Irayiran Chiriyan

Irayiran Chiriyan, known as Kulacekara Nampi, was a 13th-century Indian Ocean merchant magnate from Kodungallur in the present-day Kerala.[1] He was probably a member of the Indian merchant guild Nanadesikal (Ayyavole Ainutruvar).[1]

He is known for his donations to a Vishnu temple at Myingpagan, a mile south of Pagan, Myanmar.[1][2]

Pagan Inscription of Irayiran Chiriyan
  • Originally part of a Vishu tempe in Pagan.[1]
  • Engraved on a sandstone.[2]
  • Now preserved at National Museum, Pagan.[1]
  • Discovered by A. T. Arundel, CSI.[2]
  • Impression by Taw Sein Ko.[2]
  • Language: Tamil (Tamil script).[2]

Let there be prosperity.

I, Irayiran Chiriyan alias Kulacekara Nampi, of Makotayar Pattanam in Malaimantalam, erected the front hall in the [Vishnu] temple, called 'Nanatechi Vinnakar' at Pukkam alias Arivattanapuram, fixed the gate and gifted a lamp to burn in this hall continuously.

This charity is to be known as 'Malaimantalattan'.

The Tamil portion is prefaced by a Sanskrit sloka (Grantha) from verse 6, Mukundamala (referring to the intense devotion of the towards Vishnu).[1]

Let there be prosperity. [I have] no regard for merit, none for a heap of wealth, none at all for the enjoyment of lust. Whatever is to happen, O God! [will happen] in accordance with previous actions. This [alone] is to be prayed for [and] highly valued by me. In every other birth also let [me] possess unswerving devotion to the pair of thy lotus-feet!

— Mukundamala

References
  1. Karashima, Noboru, and Y. Subbarayalu. 'Ancient and Medieval Tamil and Sanskrit Inscriptions Relating to Southeast Asia and China.' Nagapattinam to Suvarnadwipa, ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, 2009, pp. 271–291.
  2. E. Hultzsch, "A Vaishnava Inscription at Pagan", Epigraphia Indica 1 (1902-1903): 197-98.
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