THE APEX AND CULMINATION OF MURUKAN CULT IN TAMIL NADU FROM A.D. 850 DOWN TO A.D. 1250

Lord Murukan is as old as the cult, which has taken a hold in the Tamil speaking land. The cult has provided a rich field for the study of religions, literature, sculpture, iconography and temple architecture. The Cholas contribution in the field of art was distinctive and significant. The Cholas were great builders of temples. During the Chola period Tamil and Sanskrit literature were extensively encouraged. They shed light on the Lord Murukan worship. Apart from the literature, the monuments connected with His cult are very helpful to analyse the further development and the zenith of Lord Murukan cult in the Tamil Country. This paper focus on development and zenith of Murukan cult in four stages, they are Lord. Murukan as a parivara deity, vimana deity, presiding deity and gopura deity. In addition to that this paper examines to trace the development and the zenith of Murukan cult from A.D. 850 down to A.D. 1250