There is an interesting book called Pingala Nigandu.
Pingala Nigandu was written by a Jain saint Amrita Sagarar in 9th C.
This book gives many interesting details on manidhar, Deivam, meanings of words etc.
Now Vasantha Padippagam has brought out a print.
VASANTHA VASANTHA PATHIPPAGAM Dr Alandur Ko Moganarangam,Dr M Pattazhagan +(91)-(44)-22530954, 22533667 Plot No 9 Door No 26,Joseph Colony,Adambakkam,Chennai - 600088
you can send a money oredr for Rs 130 to get the book by post.
A question to ask experts, is there a list of temples from South India with their year when they first appeared, & under whose prominent guidance they came about etc., would like to have a list from temples before 1500 & a short note on the history of such temples with location, saivam or vainavam, or Jain influenced, or budhism etc.,
Many temples are refered in Thevaram ( 7th C) and Divya Prabandam ( 5th -9th C)
Some are mentioned in Sangam and Silambu also. ( Like Thiruchchendur, Srirangam, Thirumalai, Thiruchchengode etc)
There are temples which has epigraphical ref of being in existance for long. The Thirukkazhugukkundram temple was patronised by skandashishya who is dated 50-60 years before Mahendara Pallava and that shows the temple was existing even before him.
Thiruvenkadu- Thirukkadayur ( combinedly as swetharanya) is mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana.
No body knows when these temple originated.
At the same time they are undergoing changes. wood/brick to stone. Moortis were changed from wood/mortar to stone.
There are many new temples also ( new in the sense newly constructed datable to first pandyas, pallavas )
Actually was planning to list temples of sanagam/silambu references but could not do for want of time.
If any one wants to do - i will guide them.They can do a series in our group.