Sun Nov 24 08:00:49 UTC 2024: ## Thanjavur Celebrates Raja Raja Chola I’s 1039th Birth Anniversary

**THANJAVUR, Tamil Nadu, November 24, 2024** – The historic city of Thanjavur erupted in a vibrant celebration of the 1039th birth anniversary of Raja Raja Chola I, the legendary Chola emperor, on November 24th. The two-day Sadhaya Vizha festival, held annually in the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-October to mid-November), drew thousands of devotees to the iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The festivities, centered around the temple, included traditional religious ceremonies such as the abhishekam (holy bath) of Lord Peruvudaiyar, the mesmerizing perundeepa vazhipaadu (waving of lamps), and the swami purappadu (processional carrying of the deity). Cultural performances, including classical dance and hymn singing by odhuvars, further enriched the celebration. Similar commemorations also took place in Udaiyalur near Kumbakonam, the believed burial site of the emperor.

Raja Raja Chola I, born Arulmozhi Varman in 947 CE, reigned from 985 to 1014 CE. His reign is celebrated for its military achievements and profound administrative vision, extending Chola influence to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Brihadeeswarar Temple itself, a testament to his devotion to Lord Shiva, houses detailed Tamil inscriptions chronicling its construction and the emperor’s personal involvement in its planning and the offerings made by him and his family.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Tamil Nadu government, a statue of Raja Raja Chola I remains outside the temple compound due to central government restrictions on altering the temple’s original structure. The festival served as a powerful reminder of the emperor’s lasting legacy and the enduring cultural significance of the Chola empire.

Read More