An 800-year-old Shiva temple, Thennavanisvaram, from the Later Pandya period (1216–1345 CE) was recently discovered in Udampatti village (formerly Attur), Tamil Nadu.
- This archaeological finding offers valuable insights into medieval temple architecture, Pandya administration, and regional economy.
Key Features of the Thennavanisvaram Temple:
- Dedicated Deity: Lord Shiva, as confirmed by Shilpa Shastras and inscriptions.
- Dating: Built between 1217–1218 CE during the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya.
- Location: Present-day Udampatti village, Tamil Nadu.
- Name Significance:
- The name Thennavan (meaning “southerner”) was a royal title of the Pandya kings, indicating royal patronage.
Inscriptions and Socio-Economic Details:
- Records mention:
- Sale of a waterbody (Nagankudi) for 64 kasu (coins) — shows active water management and land transactions.
- Tax revenue assigned to the deity — demonstrating temple’s fiscal autonomy and the economic role of temples.
- Reflects:
- Temple-centered economy where temples functioned as landowners, employers, and financial entities.
About the Later Pandyas (12th–14th Century):
- Rise: Re-emerged after the decline of Cholas, ruling from Madurai.
- Prominent Ruler: Maravarman Sundara Pandya I (1216–1238 CE).
- Foreign Relations:
- Trade ties with Romans, Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians.
- Praised by Marco Polo, the 13th-century Italian traveller, for wealth and governance.
- Decline:
- Lost power after Delhi Sultanate invasions in the 14th century.
- Eventually absorbed into the Vijayanagara Empire.
Temple Patronage by the Pandyas:
The Pandyas were known for their Dravidian temple architecture and religious patronage. Key temples include:
| Temple | Location | Deity |
| Meenakshi Temple | Madurai | Meenakshi (Parvati) & Sundareswarar (Shiva) |
| Aranganathar Temple | Srirangam | Ranganatha (Vishnu) |
| Vijayanarayana Temple | Nanguneri | Vishnu |
| Lakshmi Narayana Temple | Athur | Vishnu |
Cultural and Administrative Significance:
- The discovered inscriptions show:
- Systematic record-keeping
- Use of standardized currency (kasu)
- Temple autonomy in managing local resources
- Indicates a well-organized administrative framework with temples as centers of local governance, culture, and economy.
The discovery of the Thennavanisvaram Temple enriches our understanding of Later Pandya history, temple architecture, and local governance systems, emphasizing the deep integration of spirituality, economy, and polity in medieval South India.
