Mandagapattu Temple

Mandagapattu Tirumurti Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Mandagapattu in the Viluppuram district of Tamil Nadu, India. Hewn from rock by the Pallava ruler Mahendravarman I in honour of the trinity Brahma-Shiva-Vishnu, the rock-cut cave temple is the oldest stone shrine discovered and dated in Tamil Nadu.[1][2] The temple is notable for the earlest known rock-cut Sanskrit inscription written in Grantha script. It is attributed to the Pallava king Mahendravarman I (600–630 CE).[3]

Early 7th-century Mandagapattu temple is dedicated to Brahma-Shiva-Vishnu.

The inscription reads:

EtadanishTamadrumamalOhamasudham vichitra chitEna nirmA pitanrupENabrahmEsharaviShNulakSitAyanam

Transliteration into Devanagari script:

अतद्निष्टकंद्रुं(मलो)-
हमसुधं (विचित्रचि)त्तेन
निम्मर्पितन्न्रपे(ण) ब्रह्मो –
श्वरविष्णुल(क्षि)तायनं

Translation:

"The temple dedicated to Brahma, Siva and Vishnu was excavated by Vichitrachitta without using brick, timber, metal and mortar".
  • Sanskrit inscription
  • Inscription, 2-D print
  • The mukya and ardha mandapas
  • One of three sanctums

References
  1. Sastri, p 690
  2. Karen Pechilis Prentiss (2000). The Embodiment of Bhakti. Oxford University Press. pp. 81–82. ISBN 978-0-19-535190-3.
  3. N. S. Ramaswami (1971). Indian Monuments. Abhinav Publications. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-89684-091-1.

Bibliography

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