Copperplate Inscription of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple

 

Copperplate Inscription of Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple:

The Story of the First Honor Recipients

The Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the most revered temples in Tamil Nadu, holds religious significance within its walls and rich historical narratives. Among these, the Seppeadu (inscription) found in the temple complex provides fascinating insights into the early administrative and social honor system. This inscription, recorded in the O. Koyilpatti Seppeadu, reveals the identities of the first individuals who were bestowed with prestigious honors at the temple and sheds light on the reasons behind their recognition.

The Historical Significance of the Seppeadu

The details of this remarkable inscription are found in the book titled "Tirumala Nayakkar Seppeadugal", published by the Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department. It offers a glimpse into the administrative practices of the time, highlighting how social and religious contributions were acknowledged through formal decrees.

The O. Koyilpatti Seppeadu, part of the Devanga Settiyar Community Registry, was discovered in the possession of Mr. P. R. M. Nadarajan Settiyar, a respected figure from O. Koyilpatti, near Shankaralingapuram in the Sathur Taluk of Kamrajar District. This historical artifact was meticulously studied by Archaeological Officer Mr. S. Santhilingam, who documented his findings in the "Kalvettu Kalanthidhal", Issue No. 32. His research provided the basis for understanding the context and content of the inscription, which was later made publicly accessible.

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Description of the Seppeadu

The inscription is crafted on a stone slab measuring 26 cm in length and 22 cm in width. The top section of the slab is adorned with intricate designs, featuring five arch-shaped motifs that add to its aesthetic and symbolic value. The inscription itself is divided into two sections:

• Front Side: Contains 46 lines, filled with detailed scripts and inscriptions that describe the events and the honors bestowed.

• Back Side: Consists of 8 lines, providing additional context or supplementary details.

Interestingly, the inscriptions are marked by some irregularities and errors, reflecting the challenges of ancient script carving. The front side also features artistic engravings of the sun and moon, possibly symbolizing the cosmic significance and the divine association of the temple.

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The Date and Historical Context

The inscription is dated to Sakabda 1513, which corresponds to the 10th day of the Tamil month of Aadi. However, this date doesn’t align with the reign of Tirumala Nayakkar, the ruler typically associated with this era. Upon further analysis, it appears that if the year is instead considered as Sakabda 1573, it would correspond to around July 1651 CE.

This discrepancy raises interesting questions about the chronology and the historical context of the inscription. It also hints at the possibility of overlapping timelines and the evolution of administrative practices over different reigns.

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The Story of Thimmi Setti and Kaaramalli Setti

The core of the inscription narrates the story of two prominent figures: Thimmi Setti and Kaaramalli Setti. They were esteemed members of the Setti community, known for their contributions to both social and religious life.

According to the inscription, individuals from the Setti community gathered from various towns such as Madurai, Thirumangalam, and present-day Virudhunagar District. The towns mentioned include Vempakotai, Thayaneri, and others—14 in total—highlighting the widespread influence and recognition of the community.

Thimmi Setti and Kaaramalli Setti jointly collected substantial wealth, amounting to:

• 7,000 gold coins from sources like tax collection and marriage-related duties.

• An additional 5,400 gold coins from various community contributions.

They used this wealth to support the Madurai Sockanathar Temple, an act of immense religious and social significance. Their generosity was not just financial; they also played a role in enhancing the temple’s infrastructure and administrative functioning.

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The Honors Bestowed

In recognition of their contributions, the inscription records the following honors granted to Thimmi Setti and Kaaramalli Setti:

1. Legal Authority: They were given the right to administer temple-related legal affairs, essentially managing the temple’s judicial matters.

2. First Offering Privileges: They were honored with the privilege of receiving the first offerings of sacred items such as:

   • Panchacharam (a traditional sacred offering)

   • Betel leaves (Paakku Vetrilai)

   • Sandalwood (Chandanam)

These honors were symbolic and reflected the deep integration of their contributions into the temple's daily life and spiritual practices.

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Legacy and Acknowledgments

The Tirumala Nayakkar Seppeadugal (1994), published by the Tamil Nadu Government Archaeology Department, is the primary source for this information. The detailed account, found on pages 90–93, provides further insights into the socio-political dynamics of the period.

This inscription is more than just an ancient text; it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of community service, religious devotion, and the historical richness of Tamil Nadu. It showcases how individuals from different walks of life contributed to the grandeur of the Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, making it a beacon of faith and history.

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References:

• Tirumala Nayakkar Seppeadugal (1994), Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department, Chennai 113

• Kalvettu Kalanthidhal, Issue No. 32