சலநாதீசுவரர் திருக்கோயில், தக்கோலம்
Known in ancient times as Thiruvooral (திருவூறல்), this beautiful Sivan temple is a Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is believed that there was a natural spring that was fashioned into a fountain and water poured out of the Nandi’s mouth and reached the nearby Kallaru (known today as Kusithalai River or Kosasthalayar in its lower reaches). Hence the name Ooral-ஊறல். This is not evident now. Thirugnanasampanthar sang the pathikam for this temple.
மாறில் அவுணரரணம் மவைமாயவோர் வெங்கணையா லன்று
நீறெழ எய்தவெங்கள் நிமலன் இடம்வினவில்
தேறல் இரும்பொழிலும் திகழ்செங்கயல் பாய்வயலுஞ் சூழ்ந்த
ஊறல் அமர்ந்தபிரான் ஒலியார்கழல் உள்குதுமே.
Although the temple had existed in the 7th century when Sampanthar visited there, it was built as a stone temple by Aparajithavarman, the last Pallava emperor in 876 CE. The core architecture still shows the Pallava influence. The 3 tier, squat and solid rajagopuram was built in 1543 CE by the Vijayanagara emperor Veera Pradhaba Sadasiva Maharaya.
This temple bore witness to one of the most significant battles in Tamil history - the Battle of Thakkolam (தக்கோலப்போர்) - fought in late 948 or early 949 CE, between the emerging Cholas and the Rashtrakutas for control of South India. Crown prince Rajaditya Cholan, eldest son of Paranthakan I, heir apparent and very capable general, met Krishna III and his invading Rashtrakuta forces just outside of this town. The Cholas lost badly and Rajadityan was killed. The exact nature of his death is unclear but it is believed that an arrow pierced his chest while he was on his war elephant - later Chola inscriptions mention him as - யானை மீது துஞ்சிய தேவர் ( The Lord who died on an elephant). The Chola garrison at Thakkolam was almost annihilated. The death toll exceeded a hundred thousand. The blood flowed like a river it is said and reddened the waters of the Kallaru. The famed Chola army retreated in disarray and Thanjavur was briefly occupied and ransacked. It took several years to rebuild Chola strength after this defeat, but they went on to win many more battles during the time of Sundara Cholan (Paranthakan II) - Rajaditiyan’s nephew, his younger brother Arinjayan’s son and Rajarajan’s father. As we drove away from this historic town, we couldn’t help gazing at the peaceful, green fields with cattle and water buffalo grazing on the verdant grass and wonder about the thousands who died here more than a thousand years ago.
The temple is situated close to Thiruvalankadu and is about 2 hours or 64 km west of Chennai.
We visited in May 2023. We were based in Chennai.
Credits: Google Maps
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