Thiruvarankulam: A Cultural Study Based on Inscriptions

Abstract

This paper examines the cultural history of Thiruvarankulam through the inscriptions engraved on the walls of the Haratheerthesvara temple. As durable and reliable historical sources, inscriptions provide valuable evidence for reconstructing the social, religious, political, and economic life of a region. The records of this temple, belonging to the Later Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagara rulers, and local chieftains, reveal the continuous importance of the temple as a centre of worship, administration, social negotiation, and communal life. They document the construction of shrines, mandapas, gopura, and prakara walls; the institution of Santhi pujas; and donations of land, lamps, ornaments, gardens, wells, and festival endowments. The inscriptions also reflect the participation of Brahmins, merchants, warriors, artisans, shepherds, and Nagarathars in temple affairs. In addition, they preserve evidence of taxation, medical service, village protection, and dispute settlement. The study shows that Thiruvarankulam was not merely a sacred space, but also a vibrant social institution where devotion, authority, economy, and everyday life intersected. Thus, the inscriptional evidence of this temple helps recover nearly seven centuries of the cultural history of Thiruvarankulam and its surrounding region.