Dr.Kalaikkovan's excellent research and book on valanchuzhi vaanar - which was generously funded by SPS - throws light on this magnificient temple of rajaraja's time and its importance during the chola times.
Many interesting things have come to light.
Few interesting facets :
* Ekaveeri pidaari - or kaali - is being installed as a separate deity for the first time. Why ? we do not know. An archana called "AVAPALA ANJANAI" is being performed to this deity. We are yet to understand the significance of this archana.
* A new deity called "Khshetrabaala deva" is being introduced for the first time by rajaraja's patta mahishi. While there were already a pantheon of gods available in saivism, why this new god is introduced ? This deity is different from Bhairava who was already in worship is well established by Dr.K. Why rajaraja had to allow this brand new deity to be introduced ? A dedicated temple to kshetrabala is first of its kind. Look at the deity - almost life size - 6 ft - in rajarajan museum.
* The gold balance from thiruvisalur hiranyagarpa was bought to kshetrabala temple and donated. It could well have been donated to thiruvisalur lord itself or the very nearby thiruthevankudi or many other temples. But it was bought to valanchuzhi. What is the significance of this balance gold and why is it given to kshetrabaala ?
* Pandiays after conquering chola land - GIVE DONATIONS TO EVERY OTHER TEMPLE AROUND THIRUVALANCHUZHI - but leave this temple without any donations. There was something that prevented them from considering this temple. It is not a small temple to be ignored. In terms of nivanthams it had extensive patronage from chola monarches and hence should have been an extremly big institution by then. Yet it was ignored. This question is haunting me since the day I read "Valanchuzhi vaanar"