Sri Manikantesvaram Shiva Temple Dadapuram,Viluppuram,Tamil Nadu
Sri Manikantesvaram Shiva Temple (also written Manicka/Manikandeswarar) stands at Dadapuram, a small village north of Tindivanam in Viluppuram District.The village’s historical name was Rajarajapuram. A related Vishnu shrine, Sri Kari-Varadaraja (Kundavai Vinnagar), is c. 1.5 km south-west of this Shiva temple.
The presiding deity is Sri Manikantesvarar (Manicka Easwarar), a large east-facing Shivalingam. The Goddess is Sri Manickavalli (south-facing). Koshta devatas on the garbhagriha include Vinayaka, Jnana-Dakshinamurti, Vishnu, and Durga; in the prakaram are shrines/figures for Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Navagraha, Kalabhairava, Jyeshta Devi and Chandikesvara.
Temple Age
Epigraphic evidence places the temple firmly in the Rajaraja Chola I period. Inscriptions of the 19th, 21st and 25th regnal years of Rajaraja I (≈ 1004–1010 CE) and an early Rajendra I record are found here. The VMIS archive dates the complex to around 1004 CE.
History
Multiple records state the temple was built by Princess Kundavai Pirattiyar, daughter of Parantaka II (Sundara Chola), elder sister of Rajaraja I and wife of Vallavarayan Vandhiya Devan. Inscriptions enumerate gifts of gold/silver vessels, pearls, and provisions for lamps, including a gift by Kundavai’s maid Aiyaran Deviyanar (1004 CE). Dadapuram’s earlier name Rajarajapuram and the temple’s epigraphic name Iravikula Manikka Isvaram (after a title of Rajaraja) appear repeatedly. The nearby Kari-Varadaraja Perumal (Kundavai Vinnagar) and a now-lost Jain temple formed a triad of foundations attributed to Kundavai.
Sthalapurana
Long ago, during the reign of the Cholas, Princess Kundavai, the elder sister of Rajaraja Chola, was known for her great devotion to Lord Shiva. Though she was a princess with all wealth and comfort, she wished to spend her life in service of God and in helping people.
Kundavai visited this region, which was then called Rajarajapuram. She felt that this place, with its peaceful surroundings and sacred vibration, was chosen by Lord Shiva himself. She prayed deeply that Lord Shiva should appear here and bless the people. In her vision, she saw a radiant Shiva Lingam shining like a gem. The Lord revealed himself as Manikantesvarar – “the Lord who shines like a precious gem on his neck (mani-kanta)”.
Kundavai immediately arranged to build a temple here. It is said that when the Shiva Lingam was installed, a divine light spread across the village, and people believed the Lord had made this his permanent abode. Along with the Shiva temple, she also built a Vishnu temple nearby (Kundavai Vinnagaram for Kari-Varadaraja Perumal) and even supported a Jain temple, showing her respect for all faiths.
Another part of the local story says that Lord Shiva appeared here to bless Kundavai and her husband Vallavarayan Vandhiyathevan, granting them the boon that their names would live forever along with his own. Hence the deity is called Iravikula Manikkesvaram in inscriptions, linking him with the glory of Rajaraja’s dynasty (Iravikula).
From then onwards, the people of Dadapuram believed that worshipping Manikantesvarar brings radiance, prosperity, and learning. Even today, devotees say that if one prays sincerely here, confusions are cleared and wisdom is given, as this land was also close to Ennayiram, the famous Chola seat of Vedic learning.
Festivals
Standard Saivite observances are followed: Maha Shivaratri, monthly Pradosham, Karthigai Deepam, and Ambal-related Navaratri are typically celebrated; daily pujas and periodic abhishekams are performed to the Shivalingam and to Ambal. (Specific festival schedules for Dadapuram aren’t listed in the sources; these are the usual observances at comparable Chola-era Saiva temples in the region.)
