Nedunjeliyan II

Nedunjeliyan II^[a] (c. 210 CE) (Tamil: நெடுஞ்செழியன்) was an Early Pandyan King during the Sangam era.^[1] He is known for defeating a confederacy of Cholas and Cheras at Thalayamangalam, near Tiruvarur, conquering most of the Tamil region, and contributing to Pandyan astrology. His deeds have been described in detail in the Madurai text.

Nedunjeliyan II
Reign	210 CE
Dynasty	Pandyan

Reign

Nedunjeliyan II was a descendant of Nedunjeliyan I.^[2] His reign is generally fixed in the early 3rd century CE.^[3] Nedunjeliyan II ascended the throne at young age. Soon after, the kingdom was invaded by the Chola and Chera dynasties. Nedunjeliyan II defeated the invaders and pursued the retreating forces to Talaiyalanganam,(identified with a village of almost the same name, Talai-Alam-Kadu, eight miles north-west of Tiruvarur district) deep inside Chola territory. ^[4][5] The Chera king Mandaranjeral Irumporai was taken captive by Nedunjeliyan II.^[6]

Following his victory of Battle of Talaiyalanganam,^[7] Nedunjeliyan II mounted a campaign against the Velirs, Millalai, and Muttur.^[3]

Contribution to astrology and temple architecture

Nedunjeliyan II is recognised for his contributions to promoting 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 understanding of celestial alignments.^{[citation needed]}

Nedunjeliyan II's efforts to integrate astrology into spiritual and scientific practices left a lasting influence on South Indian culture. Those temples, which he endorsed during his reign, reflected the Pandya dynasty’s engagement with celestial sciences and inspired further exploration of cosmic-human relationships.^[8]

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 Pandyan 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]}

Notes

1. Also transliterated as Neṭuñceḻiyaṉ. (ISO 15919)