The Construction and Patronage of Madurai Meenakshi, Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar, and Srirangam Thiruvarangam Temples

The Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, and Srirangam Thiruvarangam Temple have unique historical backgrounds regarding their construction and patronage. This article explores the origins, renovations, and the involvement of the Vijayanagar kings in these monumental structures.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple

The Madurai Meenakshi Temple has a rich and ancient history that predates the Vijayanagar Empire. The original structure is believed to have originated from the early Tamil kings. Significant renovations and expansions occurred during the Nayak period (16th to 18th centuries), which was part of the Vijayanagar Empirersquo;s influence in South India. While the Vijayanagar kings played a crucial role in the development and maintenance of this temple, they were not the original builders.

Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple

The Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Koyil, was built by Raja Raja Chola I in the early 11th century. This temple is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola dynasty. Despite having undergone maintenance and renovation during the Vijayanagar kingsrsquo; rule, it was not originally constructed by the Vijayanagar kings. The Chola dynasty laid the foundation for this magnificent temple.

Srirangam Thiruvarangam Temple

The Srirangam Temple, dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, has its origins in the early medieval period. The Chola dynasty and later the Vijayanagar Empire made significant contributions to the temple. The temple underwent extensive renovations and expansions under the Vijayanagar kings, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries. This temple is a testament to the architectural and cultural richness of South India.

Madurai Meenatchi Amman Temple

The Madurai Meenatchi Amman Temple has a long and illustrious history. It was mentioned in the oldest Tamil texts and was built and renovated many times. Notable contributors to the templersquo;s construction include Maravarman Sundara Pandyan in 1216-1238 and Parakrama Pandyan in 1315-1347. Siramalai Sevanthi Murthy built the tallest South tower in 1559, and the North tower was started by Nayaks in the 17th century and completed by Amaravathi Pudur Vayinagaram Nagappar in the British period. The temple also served as a fort for Sultanate rulers for almost half a century.

Thanjavur Periya Koil

Thanjavur Periya Koil or the Brihadeeswarar Temple was almost entirely constructed by Raja Raja Chozhan in the early 11th century, well before the Vijayanagar-Nayak rule in Tamil Nadu. Later, Maratha rulers made some changes, fortifying the temple complex with a moat and altering the Bull iconography. The Cholas and Pandyas contributed significantly to the templersquo;s construction, and it was also plundered during the Sultanate invasion in the early 14th century.

Thiruvarangam Aranganathar Temple

Thiruvarangam Aranganathar Temple has been mentioned in the 2nd-century Chilappathikaram itself, a millennium before the Vijayanagara Empire. Some historians believe it was a Buddhist monastery before that. The temple was a site of destruction during Sultanate invasions in the early 14th century. When the Vijayanagara rulers captured Thiruvarangam, they contributed significantly to its renovation and restoration.

In summary, while the Vijayanagar kings played a significant role in the development and maintenance of these temples, they were not the original builders of the Madurai Meenakshi and Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar temples. The Srirangam Temple, however, saw considerable enhancement during their reign. These temples stand as testaments to the cultural and religious heritage of South India, with contributions from various dynasties throughout history.