TIRUVANNAMALAI

With Kooperunjuga of Pallava origin on the throne history begins Many inscriptions on the walls of prakarams furnish dates of endowments. Chola kings, Hoyasala rulers, Vijayanagar Rayas, Tanjore Nayakas etc. heightened the religious glory of this temple by their liberal patronage, as evidenced by the architectural beauty and sculptural marvels they added to the temple. The tall eleven-storeyed Eastern tower - Rajagopuram measuring 217 feet in height is the contribution of Vijayanagara Kings started by Krishnadevaraya in 1512, and completed by Sevappa Nayak. 

In addition, Krishnadevaraya built the thousand pillared mandapam - an all-time wonder in the realm of sculpture. The Sivaganga tank, opposite the mandapam owes its origin to him. The other four high towers were built at different periods by celebrated theists belonging to generous groups of maharanis, amatyas, sevakas, vellalas and vanija pramukhas. The plethora of information inscribed on walls started in the eighth century and this brings the reader !o the present times, functioning now under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.

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