Once a flourishing town under the Chozha-s and the Pandya-s, it was
a city of temples like Kanchi and Kumbakonam. According to
tradition, this place once contained 108 Siva temples. It is supported
by the discovery of a large number of lingam-s , nandi-s and other
sculptures in the area. But nothing remains now of the past glory of
Kodumbalur except the beautiful
Muvar-koil (மூவர்கோயில்)
and Muchu-kundesvara-koil (முச்சுகுந்தேஸ்வரர்
கோயில்). These temples hold an honoured place
in the evolution of both south Indian temple architecture and sculpture.
There are remnants of an Aivar-koil (ஐவர்கோயில்)
which was perhaps the only one of its kind in Tamilnadu or even
South-India. There is also a large stone nandi in the village near
to the road.
Monuments in Kodumbalur :
Presently, the first three monuments, that is the Muvar-koil, the
Muchu-kundesvara-koil and the remnants of the Aivar-koil, are
protected monuments and under Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Also
they are no more under worship.
There is an ASI counter at the Muvar-koil and a staff will be
there on duty. The monuments will be open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. There
are no holidays. There is an entry fee of Rs. 5 for Indian citizens and
Rs. 100 (US$ 2) for foreigners for the Muvar-koil.
Entry to all other monuments is free.
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