1. Chola inscriptions describe Tirunamattukkani as the land given to the temple.

2. The literal meaning of the word Tirunamattukkani is "gift of God". In the Chola period, donations were made to temples in the form of land, money, and other properties. This donation was called Tirunamattukkani.

3. The Chola inscriptions refer to several categories of land:

* Shalbhog- Land for the maintenance of a school.

* Pallichhandam – Land donated to Jain institutions.

* Vellanavagai- Land of non-Brahmin peasant owners

* Brahmadeya- Land gifted to Brahmins.

4. The land given to temples during the Chola period was used for the maintenance of temples, worship, and other religious functions. This reflects the economic and social importance of temples.