Mukthialeeswarar Temple, perumukkal malai, (Perumukkal)

 temple, archaeological site

Beutiful temple situated at the top of the Perumukkal Hill. This temple which had originally in brick was converted onto stone temple during the period of Vikrama Chola (1183-1235 A.D). The deity of the temple is known Thiruvanmikai Eswaramudayar as well as Perumukkal Udayar in Tamil and Mukthialeeswarar in Sanskrit. The donations made by the Chola, Pandya, Sambuvaraya and Vijayanagara rulers have been recorded in more than 60 inscriptions found on the rocks. A cave found on the western hillock is called seetha cave. There are some carvings and "Vattezhuthu" (Tamil circle letters) inscriptions dating back to 7th century A.D. In the bottom of the hill, nice feet carvings are found (see photo). Hence this may be a jain temple earlier. Also a damaged Vinayaga idol is there at the bottom of the hillock (see photo). Now the temple is under Archeology survey of India (ASI). ASI should take care of the this hillock temple as nearby stone quarries are functioning.