Parthasarathy Temple, Parthivapuram – Inscriptions
Tamil
inscription with Vattezhuthu scripts are found engraved at the northern side of
the Naalampalam entrance which mentions about the grants made by a ruler called
Varman, from the Valluvanadu which is presently in the Malabar region. T.A.S.
Vol. III, p.53 states that Valluvanadu was once one of the most ancient
territories divisions of Chera country. This inscription stands proof to the
reach that Chera rulers had on regions even far away.
References
to a fort and a moat surrounding the land, along with this Parthivasekharapuram
temple are found. It also informs is of the prominent men from Parthivasekharapuram
who had assembled near the temple’s tank reciprocating the gifts and grants
made by Keralan Aadichchan (Varman) alias Rajadhiraja ‘Valluvanaadaalvan’ of
Karitturai. The terms ‘Rajadhiraja’ and ‘Valluvanaadaalvan (Lord of
Valluvanadu) glorify the king’s royalty.
The
grants bestowed by the king enables the villagers to enjoy all the produces got
from the demarcated land granted by him, for which the villagers in turn must
protect his fort at Kulachchai (Colachel). It was also decided to provide one
sacred lamp to the Alwar (saint) at this temple, from the income earned from
within the grounds of its vast boundaries.
Another inscription belongs to 9th Century A.D found on the left of this Naalampalam (Vishnu Temple) registers the gift offered by Kaaman Tadakkan of Kunrathur, to meet the requirements for burning Karthika deepam (November/December) in this temple. The temple at Parthivasekharapuram was constructed by Karunandadakkan, an Ay chief who controlled the eastern hilly region of the Travancore State. However, current records present the donor’s name as Tadakkan not as Adakkan, thus creating ambiguity.
Another inscription belongs to 9th Century A.D found on the left of this Naalampalam (Vishnu Temple) registers the gift offered by Kaaman Tadakkan of Kunrathur, to meet the requirements for burning Karthika deepam (November/December) in this temple. The temple at Parthivasekharapuram was constructed by Karunandadakkan, an Ay chief who controlled the eastern hilly region of the Travancore State. However, current records present the donor’s name as Tadakkan not as Adakkan, thus creating ambiguity.
