Temples of Munnur (Historical Study)
by R. Muthuraman | 2016 | 67,784 words
This essay represents a historical study of the Temples in and around Munnur, situated in the Dakshina Kannada district in the state Karnataka (India). Munnur is regarded as an important religious city for the followers of both Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The ancient history of Munnur traces to the reign of the Chola, from whom the city derives it's ...
The Status of Women in Munnur regions
In medieval Tamil Country Women also constructed temples and endowed properties to temples. Women enjoyed property rights. The marital life was considered to be glorious. Chastity and morality of women were held in high esteem in life like precious ornaments.
The status of royal women was slightly different from the common women. Their lives were closely connected with temple activities. Royal women participated with the Kings in festivals, but they were not allowed to take part in the administration.[1] Women eagerly engaged themselves independently in constructing and maintaining temples and other public causes. For instance Sembian madevi and Kundavai Pirati of medieval days earned glory among the royal women. The women of the royal clan who hailed from different families were epitomes of virtue. Good training was imparted to the women of the royal household in education. Queens also provided gifts and endowments to the temples.
From the above mentioned facts we can infer that during the medieval period, the exalted Brahmanas, who the Kshatriyas administrating and protecting the land from invaders, involved in religious and educational works. The Vaisyas who enhanced the economy of the village Munnjur by their flourishing merchandile commerce activities and the women, who enjoyed a certain amount of freedom and rights, contributed to the progress of the social conditions with their services to the temples, and endowments and donations.
For instance a record[2] of Rajaraja III issued in his 17th regnal year mentions a gift of 600 kuli[3] lands by both husband and wife viz Thiruvaranga Devan and his wife Thiruvanal for burning a perpetual lamp. It reveals that it was an age of faith and every citizen especially the women folk made endowments to the God and it proves the status of women on par with men and women also made endowments to the God of her own choice awarding to the degree of devotion and irrespective of gender. It is also a testimonial for women folk of the medieval age and their participation on par with men in participate the public life and religion activities.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
T.V. Mahalingam, Op.Cit., pp. 565-567.
[2]:
A.R.E., 58 of 1919.
[3]:
Ibid.,