Kapotesvara Temple, Chejarla – History

Kapotesvara Temple, Chejarla – History

This temple is believed to be built in 3^rd century CE and was reconstructed by Emperor Mahendra Varman I (600 – 630 CE) of Pallava Dynasty. There is a Sanskrit inscription of Pallava Emperor Mahendra Varman I in grantha script on the face of the slab fixed behind the Nandi mandapa in front of the sanctum. This inscription is fully damaged however few portions of the inscriptions can be read. This inscription records the various titles of Mahendra Varman I namely Avani Bhajana, Vegavathi Sanatha and Mahendra Vikrama Varma.

It also records the construction of this temple and appointments of twelve Devakanmis for administering this temple. An inscription of Emperor Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagara Kingdom dated in 1517 CE records a gift of 12 puttis measured by the Peddapatinagari Ambaram and 12 varahas to Namasivaya, the Srikarana of Lord Kapotesvara by Saluva Timmarasa at the command of the king for the merit of his family. 

The Sanskrit verse at the start of the inscription refers Chejarla as the Sarva Manya Agrahara. This inscription also records the remission of certain taxes and specifies the quantities of rice, dhal, ghee, etc., for the daily use in the temple as well as the shares of the offerings to the various officials and temple servants including the Srikarana. This inscription is found on a slab near the mandapa in the temple.