This temple dates back to the Chola period. Originally known as the ‘Kailasamudaya Nayanar Temple,’ it is now widely recognized as the Valeeswarar Temple
Location
Arpakkam village is located 15 kilometers south of Kanchipuram. To reach it, take the eastern route, locally known as the ‘Keezh road,’ towards Uttiramerur from Kanchipuram. The village is accessible by car within 15 to 20 minutes. Upon reaching the Arpakkam junction (also referred to as Arpakkam Mandapam), turn left to enter the village. The road conditions are good (at the time of writing this book)
Inscription
The temple features an intriguing inscription from the Chola period, specifically from the 5th regnal year of King Rajadhi Rajan II (1168 AD). This inscription recounts a significant historical event in Tamil Nadu. King Kulothunga I, the great-grandfather of Rajadhi Rajan II, had conquered the Pandya Kingdom and brought it under Chola control, although the Pandya kings loyal to the Cholas were allowed to rule their lands. However, after Kulothunga I’s reign, the Cholas lost control over the Pandyas.
Around 1166 AD, internal conflict erupted between Pandya kings Parakrama and Kulasekara. When Kulasekara attacked Madurai, Parakrama Pandya sought assistance from Sri Lankan King Parakrama Bahu. Before Lankan help could arrive, Kulasekara captured Madurai and killed Parakrama, his wife, and some of his children. Nevertheless, the Lankan King instructed his generals to continue the fight until Kulasekara was defeated and to restore the Pandya throne to Virapandya, the surviving son of Parakrama.
Kulasekara sought aid from Chola King Rajadhi Rajan II, who dispatched a large force. Despite this, Kulasekara was defeated by the Lankan forces, and Virapandya was installed on the Pandya throne. This led to direct conflict between the Cholas and the Lankans. Initially, the Lankan forces were successful, occupying parts of the Chola Kingdom’s southern border. To counter this threat, Rajadhi Rajan II sought moral support from the Saivite Saint Umapathi Deva from Bengal. In response to the King’s request, the Saint performed ‘Aghora Pooja’ (intensive rituals) continuously for 28 days.
Following this, Chola general Annan Pallava Rayan led the Chola forces against the Lankans. After a fierce battle, the Lankans were defeated, and their generals, Lankapuri Dandanayaka and Jagathvisaya Dandanayaka, were executed. Kulasekara Pandya was able to ascend the throne without further opposition. In gratitude for Saint Umapathi Deva’s religious services that contributed to the defeat of the Lankans, Rajadhi Rajan II gifted the village of Arpakkam in Thondai Mandalam to him.
Despite this, Lankan King Parakrama Bahu did not relent and prepared a major counter-offensive against the Cholas. In response, the Cholas supported Srivallabha, a rival claimant to the Lankan throne, and their naval forces launched attacks that destroyed many places in Lanka. Facing defeat, Parakrama Bahu eventually recognized Kulasekara as the rightful Pandya king and allied with him against the Cholas. Anticipating treachery, the Cholas ousted Kulasekara and reinstated Virapandya as the rightful Pandya king. The inscription in the present Shiva temple provides a detailed account of the 28-day Aghora Pooja performed by Saint Umapathi Deva and the gift of Arpakkam village by Chola King Rajadhi Rajan II.
Religion : Saivism
Deity : Valeeswarar
Period : 12th Century
Categor y : Temple