Twin Agastishvara and Cholishvara Temples

Aliza Rizwan

Twin Agastishvara and Cholishvara Temples

The Twin Temples at Keezhaiyur were constructed in the 9th century. The temple complex was built by the Paluvettaraiyar chieftains, who were vassals of the Medieval Cholas. These temples are situated at Keezhaiyur, along the Trichy-Ariyalur highway.

Twin Agastishvara and Cholishvara Temples | Source - Milliongods.com

Twin Agastishvara and Cholishvara Temples, Kilaiyur

The Twin Agastishvara and Cholishvara temples were built in 9th-century by the Paluvettaraiyar chieftains who were vassals of the Medieval Cholas at Keezhaiyur on the Trichy-Ariyalur highway. They are excellent examples of early Chola architecture. These temples were constructed even before the famous Big Temple in Thanjavur, making them historically significant.

The village of Kilaiyur has been historically known as the capital of the Pazhuvettaraiyar. Located about 30 miles southeast of Trichirapalli, it comprises the twin townships of Kilaiyur and Melappaluvur. In the early Chola period, it was called Perumpaluvur and served as the seat of local chiefs who styled themselves Paluvettaraiyar. These chiefs were loyal and favoured vassals of the Chola Kings and had potential connections with Kerala. Among the temples probably built by them, three stand out, with the twin temples at Kilaiyur, known as "Avanikandarpa-Isvara-grham" in inscriptions, showcasing a distinctive architectural style known as Cholanadu style.

An inscription from the time of Rajendra Chola mentions that two individuals who committed homicide had to surrender their land to the Keezhaiyur Temple. Another inscription from the same era refers to the provision for paying a "Nattuvakkani," a dance master. This, along with the idols depicting musical instruments, suggests that the Keezhaiyur Twin Temples played a role in the musical movement of that period. Another inscription reveals that one of Raja Raja I's queens belonged to the Pazhuvettaraiyar clan. The inscription, from the twenty-seventh regnal year of Raja Raja, states that, upon the request of his queen Nakkan Panchavan Mahadevi, daughter of Avani Kandarpa Purattu Devanar of Pazhuvur, the King granted income from newly surveyed lands to the temple.

The temple has been a centre for promoting art and culture, particularly music. This is evident from one of the idols on the Vimanam holding a musical instrument, as per the sources. The presiding deities of the first temple are Sri Sozheeswarar and Sri Manonmani, while the second temple is dedicated to Sri Agatheeswarar and Sri Abitha Kusalambal.

The Keezhaiyur Twin Temples could be easily overlooked despite their location on the main road. However, upon entering, you will find yourself filled with wonder at the sight of these two exquisite temples. These monuments are under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India. The Keezhaiyur Twin Temples are among the oldest in Tamil Nadu. The sculptural magnificence displayed here goes beyond a cursory glance and warrants meticulous observation. Endeavours should be undertaken to draw pilgrims and history enthusiasts, allowing them to fully appreciate the splendour of these temples.

The temple in the north is called Vadavaayil Sirikoil or Chozheecharam, and the one in the south is called Thenvaaayil Sirikoil or Agatheeswaram. The Paluvettaraiyar chieftains Kumaran Maravan and Kumaran Kandan are credited with their construction. These twin temples at Kilaiyur are a significant representation of early Cholanadu-style architecture. The State Archaeology Department has recently taken up the responsibility of maintaining and preserving these twin temples at Keezhaiyur on the Tiruchi-Ariyalur Highway.