to priests and temple.

Inscription # 66

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 158 of 2005
Location - Eastern wall on the third western prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of money towards Naivedya for certain deities in the temple. It refers to Devi as Tirukkamakottaththu Aaludaiya Nachiar and Govindan as Pallikondan.

Inscription # 67

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 159 of 2005
Location - Eastern wall on the third western prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records money being given to the temple singers and those who bring flowers for poojas.

Inscription # 68

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 160 of 2005
Location - Northern wall on the third northern prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the area marked to build a mandapa. It's an incomplete inscription.

Inscription # 69

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 149 of 2005
Location - Northern wall on the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, near Gaja Lakshmi icon
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land provided to the priest doing special pooja on Amavasya days to Nachiar and to the priest performing Tirunandavanam to Vinayaka.

Inscription # 70

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 166 of 2005
Location - Northern wall on the third northern prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Veera Pandya Deva 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land provided to the priests for morning sandi by a Devadasi named Dharanimuzhuthum Udaiyal from Kanapper (Kalaiyar Kovil).



Inscription # 71

Reference - A.R. No. 130 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1283 CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 72

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 186 of 2005
Location - Southern outer wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift called Tirugnanapuram provided to those who sing Devaram hymns in front of the diety.

Inscription # 73

Reference - A.R. No. 131 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1283 CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of eleven houses in Tirunelveli.

Inscription # 74

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 103 of 2005
Location - Outer eastern wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of grain and formation of a flower garden in the name of the donor called Kulasekhara.

Inscription # 75

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 192 of 2005
Location - Southern wall of Kubera Linga shrine
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the names of the King and the temple called Tiruvalavai Udaiya Nayanar.

Inscription # 76

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 193 of 2005
Location - Northern wall of Akasha Linga shrine
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Pandya era
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the donation by an officer named Mazhavarayar to a deity worshiped regularly by him.


Inscription # 77

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 123 of 2005 and South Indian Inscription V431
Location - Outer western wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the north of Moongil Vinayaka
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of land to perform Rudra Adyayana on the birth star of the King, on Purattasi month Moola nakshatra.

Inscription # 78

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 188 of 2005 
Location - Outer southern wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift given to Kama Kottamudaiya Nachiar and Parivara deities.


Inscription # 79

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 141 of 2005 
Location - Northern second prakara of Nellaiyappar near Gaja Lakshmi icon 
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of land to perform special pooja to a shrine of the deity named Kanchipuram Kondan.

Inscription # 80

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 142 of 2005 
Location - Northern second prakara of Nellaiyappar near Gaja Lakshmi icon 
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the arrangement made to provide regular income to the priests doing regular poojas as described in the previous inscription. 


Inscription # 81

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 124 of 2005
Location - On the adhisthana of the Outer eastern wall of the second west prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Moongil Vinayaka
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of one and half veli land for the deity. It also provides an additional information that the King constructed Ponnambalam (the golden hall).

Inscription # 82

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 125 of 2005
Location - On the adhisthana of the Outer eastern wall of the second west prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Moongil Vinayaka
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The incomplete inscription records the gift of land for the deity. It also provides an additional information that the King constructed Ponnambalam (the golden hall).

Inscription # 83

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 126 of 2005
Location - On the adhisthana of the Outer eastern wall of the second west prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Moongil Vinayaka
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of land given to perform special poojas to Chokkanar which was installed by Mazharayar.

Inscription # 84

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 127 of 2005
Location - On the adhisthana of the Outer eastern wall of the second west prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Moongil Vinayaka
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of land in a village named Kayathan Kurichi to perform special poojas to Chokkanaar during the birth star of the King (Sadaya nakshatra).

Inscription # 85

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 119 of 2005
Location - On the western wall of inner prakara of Nellaiyappar, near Moongil Vinayaka
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil


The inscription records the gift to provide special food during Vishaka, the birth star of the King, to Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanar.

Inscription # 86

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 131 of 2005
Location - On the western wall in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription mentions about the land provided for Nandavanam (flower garden) and stream of Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanar temple.

Inscription # 87

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 133 of 2005
Location - On the western wall in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription talks about the arrangement done to provide flowers for performing daily poojas to Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanaar.

Inscription # 88

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 136 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1283 CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription talks about a donation done to construct Tiruppallidaamam. 

Inscription # 89

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 139 of 2005
Location - On the wall of western mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the south of Akasha Linga
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of land to perform adyayana during every Amavasya.

Inscription # 90

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 140 of 2005
Location - On the eastern wall of Sabhapati mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription talks about the land left out to be converted into Nandavanam (flower garden).

Inscription # 91

Reference - A.R. No. 158 of 1894
Location - On a pillar in the mandapa on the southern side of Nellaiyappar shrine
Period - 1287/88 CE
King - Kerala King Kulasekharadeva (Probably Ravivarman Kulasekhara)
Language - Tamil and Sanskrit

The inscription records the gift of land.


Inscription # 92

Reference - A.R. No. 141 of 1894
Location - Western outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late-13th century CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 93

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 100 of 2005
Location - Eastern outer wall of the first prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - Late-13th century CE
King - Konerinmaikondan (Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the contribution by Vanakovaraiyan to perform special pooja for the main deity of the temple during his birthday.


Inscription # 94

Reference - A.R. No. 134 of 1894
Location - Front wall of Vigneshwara shrine on the Southern side of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1293 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Kulasekharadeva Pandya II
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of lamp.

Inscription # 95

Reference - A.R. No. 135 of 1894
Location - Front wall of Vigneshwara shrine on the Southern side of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1293 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Kulasekharadeva Pandya II
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of land.

Inscription # 96

Reference - A.R. No. 137 of 1894
Location - Western outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1294 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulashekharadeva Pandya I 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records a gift of cows.

Inscription # 97

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 118 of 2005
Location - On the western wall of Polla Pillayar shrine
Period - 1295 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulashekharadeva Pandya I 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of 30 cows to provide ghee for lighting Nanda (perpetual) lamps for Tirunelveli Udaiya Nayanaar and Polladha Pillaiyar.

Inscription # 98

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 134 of 2005
Location - On the southern wall of western mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulashekharadeva Pandya I 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of land by a Devadasi to provide daily prasada for Subramanya.

Inscription # 99

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 135 of 2005
Location - On the northern mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 13th century CE
King - Pāṇḍya era
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the sale of land to Adi Chandesar of Tirunelveli Udaiyar temple by Suthavalli Sabha.

Inscription # 100

Reference - A.R. No. 153 of 1894
Location - Inner northern wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1301 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulashekharadeva Pandya I 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of rice.

Inscription # 101

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 144 of 2005
Location - Second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1302 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Maravarman Kulashekharadeva Pandya I 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of rice to perform daily prasadams to Periya Deva Mudaliar (Presiding Deity) and Nachiar (His Devi).


Inscription # 102

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 137 of 2005
Location - Western wall of the western mandapa in the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1308 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Jatavarman alias Kulashekharadeva Pandya I 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land to construct a nandavanam on the name of the queen named Dharanimuzhuthudaiyar .

Inscription # 103

Reference - A.R. No. 122 of 1894
Location - Northern outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1321 CE
King - Pāṇḍya king Kō-Maravarman alias Kulaśēkharadēva II (Probably)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land. 

Inscription # 104

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 167 of 2005
Location - Western pillar in the southern entrance of Maha Mandapa of Kantimati
Period - 1300s CE
King - Pandya era
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a poem.

Inscription # 105

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 168 of 2005
Location - Western pillar in the southern entrance of Maha Mandapa of Kantimati
Period - 1300s CE
King - Pandya era
Language - Tamil


The inscription records a poem about the Pattabhisheka of a Pandya King.


Inscription # 106

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 143 of 2005 
Location - Northern second prakara of Nellaiyappar to the south of Akasha Linga 
Period - Late 13th centruy CE
King - Vikrama Pāṇḍyadēva  
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the gift of ghee for lighting Nanda lamp and Sandhya lamp to Kundramerinda Pillayar.

Inscription # 107

Reference - A.R. No. 144 of 1894
Location - Northern outer wall of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1405 CE
King - Vikrama Pāṇḍyadēva  
Language - Tamil and Sanskrit

The inscription records a gift of land for flower garden.

Inscription # 108

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 122 of 2005
Location - On the western prakara of the second prakara of Nellaiyappar, to the north of Moongil Vinayaka 
Period - 1406 CE
King - Vikrama Pāṇḍyadēva 
Language - Tamil


The inscription records the gift of land given to a person, Vishnu Bhatta by name.

Inscription # 109

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 157 of 2005
Location - On the third west prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1400s CE
King - Kulasekhara Pandya (Tenkasi Pandya)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the formation of an Agraharam in the name of the King and renaming of Kuppaya Kudi village into Ravivarma Chaturvedi Mangalam.

Inscription # 110

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 169 of 2005
Location - A pillar in the western prakara of Kantimati
Period - 1500s CE
King - Nayaka era
Language - Tamil


The inscription records the donation done by Chevvanthiyappar for the sake of Veerappa Nayakkar and Ariyanatha Mudaliyar.


Inscription # 111

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 155 of 2005
Location - On the southern prakara (third) of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1561 CE
King - Krishnappa Nayaka
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the donation done by the King for certain poojas to be performed in the temple. It calls the Devi as Tirukkama Kottaththu Aaludaiya Nachiar.

Inscription # 112

Reference - A.R. No. 121 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1560s or 1570s CE
King - Krishnappa Nayaka
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land. 

Inscription # 113

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 174of 2005
Location - Northern gopura entrance
Period - 1560s or 1570s CE
King - Krishnappa Nayaka
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the abolition of taxes for Agraharams and Pattavruthis.

Inscription # 114

Reference - A.R. No. 120 of 1894
Location - Southern outer wall of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1720s CE
King - Rajah Rama Varma of Venad (Probably)
Language - Tamil

The inscription records gift of land. 

Inscription # 115

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 99 of 2005
Location - On the floor of the Mani Mandapa
Period - 1700s CE
King - Nayaka era
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the contribution by Ganga Nadalvan.

Inscription # 116

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 101 of 2005
Location - On the floor of the Mani Mandapa
Period - 1700s CE
King - Nayaka era
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the contribution by Surya Narayanan.



Inscription # 117

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 109 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the mandapa located in north eastern corner of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1700s CE
King - Nayaka era
Language - Tamil

The inscription has a poem inscribed.


Inscription # 118

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 110 of 2005
Location - On a pillar in the mandapa located in north eastern corner of the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1700s CE
King - Nayaka era
Language - Tamil

The inscription has a poem appreciating the work of building fortress wall around the temple.



Inscription # 119

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 151 of 2005
Location - Eastern platform on the third prakara of Nellaiyappar
Period - 1833 CE
King - British period 
Language - Tamil

The inscription records the Kumbabhisheka performed to Venuvana Maha Lingam, Moola Maha Lingam and Kantimati, and to other Parivara Deities in the two temples. The cost was Rupees 45,008 Anas 9 and Paise 18.

Inscription # 120

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 170 of 2005
Location - Kodi Mandapa of Kantimati
Period - 1833 CE
King - British period 
Language - Tamil


The inscription records the Kumbabhisheka performed to Venuvana Maha Lingam, Moola Maha Lingam and Kantimati, and to other Parivara Deities in the two temples. 
The cost was Rupees 45,008 Anas 9 and Paise 18.


Inscription # 121

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 121 of 2005
Location - On the floor of the Maha mandapa of Arumukha Nayinar shrine
Period - 1870 CE
Language - Tamil


The inscription records the name of the person who laid the floor as Pasuvantanai Pichandi Annavi.

Inscription # 122

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 189 of 2005 
Location - Stone slab on the north prakara of Kantimati shrine
Period - 1888 CE
Language - Tamil

The inscription provides the details of Pradosha done for Kantimati and details of donations done towards the same.

Inscription # 123

Reference - T.N.A.D.R No. 161 of 2005
Location - On the western entrance of Ardha mandapa of Arumukha Nayinar shrine
Period - 1914 CE
Language - Tamil


The inscription records the date of Kumbabhisheka performed for the shrine.

Location: 162, E Car St, Tirunelveli Town, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627006, India

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