We know that, there are so many rituals connected with the social welfare in the Hindu culture. Even to gain in a battle there are so many rituals are prescribed. Our ancestors used to these rituals for their gain and welfare. Such an incident is seen from an inscription from Ārpākkam near Kāñcīpuram.
The inscription belongs to the reign of Rājādhirāja II a Coḹa king who ruled from 1166 CE to 1178 CE. During his reign, army from śrilaṅkā entered into Tamilnāḍu and made destructions to the temples. The army entered the state to support Kulaśekhara Pāṇḍya who was driven out by the Coḹa king.
Since the śrīlaṅkan army was seen as a severe danger, the Coḹa army decided to go for special ritual in order to gain in the battle. Jñāna śiva Deva alias Svāmideva, the Rājaguru was approached for the purpose. He performed Aghorapūjā for twenty eight days and by the result, the śrilaṅkan army along with the commanders Jayadratha Daṇḍanātha and Laṅkāpuri Daṇḍanātha was defeated and sent back to their native place. Since they have gained in the war, a village ālpākkam was granted to the Rājaguru. The inscription can be dated as 1171 CE.
The inscription starts with the Praśasti of Rājādhirāja and explains the damages made by the śriLakan army to the Rāmeśvara temple. Since they were mighty, they were in gaining position. Etirili Coḹa Sampuvaraya, a vassal of Coḹas, appealed to Svāmideva, the royal preceptor to perform Japa, Homa or arcanā to gain in the battle. Svāmideva told him that he know the situation where the army stole the Rāmeśvara temple and they are śivadrohi. He promised that he will perform a pūjā in a adṛṣṭa (ābhicārika) way. He performed Aghora pūjā for twenty eight days and in the mean time message from Pallavarāyar, commander-in-chief, stated that the śṛīlaṅkan army was defeated by the Coḹa army. Then the Sampuvaraiya went to Svāmideva and requested him to make an offer. Svāmideva asked him to donate the village ālpākkam. He made the donation and the rest śolkas at end explains the greatness of charity and the sins for them who destroy the charity.
