Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu bear testimony to the cultural history of the Tamils, the religious fervour of the Tamil kings who built them and the architectural expertise prevalent in the region more than 1,000 years ago. One such temple which speaks volumes of the traditional glory of temple architecture in the state is the Sri Dharma Samvardhiniyammai Udanagiya Sri Thirukkareesanadhar Temple, at Kalavai, about 20 km from Arcot, in Vellore district, and 120 km from Chennai. According to the legend, the presiding deity (of Lord Siva) emerged as a ‘Swayambu’ in the form of a lingam during the seventh century A.D.
The temple abounds in relics and inscriptions on the outer wall of the sanctum sanctorum (made of ‘pachaikkal’ or green stones), which refer to the period dating back to the later half of the 10th century, the period of Raja Raja Chola, his great grandson Adhirajendra Chola and Kulothunga. There are two records of Vikrama Chola, the son and successor of Kulothunga, dating back to the 12th century. The first one dated 1,122 mentions Kalavai as Rajanarayana Chaturvedi Chozhamangalam and the name of the deity as Thirukkarisvaramudaiyar.
After the rule of the Nawabs, during whose reign the place got its name Kalavai, the idols were uncovered and the temple was renovated.
The vimanam of the sanctum sanctorum was renovated by Sri Sachidananda Swamigal of the Kamalakkanni Adheenam, Kalavai. The renovation work at the temple is being carried out in full swing and with a little more financial assistance from people the pending works are expected to get completed soon. Devotees may send their donations by cheque/draft, drawn in favour of Kalavai Sivanadiyargal Trust, addressed to the Trust, 50, Nainar Street, Kalavai-632506, or remit their contributions into the A/c. No.986381471, Indian Bank, Kalavai.
