Nestled in this cluster of green hills is a place of historical importance, Vijayalaya Choleeshwaram, one of the first Chola temples built in south India

Just a small drive away from the city lies Narthamalai, with its beautiful rock-cut Chola temples, for those interested in history and archaeology the temples and their inscriptions.

A cluster of small hills, Narthamalai lies 25 km from Tiruchi on the Tiruchi-Pudukottai route. A 9th century Pallava cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva lies in the southern area, and in front of this lies the Vijayalaya Choleeshwaram temple, a place of historical importance.

This Shiva temple is one of the earliest Chola creations. A glimpse of future artistic greatness can be seen in the beautiful figures of the dancers and carved dwara-palakas. Built by Vijayalaya, the inscriptions in the temple describe it as one of the first temples built by the Cholas. The two rock-cut temples are classic examples of how temple architecture styles were fusing in different parts of the country. The main temple is surrounded by smaller shrines along with a Nandi bull.

The area was once capital of Mutharaiyar chieftains who had an upper hand in the polity ofTamil Nadu until the rise of the Cholas. Mythological legends surround the formation of the hills in which the temples lie. It is believed that Lord Hanuman, while carrying the hill with the Sanjeevini plant to the dying Lakshmana, passed over the region. This, the legend goes, has caused the plants available in the area to have medicinal properties.

The walk up the hill and the view from the top of both the temple and the paddy fields below is breath taking. And, the monsoon and its attendant greenery make the place all the more beautiful at this time of year.

Apart from the main temple of interest there are other prominent places of interest close to the region which guarantees a great weekend getaway. For photography aficionados and for history buffs, this is one spot that must not be missed.

Source: The Times of India, DT. June 14, 2013