Nedunjeliyan II

Nedunjeliyan II (Tamil: நெடுஞ்செழியன்) was an Early Pandyan King during the Sangam era. He is known for defeating a confederacy of Cholas and Cheras at Thalayamangalam, near Tiruvarur, conquering most of the Tamil region, and contributing to Pandyan astrology. His deeds have been described in detail in the Madurai text.

Reign

Nedunjeliyan II was a descendant of Nedunjeliyan I. His reign is generally fixed in the early 3rd century CE. Nedunjeliyan II ascended the throne at young age. Soon after, the kingdom was invaded by the Chola and Chera dynasties. Nedunjeliyan II defeated the invaders and pursued the retreating forces to Talaiyalanganam,(identified with a village of almost the same name, Talai-Alam-Kadu, eight miles north-west of Tiruvarur district) deep inside Chola territory. The Chera king Mandaranjeral Irumporai was taken captive by Nedunjeliyan II. During the battle Pandyan Nedunjeliyan ll captured entire Tamilakam up to Coorg and Mangalore.

Following his victory of Battle of Talaiyalanganam,

Many of these temples were designed with precise astronomical alignments, such as capturing sunlight during solstices or equinoxes. This integration of science and spirituality reflected the Pandyan dynasty's belief in the influence of celestial phenomena on governance, agriculture, and daily life. Nedunjeliyan II's efforts helped solidify the role of astrology in Tamil culture, leaving a lasting legacy in the region.