Main Article Content
Abstract
Perumukkal is located 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) east of Tindivanam and situated in Villupuram District. Perumukkal is a small hamlet and prominent ancient Saivite center which is enshrined with the Mukyachalesvara temple. From time immemorial Perumukkal is a place of attraction to various devotees and archaeologists.1 Perumukkal, was a part of Oymanadu, which is a jewel of Thondaimandalam region.2 The tiny village occupies by huge hillock and the Mukyachalesvara Temple, located atop of the Perumukkal hillock. Etymologically, the expression Perumukkal is derived from the combination of words namely Peru + Mukkiya + Kal "Peru" means "Gigantic" or "Big." "Mukkiya" means “ Important” or Significant "Kal" connotes a “hillock” or “ Mountainous region”. Therefore the place name Perumukkal meaning a significant Saivite centre on huge hillock. The name Mukyachalesvarar of the main deity is derived from the combination of words Mukya + Asalam + Isvarar. The expression "Mukya" means "Important" or "Significant" "Asalam" means "Hillock" or “ Immovable mountainous Region” "Isvarar" cannotes “Lord Siva”. Therefore the principal deity name Mukyachalesvarar meaning Lord Siva a significant deity enshrined in huge hillock.