Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Sri Chandramouleeswarar Temple, Ochery Road, Brahmadesam, Puthur, Natteri, Thiruvannamalai District, Tamil Nadu 632511

Diety

Chandramouleeswarar

Introduction

Chandramouleeswarar Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in NatteriBrahmmadesam in Cheyyar Taluk in Thiruvannamalai District of Tamil Nadu. Presiding Deity is called as Chandramouleeswarar / TiruppondaiPerumanadigal / KuzhandhaiMahadevar / PondhaiAzhwar / PondhaiEswarar. The Temple is also believed to be the Pallipadai Temple (Burial Shrine) of Emperor RajendraChola I of Chola Dynasty.This temple is under the control of Archaeological Survey of India.Originally, this temple was built in sand stone by the Pallava King VijayaKampa Varman, son of Nandi Varman III Pallava during 9th Century AD as per the inscriptions. But later it was converted to memorial temple during the Chola period.

Puranic Significance

It is believed that Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple in Treta Yuga. Hence, the Lord came to be called as Chandramouleeswarar. It is also believed that Agni and Sage Romesaworshipped Lord Shiva of this Temple in Kirutha and Dwara Yugas respectively.Brahmmadesam Village has a great historical value because it is considered to be the burial place of Emperor RajendraChola I of Chola Dynasty. The Place Brahmmadesam was called as RajamallaChathuvedhiMangalam and got changed to ParakramaChathurvedhimangalam during RajarajaChola I. RajendraChola after his historic expedition up to Ganges paid a visit to Kanchipuram and Thondaimandalam.It was told that his brother-in-law had established charities in many places for distributing water (ThanneerPandal) to the people in memory of RajendraChola and his wife and an inscription in this temple records this charity. Originally, this temple was built in sand stone by the Pallava King VijayaKampa Varman, son of Nandi Varman III Pallava during 9th Century AD as per the inscriptions. But later it was converted to memorial temple during the Chola period.

Special Features

There are about 77 inscriptions in this temple belongs to Pallavas& Cholas. The earliest inscription belongs to 20th regnal year of Pallava King Kampavarman. Other inscriptions belongs to Chola Kings Parantaka I, Rajaraja I, Rajendra I, KulothungaChola I and Rashtrakuta King Krishna III.Inscriptions There are about 77 inscriptions in this temple belongs to Pallavas& Cholas. The earliest inscription belongs to 20th regnal year of Pallava King Kampavarman. Other inscriptions belongs to Chola Kings Parantaka I, Rajaraja I, Rajendra I, KulothungaChola I and Rashtrakuta King Krishna III.There is an inscription on the northern side of the sanctum wall. It mentions about TrirajyaKadikaamatyasthaMoovayiravar and KadigaiEzhayiravar.