The first temple at Tirumala Tirupati was built by King Thondaiman, Tamil ruler of the ancient Thondaimandalam. He is said to have built the original Gopuram (tower) and the Prakhara in the 8th century. The city became great Vaishnava centre during the time of Ramanujacharya in 11th century, from where Srivaishnavism spread to other parts of Andhra Desa. Srikurmam Temple in Srikakulam district of Andhra Pradesh bears the inscription saying "Tirupati Srivaishnavula Raksha". Tirupati survived the Muslim invasions by accepting to pay Jizya to the Muslims.