Thakkolam temple, a treasure trove of Tamil history, needs restoration

Sub : History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

The Jalanatheswarar Temple in Thakkolam, is an important historical site, particularly from the Chola period, has suffered severe deterioration, and its structural condition is in urgent need of restoration.

About the temple:

The Jalanatheswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva located in Thakkolam, in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu.
Lord Shiva the Presiding Deity is known as Jalanatheeswarar and His Consort Goddess Parvathi is called as Giriraja Kannikambal.
The temple is a significant historical monument, particularly from the Chola era, and has deep roots in Tamil history, dating back to the reign of the Pallavas and Cholas.
The temple was constructed by the Pallavas in the 6th century.

Current Condition of the Temple:

The northern outer wall of the temple, situated on the banks of the Kosasthalaiyar River, has collapsed, and the temple tank is in a derelict state, surrounded by overgrown vegetation and debris.
The wall’s collapse was reportedly caused by rainfall, and the last kumbabishekam (consecration) of the temple took place over 15 years ago.

History of Thakkolam:

The original name of Thakkolam was Thiruvural, as evidenced by hymns from Saivite Minstrels (traveling composers and saints who spread the philosophy of Shaivism).
A total of 51 inscriptions are found in the Jalanatheswarar Temple, including references to Pallava King Aparajita and Chola rulers. These inscriptions shed light on the town’s history and its role during various reigns.
Kalaikovan, a historian, mentions that during the reign of Chalukya King Vimaladitya, who married Kundavai, the daughter of Rajaraja Chola, the town’s name evolved from Thiruvural to Thakkolamana Thiruvuralpuram.
According to epigraphist Padmavathi, the town’s ancient name was Aparajita-Chaturvedimangalam, a name that was used during the reign of Pallava King Aparajitavaraman.
Recently, the town made news when the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) renamed its Recruits Training Centre (RTC) in Arakkonam to Rajaditya Chola RTC, in honour of Rajaditya Chola, a Chola prince who died in a battle against the Rashtrakutas in 949 CE.

Historical significance:

Historians have used the Thakkolam inscriptions to estimate the dates of key events during the Chola rule.
The 24th year of Rajakesari in the inscriptions refers to Aditya I and records a solar eclipse that occurred in D. 894 or 895. This helps to calculate the reign of Aditya I to have started around A.D. 870 or 871, lasting approximately 36 years until A.D. 907.
This analysis also provides an estimate of the reign of Vijayalaya Chola, which likely began around D. 850.
Rajaditya Chola, the son of Parantaka Chola, was killed during a battle in Thakkolam, when an arrow struck him in the chest.