Audio tour Moovarkovil

The main attraction of Kodumbalur is the ‘Moovarkovil’ temple complex which belongs to the tenth century. The temples were believed to be built by Boothi Vikrama Kesari, the Irukkuvel chieftain and has striking influence of Pallava architecture. He dedicated the three shrines in the name of himself and his two wives Karrali and Varaguna. Of the three temples, only two remain today – the central and the southern one. The Moovarkovil holds an honoured place in the evolution of both South Indian architecture and sculpture.

There are various stories that are prevalent with respect to the three shrines. Some believe it was erected by the three saints Appar, Sundarar and Manikka vachakar while others dedicate it to the Kings of Chera, Chola and Pandya dynasties. Yet another group believe the three shrines were dedicated to the Hindu trinity – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

The temples are identical and stand in a row facing west. They had mandapas, an entrance tower or gopura and sixteen sub shrines. The temples show great resemblance to Pallava architecture, which is thought to have been the result of the martial relationship of Irukkuvel chieftains with Muttaraiyars, the vassals of Pallavas. Archaeologists have classified the temple to the early Chola period and is also identified Tirupudisvaram. Here, we present in detail the structure of the temples in this audio.