Nedunjeliyan II
| Nedunjeliyan II | |
|---|---|
| Reign | 210 CE |
| Dynasty | Pandyan |
| Pandya dynasty |
|---|
| Early Pandya polity |
| Early Medieval Pandyas |
|
Nedunjeliyan II[a] (c. 210 CE) (Tamil: நெடுஞ்செழியன்) was an Early Pandyan King during the Sangam era.[1] He is known for defeating a confederacy of Cholas and Cheras at Thalayamangalam, near Tiruvarur, conquering most of the Tamil region, and contributing to Pandyan astrology. His deeds have been described in detail in the Madurai text.
Reign
Nedunjeliyan II was a descendant of Nedunjeliyan I.[2] His reign is generally fixed in the early 3rd century CE.[3] Nedunjeliyan II ascended the throne at young age. Soon after, the kingdom was invaded by the Chola and Chera dynasties. Nedunjeliyan II defeated the invaders and pursued the retreating forces to Talaiyalanganam, deep inside Chola territory. [4] The Chera king Mandaranjeral Irumporai was taken captive by Nedunjeliyan II.[5]
Following his victory at Talaiyalanganam, Nedunjeliyan II mounted a campaign against the Velirs, Millalai, and Muttur.[3]
Contribution to astrology and temple architecture
Nedunjeliyan II is recognised for his contributions to promoting astrology and temple architecture. Building on his ancestors' reverence for celestial sciences, he is credited with encouraging the construction of temples dedicated to the Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities in Hinduism. These temples were not only centers of worship but also hubs for astronomical study, showcasing the dynasty's understanding of celestial alignments.
Nedunjeliyan II's efforts to integrate astrology into spiritual and scientific practices left a lasting influence on South Indian culture. Those temples, which he endorsed during his reign, reflected the Pandya dynasty’s engagement with celestial sciences and inspired further exploration of cosmic-human relationships.[6]
Many of these temples were designed with precise astronomical alignments, such as capturing sunlight during solstices or equinoxes. This integration of science and spirituality reflected the Pandyan dynasty's belief in the influence of celestial phenomena on governance, agriculture, and daily life. Nedunjeliyan II's efforts helped solidify the role of astrology in Tamil culture, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.
Notes
References
- ^ Mendis, G. C. (1996). The Early History of Ceylon and Its Relations with India and Other Foreign Countries. Asian Educational Services. ISBN 978-81-206-0209-0.
- ^ "India - Shunga, Maurya, Magadha | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 24 March 2025. Retrieved 25 March 2025.
- ^ a b "Discover Nedunjeliyan II: The Pandya King's Legacy". www.oneindiaonline.com. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ Aiyangar, S. Krishnaswami (1921–22). "The Age of Perundēvanār, the Author of the Tamil Bhāratam". Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute. 3 (2): 61–62. JSTOR 44525668.
- ^ "Thalaiyaalagaanathu Seruvendra Pandyan Nedunchezhian: Battle, Battles and the Thalaiyalangaanam Battle (Part II)". TamilCulture.com. Retrieved 4 February 2025.
- ^ "Jyothisham". jyothisham.com. Retrieved 10 April 2025.
General citations
- Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. p. 115.
- Jyothisham, The Astrological Legacy of Nedunjeliyan II: Promoter of Navagraha Temples and Astronomical Alignment
- Team, Jyothisham (January 2025). "The Astrological Legacy of Nedunjeliyan II: Promoter of Navagraha Temples and Astronomical Alignment". jyothisham.com. Retrieved 17 January 2025.