The Bronze Inscription of Devanga Math at Palani

 

The Devanga community's deep spiritual roots and rich history exemplify the bronze inscription (cheppedu) found in Palani, Tamil Nadu. Renowned as one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Murugan, Palani is also home to two ancient Devanga Mathas (monasteries), which serve as a testament to the community's historical presence and contributions. This article delves into the historical and cultural significance of these Mathas and inscriptions.

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The Two Devanga Mathas in Palani

1. The Math in Old Palani
   This monastery, located in the heart of the old town, was established for the local Devanga residents of Palani. It still stands today as a historic relic of the community’s legacy.

2. The Math on West Street at the Foothills
   This monastery was constructed to cater to the needs of Devanga families from neighboring villages and towns. The historical details about this Math are meticulously documented in the bronze inscription.

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Details of the Bronze Inscription

The inscription, dating back to 1885 CE (Kaliyuga 4986, Dharana Year, Panguni Month, 18th Day, Sunday), is spread across 11 plates, 22 pages, and 406 lines. It was inscribed to preserve the history and purpose of the monastery for future generations.

Artistic Features

• The first page features illustrations of deities, including Lord Kailasanathar, Periyanayaki, Lord Murugan, Vel (spear), Peacock, and Lord Vinayaka.
• The opening lines honor the divine names Sivamayam and Sri Sowdeswari Amman, followed by an elaborate description of Lord Murugan spanning 66 lines.

Linguistic Diversity

• Lines 1–115 are in Tamil.
• Lines 116–213 are in Kannada but written in Tamil script, showcasing the multilingual nature of the Devanga community.

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Insights from the Inscription

1. Origins and Purpose
   The Math was constructed to unify Devanga families from 24 sacred sites, Kongu Nadu’s 24 regions, and 56 villages. These included centers of weaving, trade, and spiritual activity, reinforcing the Devangas’ stronghold as a weaving and mercantile community.

2. Contributors and Leaders
   The inscription mentions leaders and patrons like:

   • Chinnopa Nayakkar (Palani’s feudal lord),
   • Saravana Gurukkal,
   • Palaniappa Nambiyar and others played critical roles in the monastery’s establishment.

3. Financial Contributions
   Devanga families from far and wide contributed funds for the Math’s construction. Each family agreed to pay:

   • One Panam per loom for their weaving trade.
   • Five Panams as a marriage tax.

4. Cultural Practices
   During Lord Murugan’s annual festival at Palani Hill, the Devanga community organized rituals like Thirumanjanam (sacred water procession). Additional facilities were also established, such as a water shelter and charity halls for devotees.

5. List of Contributing Villages
   Over 60 towns and villages contributed to the Math’s establishment. Prominent ones include:

   • Tindivanam, Bhuvanagiri, Villupuram, Gingee, Kumbakonam, Salem, Coimbatore, Dharapuram, Tiruppur, and many more.

6. Historical Context
   The monastery was initially built in 1814 CE (Kaliyuga 4915, Subakrithu Year, Vaikasi Month, 5th Day, Monday) but later documented in 1885 to prevent the loss of history due to the deterioration of earlier palm-leaf manuscripts.

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Challenges Today

The Math, once a thriving spiritual and communal hub, now faces encroachments and neglect. This highlights the need for immediate preservation efforts to restore and maintain its legacy.

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Conclusion

The bronze inscription of the Devanga Math is not just a historical record but also a testament to the unity, spirituality, and cultural richness of the Devanga community. It reflects their collective efforts to preserve their heritage and traditions. As custodians of such a vibrant history, it is imperative to protect these relics so that future generations can understand and celebrate their roots.

By bringing attention to the inscription and its rich details, we aim to inspire Devangas worldwide to reconnect with their heritage and contribute to preserving this invaluable monument.