THIRUMAIYAM TEMPLE

This cave temple was established by Kuvavan Mutharayar during his rule at Thanjavoor at 610 -649 A.D In Tamilnadu. There stands a s statue of Kuvavan Mutharayar in the form of dwarapalaka(Gate keeper,security guard)on the right side of temple door. It is believed that Kuvavan was brought from Renadu(Rayalseema)as a stepson by his ancestor nalladi alias Bhima solan. Mahendra Pallavan took over Kanchi from Bhima Solan.

On the left side of temple entrance, there stands another Dwarapalaka, which is said to be the statue of Kuvavan’s younger brother Punniyakumaran. At the time of Kuvavan’s rule Punniyakumaran was the yuvaraja. That is why the Dwarapalaka on left entrance seen without crown. At that time his father was on the seat of power in Reenadu. The elder brother Kuvavan was crowned as king at Thanjavoor. The younger brother was serving his elder brother faithfully by saying with him. The elder brother Kuvavan honored his younger brother for his love and faithful services by installing his statue along with him as dwarapalakas along with him in Thiru maiyam temple in Pudukkottai.