Nedunjeliyan II

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Nedunjeliyan II^[a] (c. 210 CE) (Tamil: நெடுஞ்செழியன்) was one of the Early Pandya Kings.^[1] He defeated a confederacy of Cholas and Cheras at Thalayamangalam near Tiruvarur and conquered most of the Tamil region. His deeds have been described in detail in the Madurai.

Nedunjeliyan II was a descendant of Nedunjeliyan I.^{[citation needed]} His reign has been arbitrarily fixed in the early part of the 3rd century AD.^[2] Nedunjeliyan II ascended the throne at an early age and soon after, the kingdom was invaded by the Cheras and Cholas. Nedunjeliyan II defeated the invaders and pursued the retreating forces to Talaiyalanganam, deep inside Chola territory.^[3] The Chera king Mandaranjeral Irumporai was taken captive by Nedunjeliyan.^[4]

Following his victory at Talaiyalanganam, Nedunjeliyan mounted a campaign against the Velirs and Millalai and Muttur.^[2]

Nedunjeliyan II, a prominent ruler of the Pandya dynasty during the Sangam era, is recognized for his contributions to the promotion of astrology and temple architecture.^{[citation needed]} Building on his ancestors' reverence for celestial sciences, he is credited with encouraging the construction of temples dedicated to the Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities in Hinduism. These temples were not only centers of worship but also hubs for astronomical study, showcasing the dynasty's advanced understanding of celestial alignments.^{[citation needed]}

Many of these temples were designed with precise astronomical alignments, such as capturing sunlight during solstices or equinoxes.^{[citation needed]} This integration of science and spirituality reflected the Pandya dynasty's belief in the influence of celestial phenomena on governance, agriculture, and daily life.^{[citation needed]} Nedunjeliyan II’s efforts helped solidify the role of astrology in Tamil culture, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.^{[citation needed]}

^[1]

• Sastri, K. A. Nilakanta. A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar. p. 115.
• Jyothisham, The Astrological Legacy of Nedunjeliyan II: Promoter of Navagraha Temples and Astronomical Alignment