An ancient Shiva temple dating back to the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandya (1217–1218 CE) has been discovered in Udampatti village, Melur taluk, Tamil Nadu. The temple reveals crucial insights into Pandya-era temple architecture, land grants, and religious endowments.

Key Highlights:

• The temple, dedicated to Thennavanisvaram, was unearthed in Udampatti (historically known as Attur) and is estimated to be around 800 years old.
• Tamil inscriptions found at the site mention land and waterbody transactions conducted during the rule of Maravarman Sundara Pandya.
• The structure reflects typical Pandya architecture, including rectangular stone foundations and granite components.
• Inscriptions detail the temple’s economic autonomy, including a sale for 64 coins to fund daily operations through a reservoir and land.
• The discovery revives interest in local temple heritage and adds to the historical and archaeological understanding of the Pandya dynasty’s legacy.