Latest news with #Perumal
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Tamil Nadu's Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Kodumbalur, which was the seat of power of Irukkuvels, is an architectural marvel
Nestled in a corner of Pudukkottai district and often overshadowed by better known temple towns in Tamil Nadu, Kodumbalur holds a distinct place in the history of Tamils. The Sangam era literary work Silapadikaram refers to it as a place situated on the way to Madurai, the capital of Pandyas, from Woraiyur, the Chola capital. It is referred to as Konattu kodi nagaram (the capital city of Konadu) in Periyapuranam. Situated about 40 km from Tiruchi, Kodumbalur was the seat of power of Irukkuvels (Velirs), known for their military prowess and patronage of art and architecture. The powerful feudatory family had played a crucial role in the political landscape of the region, particularly during the reign of the Cholas. Kodumbalur, a sleepy village now, is a veritable treasure trove with temples of great beauty and architectural elements. Inscriptions in the temples carry vital information on the history of the region. Excavation under way The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which maintains the three stand-out monuments of Moovar Kovil, the Muchukundesvara Temple, and the remains of Aivar Kovil, has recently taken up excavation to trace the cultural sequence and the history of the place. Kodumbalur is one of the 32 sites identified for excavations in the Tiruchi Circle under the ASI's Looking Beyond-Vision Statement for Excavations by 2035. The place is referred to as Kodumbai in Silapadikaram. 'We will revisit the literary references to Kodumbalur and correlate them with the present scenario,' A. Anilkumar, Superintending Archaeologist, ASI, Tiruchi Circle, had told The Hindu, while launching the excavation in January this year. The excavation has been taken up in front of the Perumal temple and Kottaikaraimedu in the village. 'We would collect archaeological data to understand the complete history of Kodumbalur,' says V. Muthukumar, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist and co-director of the excavation. The village's most prominent landmark is the Moovar Kovil (a cluster of three temples) built around 818 CE, a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Irukkuvels. Only two of the temples remain intact and their exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures offer a glimpse into the artistic excellence of the period. The original layout had three west-facing temples almost identical in plan and size. Of the three temples, only the southern and central ones survive, while the one on the north is preserved up to the plinth level. Sanskrit inscription A Sanskrit inscription engraved on the central shrine asserts that the three shrines were built by Bhuti Vikramakesari, an Irukkavel chieftain. He named the central one after himself and the two on the flanks after his queens — Karrali and Varaguna. Significantly, the inscription gives the genealogy of nine generations of the Irukkavel chiefs. The temples were small units with an Ardha Mandapa in front of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temples feature exquisite sculptures including those of Shiva in fierce aspects from mythology — the most famous being that of Kalantaka, the conqueror of time/death — the form in which he kicks Yama to save his devotee. The makara toranas above the niches and friezes of bhutaganas playing different musical instruments on the top of the walls add to the charm of the structures. The enclosure originally had 16 symmetrically located subsidiary shrines for Parivara Devatas and pillared pavilions too. A circular stone well is situated within the complex. To the south-east of this temple complex are the remains of the Aivar Kovil or Aintali (temple of five), which were exposed by the Pudukkottai Princely State in the early decades of the 20th Century. Though the earliest inscription found on the remains is that of Chola King Aditya I (871-907 CE), historians believe that the temple must have been built by the Irukkuval chiefs. Only the basement of a large main shrine and four subsidiary shrines with pillared hall have survived. Two flights of steps to the north and the south lead to the hall and another to the circumambulatory passage of the main shrine. One of the balustrades of steps depicts dwarf figures blowing conches. Broken architectural elements, animal friezes, and sculptures of gods and goddesses were recovered from the site. The temple, according to the ASI, is tentatively dated to the times of Sattan Marvan (around early 9th Century CE), father of Marvan Pudi alias Bhuti Vikaramakesari. In recent years, the ASI has developed the enclosure with fencing, landscaped lawns, and basic amenities. To the south west of the Moovar Koil is the Muchukundesvara Temple, referred to as Mudukunram in its inscriptions. According to an inscription found on a pillar, the temple was consecrated by Mahimalaya Irukkavel. There are divergent views on dating the temple, but the recent view is that it was built in the early decades of the 10th Century CE. The original structure facing east consists of a square sanctum and a small hall. Traces of four subsidiary shrines can be observed around the main shrine. A pillared hall and the Amman shrine were added and renovated during the Pandya period. A circular stone well is also seen near the temple. Unique temple Explaining the historical importance of Kodumbalur, R. Kalaikkovan, director, Dr. Rajamanikkanar Centre for Historical Research, Tiruchi, said it was one of the very few towns mentioned by Ilango Adigal in Silapadikaram. 'It is one of the oldest towns in Tamil Nadu, where the Velir dynasty had flourished, and had been popular since the 8th Century,' he said. 'The Velirs had been in matrimonial relationships with the Cholas continuously as testified by several inscriptions found in the Tiruchi region. They had a key role to play in most of the Chola expeditions. They patronised temples, arts and culture. Their temple architecture and sculptures are rich and distinct in style. The Aivar Kovil, known as the Panchayatana temple and famous in north India, is the only such temple in Tamil Nadu. Unfortunately, only the basement of the temple has survived. The Moovar Kovil has a rare sculpture of Shiva holding a lingam on his shoulder,' Dr. Kalaikkovan said. The excavation, he felt, would lead to significant finds. Already, brick structures and a significant number of artefacts — including gold and glass beads, coins, semi-precious stones, terracotta images and toys — have been unearthed at the site.
New Straits Times
14-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Grief overwhelms father at funeral of FRU sergeant killed in Teluk Intan crash
IPOH: The father of Sergeant S. Perumal, one of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel killed in the tragic Teluk Intan crash, was visibly overcome with grief during his son's funeral at the Buntong Crematorium. M. Sugunanathan, 68, nearly fainted as emotions overwhelmed him, requiring support from close family members throughout the funeral rites. Earlier, the hearse carrying Perumal's body arrived at the crematorium around 5pm, from the family residence in Bandar Lahat Mines around 5pm. The late Perumal's body was accompanied and carried by the FRU team before the national flag covering the coffin was handed over by Inspector of Water Cannon Crew 5A FRU, Assistant Superintendent S. Sivakumar, to Sugunanathan. The deceased, aged 44, was then cremated starting at 5.45pm after the completion of religious rites according to Hindu customs. A sorrowful and somber atmosphere enveloped the funeral, which was attended by about 100 family members and acquaintances. Yesterday, an FRU truck carrying 18 personnel from Unit 5 Sungai Senam collided with a rock-laden lorry at KM15 of Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam in Teluk Intan. Eight officers died at the scene , and a ninth passed away while receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital. Perak police chief Datuk Noor Hisam Nordin said the truck which crashed head-on into the police lorry is believed to have suffered a steering malfunction. He said the FRU vehicle, returning to Ipoh after completing duties for the Chitrapournami festival, was struck by the truck transporting rocks.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
FRU truck crash: Sgt S Perumal laid to rest
IPOH: The remains of Sgt S. Perumal, 44, one of the nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel who perished in the fatal crash along Jalan Chikus–Sungai Lampam in Teluk Intan yesterday, were laid to rest at the Buntong Crematorium here at 5.45 pm today. Earlier, family members, relatives, and friends gathered at the late Perumal's residence in Bandar Lahat Mines, Lahat, to pay their final respects from 9 am, with religious rites commencing at 2.30 pm. A sombre atmosphere enveloped the crematorium grounds as over 100 mourners struggled to contain their grief upon the arrival of the late officer's remains at around 5 pm. The cremation was carried out with full honours according to Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) protocol, including a ceremonial guard of honour, before the family performed the final religious rites. Among those present to pay their last respects was ASP S. Sivakumar of FRU Unit 5 (Water Cannon), Sungai Senam, who formally presented the police ensign to the deceased's father, K. Sugunanathan, 68. The remains of Perumal and the eight other victims were earlier released in stages from the Forensic Department of Teluk Intan Hospital late last night after post-mortem. The remains of all Muslim FRU personnel were first brought to Surau Ar-Rahman at the Hilir Perak District police headquarters for funeral prayers, before being transported to FRU Unit 5 in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, for a second prayer service at Surau Ar-Mustaqim. They were then accorded final respects with full PDRM honours at the unit's headquarters, before being taken to their respective family homes and burial sites as requested by the next of kin. The tragic accident, which occurred at approximately 8.50 am yesterday, claimed the lives of nine FRU members when the vehicle carrying 18 personnel collided with a lorry transporting gravel. Eight were pronounced dead at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital.
The Star
14-05-2025
- The Star
FRU crash: Sarjan S. Perumal laid to rest
IPOH: The remains of Sarjan S. Perumal, 44, one of the nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel who perished in a fatal crash on Tuesday (May 13), were laid to rest at the Buntong Crematorium here at 5.45pm on Wednesday (May 14). Earlier, family members, relatives, and friends gathered at the late Perumal's residence in Bandar Lahat Mines, Lahat, to pay their final respects from 9am, with religious rites commencing at 2.30pm. A sombre atmosphere enveloped the crematorium grounds as over 100 mourners struggled to contain their grief upon the arrival of the late officer's remains at around 5pm. The cremation was carried out with full honours according to Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) protocol, including a ceremonial guard of honour, before the family performed the final religious rites. Among those present to pay their last respects was ASP S. Sivakumar of FRU Unit 5 (Water Cannon), Sungai Senam, who formally presented the police ensign to the deceased's father, K. Sugunanathan, 68. The remains of Perumal and the eight other victims were earlier released in stages from the Forensic Department of Teluk Intan Hospital late Tuesday night after post-mortem. The remains of all Muslim FRU personnel were first brought to Surau Ar-Rahman at the Hilir Perak District police headquarters for funeral prayers, before being transported to FRU Unit 5 in Sungai Senam, Ipoh, for a second prayer service at Surau Ar-Mustaqim. They were then accorded final respects with full PDRM honours at the unit's headquarters, before being taken to their respective family homes and burial sites as requested by the next of kin. The tragic accident occurred when a vehicle carrying 18 personnel collided with a lorry transporting gravel along Jalan Chikus-Sungai Lampam. Eight were pronounced dead at the scene, while one succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at Teluk Intan Hospital. – Bernama
