Paasupatha
was one of the earliest sects of Saivism worshipping Siva as the Supreme deity.
Lakuleesar
was the founder of this sect and he is depicted in the sculptures with a club. This
ancient belief system is dated by scholars to be as far as the second century
BCE.
The
ascetic practices of the Pasupatas included smearing of their bodies with
ashes, Meditation and chanting of Om. It subsequently developed into two
Atimaarga schools of Kalamukha and Kaapalika and the philosophical school of
Saiva Siddhantha which is followed now.
The term
Saiva Siddhantha is found in the 8th century inscription of Kanchi Kailasanathar
Temple built by Pallava King Rajasimha.
Paasupatha
Saivism in its earlier forms had many followers in Southern India until the 13th
century.
The
spiritual guru of Raja Raja Chola I, was Isaana Siva Panditha
The
spiritual guru of Chola I, Sarvasiva Pandithar belonged to the Pasupatha Sect of Saivas.
The Thiruvanakkoyil inscriptions mention Gomadattu Sailarasi Panditar and Jnaanarasi Panditar who were the owners of these temples and belonged to that sect.
A
figure of the Kalamukha, Paranjoti Panditar was pictured on the north
wall of the Thiruvaanakkoyil temple.
- Thiruvaalisvara Temple – Chola Era
ARIE
No 352 / 1911 - Rajaraja II
Records Gift of lamp to the temple of Tiruvalakkoyiludaiya Mahadeva at Kalattur in Kalattur Kottam , a sub division of Jayamkondachola Mandalam by Parasivan Taluvakkulaindhaan Aaludaaiyaan, a native of Kuvalai in Venkunra Kottam. Mentions the Kaalamukha Priests Gomadattu Jnanaraasi Panditar and Sailarasi Panditar.
ARIE
No 352 / 1911 - Kulothunga Chola Deva
Gift of
4 cows for a lamp by a native of Aarrur, Urrukaattu Kottam. Mentions two
Kalamukha Priests Gomadattu Jnanaraasi Panditar and Sailarasi Panditar.
ARIE
No 360 / 1911 – Vikrama Chola
Gift
of a lamp, mentions Gomadattu Sailaraasi Panditar.
Seen
from these inscriptions, Gomadattu Sailaraasi Panditar appears to have been the
spiritual guide of Chola Rulers for quite a few decades.
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