Members of the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre have made a significant discovery at the 1,000-year-old Thalikiswarar temple located in Kovilpalayam near Koduvai in Tirupur district. The team uncovered a Vattezhuthu script (an ancient Tamil writing system) and eight Tamil inscriptions during their research.
Research Details
- Research Conducted By: S. Ravikumar and K. Ponnusamy from the Virarajendran Archaeological and Historical Research Centre.
- Location: Thalikiswarar Temple, Kovilpalayam, Tirupur district.
- Significance: The Thalikiswarar temple is one of the ancient granite stone temples in the Kongu region.
Vattezhuthu Script
- Description: Vattezhuthu is a Tamil script used from the 5th century AD to the 12th century AD.
- Findings: 12 lines of Vattezhuthu inscription were discovered on the Arthamandapam (a part of the temple).
- Deciphering: The inscription was interpreted by Prof. Y. Subarayalu, an eminent Indian historian.
Historical Insights
- Temple Builder: The inscriptions indicate that the temple was constructed by Kokkandan Viranarayanan, a Chera ruler from the 9th century AD.
- Message: The inscriptions include a directive to protect the temple, with severe consequences for those who damage it.
Additional Findings
- Inscriptions Found: 1,100-year-old inscriptions detailing the temple’s builders and the village’s ancient heritage of over 2,500 years.
- Historical Context: The inscriptions shed light on the medieval Chera and Kongu Chola rulers.
Directive for CCTV and Security Enhancements
Due to an increase in temple thefts in North Goa, the Goa police have instructed temple committees to install CCTV surveillance systems and burglary alarms. The recent investigations revealed that temples that had been robbed did not have CCTV cameras.
- Security Meeting: A meeting was convened to discuss enhanced security measures, including:
- Emptying fund boxes weekly.
- Avoiding overnight storage of gold ornaments on idols.
Ropeway Malfunction
The newly inaugurated ropeway service at Rathinagireeswarar temple in Ayyarmalai, Karur, experienced a malfunction, leaving 11 devotees stranded on Thursday afternoon.
- Rescue Operation: The devotees were rescued after a two-hour operation.
- Cause: Heavy winds caused the cables to get stuck.
- Current Status: The service has been suspended temporarily for investigation and repairs.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What script was discovered at the Thalikiswarar temple?
- A) Grantha
- B) Vattezhuthu
- C) Brahmi
- D) Devanagari
- Who deciphered the Vattezhuthu inscription found at Thalikiswarar temple?
- A) Prof. M. S. Swaminathan
- B) Prof. Y. Subarayalu
- C) Dr. A. K. Sharma
- D) Dr. R. P. Nair
- Which ruler is credited with building the Thalikiswarar temple according to the inscriptions?
- A) Rajaraja Chola
- B) Kokkandan Viranarayanan
- C) Vikramaditya
- D) Ranjit Singh
- What security measure was recommended for temples in North Goa?
- A) Increasing the number of priests
- B) Installing CCTV surveillance and burglary alarms
- C) Hiring more security guards
- D) Limiting temple opening hours
- What caused the malfunction of the ropeway service at Rathinagireeswarar temple?
- A) Electrical failure
- B) Mechanical fault
- C) Heavy winds
- D) Human error