The Sundaresvara temple at Melappalluvur is an early Chola temple that was originally built by Kandan Maravan. It was renovated several times during the reign of Rajaraja I (985-1014 CE) and Kulottunga I (1070-1122). There are two inscriptions built into the Amman shrine. One of the year of Uttama Chola (971-988 CE) and other from Rajaraja I's time (985-1014 CE). The earliest inscription is that of Aditya II's (968 CE) time. An inscription of Kulottunga I states that temple which had been built of brick and lay in a neglected state was rebuilt of stone for the welfare of the king by Kulottungacola Isvaram. There is a stone sculpture of the tutelary deity of Jamadagni (one of the seven sages / saptarishis) in this temple. The gateway (gopuram) with the door guardians (dvarapalas) is a part of the original early Chola temple. References: S.R. Balasubrahmanyam, 1963, pp. 25-28, D. Barrett, 1974, p. 85.