Irayiran Chiriyan
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Irayiran Chiriyan, known as Kulacekara Nampi, was a 13th-century Indian Ocean merchant magnate from Kodungallur in the present-day Kerala.[1] He was probably a member of the Indian merchant guild Nanadesikal (Ayyavole Ainutruvar).[1]
He is known for his donations to a Vishnu temple at Myingpagan, a mile south of Pagan, Myanmar.[1][2]
Pagan Inscription of Irayiran Chiriyan
[edit]- Originally part of a Vishu tempe in Pagan.[1]
- Engraved on a sandstone.[2]
- Now preserved at National Museum, Pagan.[1]
- Discovered by A. T. Arundel, CSI.[2]
- Impression by Taw Sein Ko.[2]
- Language: Tamil (Tamil script).[2]
Let there be prosperity.
I, Irayiran Chiriyan alias Kulacekara Nampi, of Makotayar Pattanam in Malaimantalam, erected the front hall in the [Vishnu] temple, called 'Nanatechi Vinnakar' at Pukkam alias Arivattanapuram, fixed the gate and gifted a lamp to burn in this hall continuously.
This charity is to be known as 'Malaimantalattan'.
The Tamil portion is prefaced by a Sanskrit sloka (Grantha) from verse 6, Mukundamala (referring to the intense devotion of the towards Vishnu).[1]
Let there be prosperity. [I have] no regard for merit, none for a heap of wealth, none at all for the enjoyment of lust. Whatever is to happen, O God! [will happen] in accordance with previous actions. This [alone] is to be prayed for [and] highly valued by me. In every other birth also let [me] possess unswerving devotion to the pair of thy lotus-feet!
— Mukundamala
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Karashima, Noboru, and Y. Subbarayalu. 'Ancient and Medieval Tamil and Sanskrit Inscriptions Relating to Southeast Asia and China.' Nagapattinam to Suvarnadwipa, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, 2009, pp. 271–291.
- ^ a b c d e E. Hultzsch, "A Vaishnava Inscription at Pagan", Epigraphia Indica 1 (1902-1903): 197-98.