What is the History of Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple?

The information you provided describes the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple in Narthamalai, located in the Pudukottai district of southern Tamil Nadu, India. Here is a summary of the key features of the temple:

1. Location: The temple is situated in Narthamalai, a rocky hill in the Pudukottai district of Tamil Nadu.

2. Structures:

   • Main Temple: The temple complex consists of three main structures. The first is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, which houses twelve life-size sculptures of Maha Vishnu. These sculptures represent the first twelve names of the Chaturvimshatimurti.
   • Rock-cut Cave Temple: There is a rock-cut cave temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with twelve life-size sculptures of Vishnu.
   • Jain Rock-cut Cave: Another rock-cut cave is dedicated to Jains, with carvings and structures related to Jainism.

3. Lord Vishnu Cave:

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   • The cave dedicated to Lord Vishnu is the oldest among the temple's complexes.
   • The twelve Vishnu sculptures inside represent the first twelve names of the Chaturvimshatimurti.
   • Dvarapalas guard the sanctum, and there is a base of lingam with 24 pits, possibly representing the 24 names of Vishnu.

5. Shrine for Shiva:

   • The shrine for Shiva is surrounded by eight shrines, of which six remain today.
   • The main shrine faces west and houses a Lingam as the aniconic representation of Shiva.
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   • The sanctum is plain, without niches for different images, a feature different from later Chola temples.
   • The vimana over the sanctum has a semi-spherical shape with four storeys, and Dvarapalas guard the entrance.

6. Architecture:

   • The temple's foundation is a huge granite structure with steps leading to the shrine dedicated to Maha Vishnu.
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   • Carvings of the mystical animal Yali and non-mystical animals like elephants adorn the foundation.

7. Jaina Abode:

   • Another portion of Narthamalai houses an 8th-century Jaina abode, the Aluruttimalai Jain Caves, dedicated to Jainism.

8. Rock-cut Caves:

   • Apart from the Jain cave, there are two rock-cut caves, one of which houses twelve life-size sculptures of Vishnu.
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   • Circular pilasters with circular shafts on four sides of the vimana indicate the temple's antiquity.

9. Similar Features:

   • The presence of circular pilasters is a feature possibly termed Vrittasputitas found in other temples as well.
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Overall, the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple complex is a significant archaeological and historical site with structures dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva, and Jains, showcasing the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region.