Chennai: In a rare find a Tamil-Brahmi inscription was found on an ancient Shivalingam in neighbouring Kancheepuram district. The beauty is that Tamil-Brahmi (Brahmi is the earliest Indian alphabetical script) inscriptions dating back to the 2nd - 3rd century BC, are mostly associated with Jainism. This came to light during the renova tion of the Siva temple at the Netrambakkam village in Maduranthakam taluk of Kancheepuram district that is famous for accommodating thousands of abodes for Siva, Vishnu and the Jainism. This privately managed shrine is being readied at a cost of Rs 20 lakhs ahead of its Kumbhabhishekam on Jan.20.
During the work to rebuild the temple, the workers tumbled upon a huge stone Sivalingam containing the Tamil-Brahmi script inscribed on the lower portion called Brahma. The top most part of the Lingam is known as Rudra and the middle portion is Vishnu while the lower portion is known as Brahma.
Upon being informed by the locals, archaeology department officials K. Arjunan and P. K. Lokanathan undertook a detailed inspection and confirmed the presence of a full-blown lotus image and also the letters: Se Na Ru Ma N in Tamil-Brahmi. The Sivalingam measures 3.4 feet in height and 2.5 feet in diameter.
“This is for the first time we have found the Tamil-Brahmi inscription at a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Siva. Usually, the lower portion of the Lingam is not noticeable as it will be covered up,” an official explained.
