While talking with Ramachandran Sir, our epigraphist from Reach foundation, during a trip to cheyyur in the weekend, he had mentioned about an inscription indicating a Chola Parikgrammam in the Cheyur village near Madhurantakam. He also mentioned Parikgrammam refers to a Military training academy, similar in lines of Officers Training academy at St. Thomas mount. I would have mentioned Kandalur Salai, but it is yet to be proven beyond doubt of it being a military or martial arts academy.
If anyone has any details of Parikgrammam @ cheyyur, please do post them.
I could also notice the similarity of Cheyyur to that of Uttiramerur in terms of layout, organization of temples around the town/village. Siva temple here is also in ruins similar to that of Uttiramerur. Siva temple is referred to as Kailasa mudiya nathar's Rajendira Choleswaram. Inscriptions around the Santcum santorum start from Raja raja (I or II?), Rajadhi raja, Kulotunga and Vikrama chola. As per Ramachandran sir, Temple itself would date to later pallava period, due to the stylistic nature of the idols, while the inscriptions belong to the chola period. Interesting thing to note that is none of the inscriptions have the meykeerthi or birudas, but start with the "swastisri", followed by the King's name, year from coronation and the details of endowment.
Other interesting points: 1. 3 endowments belonging to 4 generations of kings, have trustee with similar names. Kulothunga's inscription is dated to his 44th regnal year. 2. Endowments are for 12 goats(3 inscriptions). 3. Details of the poojas to be performed for various months are also noted, along with the mention of "Pazhangasu" meaning "old coins". References to Diravi type of coins are also noted.
Also Cheyyur has a small but beautiful Vijayanagara built Murugan temple. This temple has been praised by Arunagiri nathar as Cheyyur murugan pillai tamil. This information was given by Ramachandran sir.
Cheyur can be reached from ECR and is about 12 kms from the junction to Alambarai and 20+ kms from Sadras.