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INTRODUCTION
 
13
 
first time Southern India had to bend before the
onslaughts of the Muslim invaders during this period.
In all probability Vīra Champa was a witness to many
of the ghastly deeds perpetrated by the invading forces
under the leadership of Malik Kafur. There is no
evidence of Vīra Champa having done anything to check
the progress of the invaders. Evidently he had simply
to play the role of a silent spectator as he could not
contend against the superior numbers which laid waste
the country.
 
Vira Champa distinguished himself by his various
acts of charity and piety. Both epigraphical and literary
sources mention these. He made a golden crown fit
enough to adore the head of Lord Ekambaranātha at
Kancipuram. He also presented a beautiful car to the
Lord. He built a huge Tulābhāramaṇḍapam in the city
of Kanci. The Arulalaperumal inscription of Vira
Champa mentions his having presented another new
car to the deity of that temple. Under his instructions
and at his expense an ascetic by name Gnānātman built
a manḍapa called Bhadramanḍapa to the deity of Tiru-
vallam. The holy man also erected a shrine "in the very
prosperous city of Valla" and named it Mārāya Śiva.
 
Here are the relevent portions of the ulā of Iraṭṭai-
yar celebrating the deeds of Vira Champa: 6
 
1. சம்பு குலத் தொருவன் சாத்துகைக் காம் என்றளித்த
செம்பொன் மணி மகுடஞ் சேர்வித்து
 
செம்பதுமை கேள்வன் திருமல்லிநாதனுயர் சம்புபதி
நல்குந் தடந் தேர் போல்
 
3. ...... பரிபல்லவன் சம்பு குலப் பெருமான் வைத்த
துலாபார மண்டப
டபத்தும்
 
6. Ekambaranatha Ula, (also the Abidhanacintamani).
 
2.