தர்மேசுவரர் திருக்கோயில், மணிமங்கலம்
Manimangalam is a small village just outside Chennai city on the southwest side. It is the site of the great Battle of Manimangalam fought in 642 CE between the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I and the Western Chalukya king Pulakesin II. The Pallavas emerged victorious, but Narasimhavarman’s father Mahendravarman was badly injured. The battle features in the classic historical novel by Kalki Krishnamoorthy- Sivagamyin Sabatham - சிவகாமியின் சபதம்.
This beautiful temple was built in its current form by the Cholas with later contributions by the Pandyas and Vijayanagar kings. Kulothunga Cholan I is credited with most of the work. The front mandapa is rebuilt by the Vijayanagar kings. It has a lot of well preserved inscriptions.
The temple is in a remarkably good state of preservation. The sculptures- especially the koshta idols are beautifully crafted. It lacks a rajagopuram or kodimaram / dwajasthambam. The vimanam is of the Gajaprishta or Thoonganai Maadam style but the sanctum is rectangular and not apsidal. There are an interesting set of statuettes holding swords to their necks commemorating Chola royal bodyguards who were willing to give their lives to protect their kings. There is a window sculpted out of stone.
It is situated in peaceful surroundings and the premises are nicely maintained. There is a Rudraksha - உருத்திராக்கம் tree here which bears fruit. The temple is under the control of the ASI - the Archeological Survey of India.
As we looked across the green fields, which were battlefields almost 1500 years ago, our gaze fell upon the distant tall residential buildings on the outskirts of Chennai. One day soon that urban sprawl will reach here and engulf this oasis in a concrete jungle. Sad but inevitable.
It is located about 43 km or one hour southwest of Chennai. We visited in May 2023. We were based in Chennai.
Credits: Google Maps
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