Ramanthali inscriptions
Ramanthali inscriptions, also known as Ezhimala-Narayankannur inscriptions, are two medieval stone epigraphs from
- The first inscription can be found on a single granite slab in the courtyard of the Narayankannur Temple.[1] It records the original endowment to the temple by Mushika Validhara Vikrama Rama in 929 CE.[1] He donates land for nanda vilakku (the permanent lamp) and nivedyam (the food offering) to the deity Narasinga Vinnakar Thevar. The so-called Agreement of Muzhikkulam is quoted in the record. Merchant guild manigramam was appointed as the guardian of the temple.[1]
- The second inscription, dated to 1075 CE, is engraved on obverse sides of three granite blocks in the base of central shrine of Narayankannur Temple.[2] This is the second dated inscription of Alupa king Kunda Alupa who probably extended his influence to northern parts of the Kannur district in the 11th century CE.[2] The temple inscription shows the time of the renovation of the temple (including construction of the image of the deity, and the srikoyil, and the shrine).[2] The srikoyil (central shrine) of the temple was built in granite with the help of king Kunda Alupa.[2]
King Kunda Alupa is also mentioned in a Sanskrit record (dated 1068 AD) from Kadri Manjunatha Temple, Mangalore also.[2]