Naganathaswamy Temple

About Naganathaswamy Temple:

• It was built by Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044 CE).
• It is referred as Kailasamudaiyar temple in inscriptions.
• Features
  • It is known for its exquisite stone sculptures and important inscriptions.
  • It consists of an ekatala vimana and a mukha mandapa.
  • The walls of both structures are divided into three bays.
  • The central bays of the vimana have niches to accommodate Dakshinamurthi in the south, Lingodhbava in the west and Brahma in the north.
  • The mukha mandapa is provided with three niches on the south and the north.
  • Excellent sculptures of Bikshatana, Adavallan and Ganapathi decorate the south, whereas Gangadarara, Durga and Ammaiappar are in the north.
  • All the niches have well carved and distinctive makara thoranas (ceremonial arches) with relief sculptures in the centre.
  • Inscriptions: The temple is known for its important inscriptions belonging to the periods of Rajendra Chola I and Kulothunga I (regnal years 1070-1120 CE).
  • Nine interesting and informative inscriptions have been recorded from this temple.
  • The earliest among them belongs to the fourth regnal year of Rajendra Chola I.
  • It refers to a grant of land free of taxes by the nagaratthar of Ilaichikkudi for raising a flower garden named after the king for the use of the temple.