Dadapuram Sri Manikantesvara (Manikkesvaram) Temple, Villupuram

Address

Dadapuram Sri Manikantesvara (Manikkesvaram) Temple, Dadapuram, Tindivanam Tehsil, Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu 604207

Deity

Sri Manikanteesvara (Manikkesvaram) Amman: Sri Manickavalli, Sri Kamatchi

Introduction

Location: Dadapuram, an obscure village in Tindivanam Tehsil, Viluppuram District of Tamil Nadu, was historically known as Rajarajapuram. It is situated about 3.2 kilometers from Vallimedupettai. The village’s name is a corrupted form of Rajarajapuram, named after the great Chola King Rajaraja I.
The prominent temple in the village is the Sri Manikantesvaram Siva Temple, which features inscriptions that link it to the reign of Rajaraja I. The temple was named after Manikka Isvara, one of Rajaraja’s titles.
The neighboring village of Ennayiram was known as Rajaraja-Chaturvedimangalam, a prominent religious and scholarly center during the Chola period.

Puranic Significance:

The Sri Kari-Varada Perumal Temple located nearby contains inscriptions from the 21st regnal year of Rajaraja I, which list various donations of gold, silver, and pearls to the temples of Kundavai Vinnagar, Manikkaesvaram, and Kundavai Jinalaya. These temples were built by Princess Kundavai Pirattiyar, daughter of Sundara Chola (also known as Ponmaligaitunjina Devar).
One inscription also records the administrative officer of Panaiyur receiving a royal order to document and engrave the list of temple gifts on stone. This inscription reflects the administrative organization and temple patronage of the Chola dynasty.
Inscriptions from the 25th regnal year of Rajaraja I detail the donation of ten lamps by Parantaka Kundavai Pirattiyar. Further inscriptions from the reign of Rajendra I mention additional gifts, confirming the temple’s prominence and continuous patronage.
The Sri Manikantesvaram Temple is thought to have been built of stone before the 19th year of Rajaraja’s reign, roughly contemporary with the construction of the grand Rajarajesvaram Temple in Thanjavur.

Special Features:

Ganesha: The sculpture features Ganesha with a double lotus petal pitham (pedestal), short stout legs, a large belly, an elaborate necklace, and drapery. The broad sash, loops, tassels, and the semi-circular umbrella above his head are particularly striking.
Jnana Dakshinamurti: The figure of Jnana Dakshinamurti is characterized by a detailed jatabhara (matted hair), and a gentle smile, replacing the usual deep contemplative look found in most representations of this deity.
Vishnu: The four-armed Vishnu stands with his right hand in abhaya (blessing) and left hand in katyavalambita (resting on the hip), while the other hands hold a sankha (conch) and chakra (discus). He wears a kirita-makuta (crown), necklace, and various ornaments including bracelets and anklets.
Durga: The eight-armed Durga stands in tribhanga pose, holding a khadga (sword), chakra, sankha, a long bow, and a ketaka (shield). She is adorned with a karanda-makuta (crown), channavira (chest-band), and an elaborate kesabandha (hair knot), with her drapery tied in a central loop. A semi-circular umbrella is placed above her head.
Subrahmanyar, Jyeshtha, and Bhairavar: These deities, along with others, formed part of the ashta-parivara alayas (eight surrounding shrines), a common feature of early Chola temples, including those built during the reign of Rajaraja I.

Conclusion:

The Sri Manikantesvaram Temple in Dadapuram, with its rich architectural and sculptural features, stands as a significant monument of the Chola period. The temple inscriptions provide a glimpse into the Chola dynasty’s dedication to temple construction, religious offerings, and artistic excellence. With its connection to Rajaraja I and Kundavai Pirattiyar, the temple reflects the grandeur and religious devotion of one of Tamil Nadu’s most powerful historical periods.