Apart from the above-mentioned inscriptions, many epigraphs of a chieftain named Vijaya Gandagopala who used to rule in 1250 A.D. are also seen in this temple. This ruler has mentioned himself as "Lord of Kanchi" in his inscriptions. He made numerous benefactions to various temples and the Tirumazhisai temple was no exception to this practice. The gifts to the Tirumazhisai temple were made through Gandagopala's subordinates in charge of this area. There is also one epigraph of the courageous chieftain, Kopperunjinga who became very powerful in the 13th century A.D. in the Tamil country. Hence the inscription depicts the comprehensive list of the benefactors and their valuable contribution. In the later part of the 13Ih century A.D., Tamil Nadu came under the control of the mighty Vijayanagara empire. The inscriptions as well as the structural design of the Jagannatha Perumal temple in that period clearly point to the influence of the Vijaynagra tradition. The earliest Vijayanagara records in this temple are those of Harihara II (1377-1404 A.D.) and approximately four inscriptions datable to his reign are found here. There are also some epigraphs of Virupaksha II (1465-1472 A.D.) which are etched on the walls of this temple. In Tirumazhisai, near the Jagannatha Perumal temple is another shrine. This shrine is for the Lord Vishnu dedicated to Veetrirunda Perumal. Although architecturally not very ancient, there is a myth associated with this temple as the inscriptions described. In this shrine the image is believed to be a svayambhu (self-manifested). The image in the garbha-griha is similar to the one of Jagannatha Perumal. Thus the inscription stamped on the walls of the temples providing details enhanced the legendary greatness of Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple. |