The way we came to know about laguleesa cult is quite interesting. There was a temple in orissa belonging to this cult. At some point of time this temple got destroyed and one of the big inscriptions belonging to this temple was taken by portuguese to their country. It was at a much later date that this inscription was studied. It is from this detailed inscription that we come to know about laguleesa cult. It talks about a saint called Laguleesa who is considered to be an incarnation of lord shiva. The cult was very strong and exists even today in karnataka and few other areas. The influence of Laguleesa in chola family came at a later date. I don't know the links of rajendra but there was one of his sons who came to power and whose asthana guru was Laguleesa pandithar.He was very ardent follower of laguleesa cult.
One unrelated news : How many of you know that Esana Siva panditha in PS is not an imaginary character but someone etched in history ?
Tell about that Esaana Siva Pandithar also (I think u r saying about the Esaana Siva Battar who is the brother of Aazhvaarkadiyaan and whose home is amidst of the Samanar Gugaigal)..
Thanks for the comments and posting some of my old emails SPS. Seems I had better things to share 6 years ago:-)
I just learnt yesterday that one of the sculptures in Elephanta is that of Lakulisa. The whole cave is dedicated to concepts and rituals of Pasupatha cult!
" I just learnt yesterday that one of the sculptures in Elephanta is that of Lakulisa. The whole cave is dedicated to concepts and rituals of Pasupatha cult!.. "
dear SPS, I'm catching up on my 400 emails! Yes, I've known about Lakulisa, so glad He made it to the south. Isn't it all fascinating? If anybody wants images of Him, I have several. kathie