Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple - Mathurai

The Adore - Meenakshi Amman

    We all read about Lord Shri Rama, a prince from North India, who went to the southern tip of India. But when was the last time you heard of a queen who traveled from Mathurai in the south to Kailasa in the North to find herself a groom. That princess was called Thadaatagai, more popularly known as Meenakshi, she whose eyes are as shapely as the contours of a fish.

    The temple is one the grandest in Tamil Nadu, spread over 14 acres with 12 large gateway towers and 33,000 icons. There are 4 nine-storey gopurams (outer, raja), 1 seven-storey gopuram (Chittirai), 5 five-storey gopurams, 2 three-storey, and 2 one-storey gold-gilded sanctum towers. The temple itself is an architectural wonder and if you climb on the South Tower, you can see the entire city of Mathurai. In this city you will not get permission to build a structure taller than the Gopuram.

The Aerial View of  Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple - Mathurai

LEGEND

    Lord Indra who is always in a mind that no one else should be powerful than him, Identifies a demon praying for Lord Bramha with the interest of acquiring some powers. With no other thought, he kills the praying demon in a fear that he will become powerful.

    With this cruel act Lord Shiva curses Indra to have a normal human life and to wander in the universe. This he did, without finding relief till he came to forest in South of India the Kadambavanam full of with Kadamba trees, where suddenly he found his burden removed. Being surprised at this he commanded search to made around and discovers a svayambhu linga in the midst of the vanam (forest) and gets vindication from the curse. He gets Golden Lotus flowers from the near by Pond (Pottramarai kulam or the Golden Lotus Pond now) pray to the Linga and returns to the Swargh Lok. King Kulasekara Pandya the then ruler, in his dreams gets the order to construct a temple over the place where Lord  Indira worshiped the svyamabhu Linga through Lord Shiva himself. Kulasekara Pandya cleared the forest and constructed a temple, with Airavath the vehicle of Lord Indira as its base. ( Devotees can see that this temple has Lord on the Indira’s vehicle, which in a way verifies this legend.). A city was soon planned with the temple as its centre. On the day the city was to be named, Lord Shiva is said to have appeared and drops of nectar from his hair fell on the town. So, Mathurai which has rich historical background was named Mathurai- Mathuram meaning sweetness in Tamil.

    After Kulasekara Pandya, Malayadwaja Pandya succeded the kingdom. Malayadhwaja and his consort Queen Kanchanamalai with ardent devotion and prayers were blessed with 3 year old girl child with 3 breasts who came out of the pious fire with the blessings of Lord Shiva. However, the girl had three breasts and it was prophesized that the third breast would disappear when she met her husband. She was named as Thadaathagai and was raised as a son, taught the arts of war and grew to be the next ruler of Mathurai. She was well trained in the 64 sastras and all disciplines required for her to rule the kingdom wisely.

    She waged war and conquered Brahma's Abode - Sathyaloka, Vishnu's Abode - Vaikunta, and Devas' abode - Amaravati. She proceeded to attack Shiva's Abode - Kailash where she defeated Shiva's army and Nandi, Shiva's celestial bull. As soon as she came face to face with the Lord, she bowed her head and her third breast vanished immediately. Thadaathagai realised she was Parvati reborn.

    This phenomenon was followed by the realization that Shiva was to be husband. She returned to Mathurai as a beautiful women with beautiful eyes likes fish and so named as Meenakshi (Fish eyed one). Azhagar (Who was present here in the form of Lord Vishnu as he was late for the marraige) , gave Meenakshi, his sister to Lord Shiva who came as Sundareswarar to Mathurai in the month of Chaithra. The pair proceeded to rule Mathurai for many years as Sudaresa Pandian and Meenakshi.

    The Couple had a boy named Ukkira Pandian (as a form of Subramanyan) and was the heir to the throne. After that, both assumed the forms of Goddess Meenakshi and God Sundareswarar, and became the reigning deity at Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple.   

Chaitrai Festival or Meenakshi Thiru Kalyanam

The wedding of Meenakshi with Sundareswarar (Lord Shiva) was to happen in Mathurai. Alagar, the brother of Meenakshi, was invited. He started on a 20 km journey from his abode at Alagar Hills towards Mathurai. Alagar decided to travel disguised as a robber, to protect himself and his belongings. At times, he had to hide, to avoid getting arrested by soldiers. This and the dense forest of Alagar Hills delayed his journey further. When he was crossing Vaigai river, he learned that his sister's wedding was over. This made him furious. To pacify, Meenakshi and Lord Shiva came to Vaigai river. He chose to give all the gifts that he carried, to Meenakshi and Sundaraswarar in a Mandapam in the middle of Vaigai river, and returned to Alagar Hill without entering Mathurai.

The following are the list of events in Chithirai festival-

Kodi Yetram

During this event the chief priest of Meenakshi temple will hoist the holy flag on the Dwajasthambam(Flag post) of the temple. This event declares the long event open. The flag will stay on the flag post until the end of the festival..

Pattabisekam

Pattabisekam is coronation ceremony. Meenakshi is crowned as the queen of Mathurai on this day and she will rule the Pandya Kingdom for the next four months and after that her husband Lord Sundereswarar will be crowned as the king of Mathurai for the next eight months.

Dikvijayam

After Goddess Meenakshi is crowned as the queen of Pandya kingdom she went into war with all the countries in the world and conquered the whole world and she went to Kailasham (The Place of Lord Shiva in Himalayas) to conquer it. But, on seeing lord shiva on the battlefield she fell in love with him and married him.

Meenakshi Kalyanam

Meenakshi kalyanam is the wedding celebration of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord shiva as Sundereswara in Mathurai. On the day of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam, devotees get up at sunrise and reach the Meenakshi Mathurai temple. After taking a holy dip in the Golden Lotus pond, they wear clean clothes. Goddess Meenakshi is first worshipped by the traditional methods, following which prayers are offered to ‘Viboothi Vinayakar’. On this day devotees sing devotional songs and bhajans. It is also considered auspicious to wear the holy ash, known as ‘Uthiraksham’ while entering the temple premises. Devotees also carry fruits, coconuts and incense sticks to offer to their lords. Inside the temple the idols of the Gods and Goddesses are decorated with beautiful silk clothes and floral garlands. Not only is this, on the day of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam the entire temple decorated as a bride. There are nearly 50 priests in the Meenakshi Mathurai temple who perform the puja rituals and special prayers. The main priests in the temple perform the ritualistic wedding ceremonies. At the completion of the event, magnificent idols of Lord Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi Amman are taken out in huge processions on the streets in the ‘Pushpa Pallakku’ and ‘Yaanai Vahanam’.

Significance of Meenakshi Thirukalyanam: Meenakshi Thirukalyanam is a part of the renowned ‘Chithirai Thiruvizha’ celebrations. This festival is observed during the month of ‘Chitirai’ in the Tamil calendar. Chithirai Thiruvizha is an annual event celebrated with great pomp and show in Mathurai in the month of April, as per the Gregorian calendar. It is known to be the world’s longest celebrations that last for a period of one month (30 days). Of this, the first 15 days are dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi (an incarnation of Goddess Parvati) and the remaining 15 days is celebrated for Azhgar, who is known to be a form of Mahavishnu. Azhagar is the elder brother of Meenakshi and he tried to visit Mathurai to attend the marriage ceremony of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi.

Chariot Festival

Chariot festival or Ther Tiruvizha or Rathotsavam is performed the day after Meenakshi kalyanam. The King and Queen of Pandya Kingdom Lord Sunderaswara and Meenakshi come to see their subjects in a well decorated chariot. It attracts many people in the Masi streets of Mathurai as viewers.

Ethir Seva

Part of the Chithirai Thiruvizha of Lord Kallazhagar temple at Azhagar Koyil, the ‘Ethir Seva' began on the fourth day of the festival. On this day, Azhagar change his appearance as Kallar (Kallar vedam) when he travels via Kallar Nadu and enters Mathurai city and the people of the city welcome him.

Alagar Vaigai Elenthuarulal

After the holy marriage of Meenakshi, her brother tries to come to the marriage. Lord Azhagar comes from Azhagarkoil to Mathurai slowly and by making couple of stops on the way. It is considered that when reaching the Vaigai river bank, he hears that marriage is over, so he gets angry and returns to Azhagarkoil after giving the gifts to Meenakshi and Sundereswarar and this event happens in a mandapam in the middle of river Vaigai.

The Chithirai Festival

VERITAS

# Why did Thadaathagai had Three Breasts?

      The condition of having three breast is known as Polymastia. Polymastia is a symbol of Veneration (Greek Goddesses Artemis can be seen with Ploymastia), and full of pride bordering manliness, as a majestic ruler.

Thadaathagai with 3 breasts

#  Why Meenakshi Amman's Body is Green Toned ?

     Meenakshi amman is said to have a dusky complexion, an indication of her Dravidian origin. And when dusky women apply turmeric on their faces (common practice for women), they get a greenish tint. And that's why Meenakshi amman is shown green. The current Idol of amman is made out of Emarald stone (Green in Color).

# What is the Significance of the Parrot in Meenakshi Amman's Hand?
      

     According to Hindu Mythology Parrot is a symbol of Love or Kama and Knowledge. Meenakshi amman is well known for her scholastic works and thus the parrot on her right shoulder denotes her wealth of knowledge. According to sages parrot is a bird containing a specific form of vedas as people who want good knowledge in vedas can worship here on wednesday, navami and karthigai star.

The Green Body of amman & The Parrot on her right Shoulder 

# The Golden Lotus  Pond or Potramarai Kulam - Why it is Free of fishes? 

       According to the legend, Once a Heron on its way to fly, Reached the Potramarai. Knowing this is a holy place, he continued for one patsham (or Fifteen days) to bath in the tank; at the end of which a fish of its own accord leaped out on to the bank, and  with strong instinct urged the Heron to devour its prey; but it recollected that the place was holy, and considered that severe punishment would follow it therefore abstained; and Siva now visibly  appeared, asking what gift it desired? The Heron said , "Let me lay aside this body, and be received into your paradise; In order that all my species may be kept away from sin, let there be no fishes, frogs or anything that lives in water, produced in this tank." This requests were granted; and hence to this day the Potramarai produces no living thing.
     
    Even now the temple tank has no fish and the festival commemorating giving mukthi to the stork still takes place at the temple during the Aavai Moola Thiruvizha every year.
       In 2016,  a rare incident took place in temple premises. A Strok came to the Pond; stood on one leg for five long days and finally attained moksha. The Body of the Strok was burried in the temples's Gosala.

(Source - https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/madurai/Stork-at-Meenakshi-temple-tank-that-attracted-devotees-is-dead/articleshow/51448819.cms)

         The great Mathurai Sangam was born on the sangam plank which can be seen in this pond. It was believed in ancient times that the worthiness of any new literature can be judged by placing the book on the surface of the plank. The poor quality literature would sink while the scholastic ones would remain afloat. 

The Golden Lotus Pond

# The Unusual Marriage Scene

       In Hindu Marriages generally we see the Bride hand will be given to the Bridegroom. But  in Meenakshi Thiru kalyanam (The Marriage of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar) Azhagar takes the hand of Sundareswarar and give to Meenkashi. This can be seen in the sculptures in the temple. This event symbolizes the power of Meenakshi through which Feminism is highlighted here.

The hand of Sundareswarar being given to Meenakshi

                                     

# The Altered Leg of Natarajar at Velliyambalam
      

      Generally when we see the idol of Lord Natarajar, The god of dance, in his dancing posture of TANDAVA; He is surrounded by a ring of flames, standing on a lotus pedestal, lifting his left leg  and  balancing / trampling upon a demon. The special thing one can notice here, about the Natarajar idol in silver hall that unusually the lord stands on his left leg and raise the right one. 

        According to the ThiruviLaiyaadal puraaNam, there was a Pandya king who was grief-striken because of this. He felt that Nataraja has been standing on his right leg for eons of time. He prayed ardently to Nataraja to shift his stance and change his posture. He wanted to Nataraja to stand on His left leg and life up and throw across His right leg.

    Because of his prayers, Nataraja appeared and hearing the Pandya's plea, shifted his legs. He stood on his left leg and lifted his right leg and danced thus.

General Depiction of Lord Natarajar

Mathurai Natarajar

#  Painting of  Rotating 3 Dimensional Siva Linga

    

We can see a marvellous painting of the siva linga on the roof inside the temple which is a rotating 3d image, i.e in the direction of 360 degree you can feel the linga rotating along with you.

The 3 Dimensional paint of the Siva Linga

# The Temple Has 4 Gopurams in N-E-W-S Directions, But still u can see Sunrise and Sunset from the center of the Temple

      This is a big architectural marvel that, one can see the sunrise and sunset if we stand in the middle of the temple. Actually the four directional gopurams  which are at least 45 feet height should be a barricade for our vision to see the sunset. But we can see the Sunrise and Sunset with 23.5 Inclination to the East and West gopurams respectively. Guess why?

     It was just before 500 years that Galileo discovered that the Earth's rotational axis  is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degree to the ecliptic plane. Calculating this tilt, 1000 years before the architectures made the N-E-W-S directions exactly with 180 degree and constructed these gopurams. So, now one can see the sunrise and sunset without any barricades.

# The British Collector's Story

    Rous Peter, who took over as the third Collector in 1812, is held dear to the heart of Mathurai. Historians recall that Rous Peter acquitted himself as the administrator of the temple with sincerity and respected the religious sentiments of people.

    He is said to have begun his official work by going round the temple on horseback in the morning. His contributions to the Meenakshi temple and Sundararaja Perumal temple in Alagarkoil are celebrated in folk songs. According to a legend, Rous Peter was woken up from sleep by a three-year-old girl in his room and led by the hand outside, where it was raining heavily. When the Collector stopped and looked back, lightning struck his bungalow. The girl ran away in the direction of the temple. Goddess Meenakshi is believed to have appeared as a three-year-old child thrice. The first was in Ezhukadal, where Malayuthavaja Pandian and Kanchanamalai performed a ‘putrakameshti yagam,’ praying for a child. The next appearance was before poet Kumaraguruparar when his ‘Meenakshi Amman Pillai Tamizh’ was made public. The third instance involves Rous Peter.

    The Collector donated a pair of gold stirrups, studded with rubies, to Goddess Meenakshi, who had saved his life. The Chithirai festival of Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple has many things that seamlessly link Mathurai to the past. A pair of stirrups made of gold and studded with rubies links it to the British rule. On the fifth day of the festival, Goddess Meenakshi is taken on a golden horse around the Masi streets wearing the stirrups.Refusing to go back to England after superannuation, Rous Peter spent his last days in Mathurai. As per his wish, he was interred at the St. George’s Church.

The ruby-studded stirrups donated to Goddess Meenakshi by Rous Peter

# The 1000 Pillars Mandapam - Musical Pillars & The Mythical Character Yali

      This 1000-pillared hall now has 985 pillars. Each pillar is in a different style and has a different statue. One can see the engineering marvel or carving sculptures in the pillars. The pillars are arranged that from every angle they appear to be in a straight line. 

     In olden times, the temples were the centres for various cultural activities. Hence, musical pillars were made for the purpose of playing prayers to the God as well as for the cultural events. Meenakshi Amman Temple is a masterpiece architecture which has many attractions. Five musical pillars located just outside the thousand-pillared hall should not be missed.

     There is a statue of Rathi on a swan, and yes, this is a musical stone too. As we tap the statue in different spots we can hear the sounds. We will be mesmerised by the perfection and detailing of the sculptures, like the Yali Mugham, Purusha Mirugham, the five-headed snake and so on.

     The pillars in the hall can be seen with a mythical creature Yazhi sculptured on it. Yazhi  is a mythical creature seen in many South Indian temples, often sculpted onto the pillars. It may be portrayed as part lion, part elephant and part horse, and in similar shapes. Also, it has been sometimes described as a leogryph (part lion and part griffin), with some bird-like features. Yalis were believed to be more powerful than the lion, the tiger or the elephant and are the protectors of the temple.

1000 Pillars Mandapam with Yazhi on it's pillars

The Musical Pillars

# Elephant Sculpture Which eats Sugarcane - Malik Kufur's Attack

   Alauddin Khilji, who was the successful ruler in North India wanted to occupy Tamil Nadu. So he sent his Army Chief Malik Kafur to Mathurai. He attacked Mathurai in the year 1310. He easily won the battle as the then Pandiyan king Veerapandiyan lacked a powerful army. He also planned to destroy the Mathurai temple after capturing the fort. 

  

    One of Malik Kafur's soldiers by name "Thiruvegambarayan" came to see the temple. He noticed eight elephant statues around the main Garpagraha. He asked a saint who was sitting in the "Siththar Sannidhi" about those elephants.The saint told him about the "Thiruvilayadals" of  Lord Shiva.Once Lord Shiva came as "Siththar" and gave those elephants sugarcane. He asked the saint whether it will happen even today.  

     "Thiruvegambarayan" who felt surprised informed Malik Kafur about the elephant statues. Malik Kafur came to the temple to see those  statues. Malik Kafur was given sugarcane by the saint to feed the elephants. To everyone's surprise the stone elephant stretched its trunk and ate the sugarcane. Malik Kafur was astonished. He said," Truly, god is present here only". He also ordered his soldiers to stop destructing the temple.  

The temple was thus saved from demolition. When they attempted  to know about the saint, he was not there.It was Lord Shiva who incarnated as the saint to rescue the temple. 

The Elephant which eats the sugarcane can be seen on the outer sanatorium of Meenakshi amaan temple

# The Depiction of Ozone Layer in the Bhugol Chakra

Charles Fabry and Henri Buisson Discovered thi laye in the year 1913.

But, can you belve that the Ozone Layer and it's protective measures where already described in the Bhugol Chakra of the temple 700 years before? Yes, the Bhogol Chakra mentioned in this temple has the details of the Ozone layer which is a belt of naturally occurring ozone gas that sits 15 to 30 km above earth. 

The Paintings in the temple which depict about the Ozone layer and its protective measures

The Bhugol Chakra

(The National Green Tribunal today rapped the Ministry of Environment and Forests for suggesting that ozone depletion is an international issue and asked its officials to visit Meenakshi Temple in Mathurai to learn that India was aware of the ozone layer 700 years before)

Read more at: https://www.deccanherald.com/content/509930/visit-meenakshi-temple-study-ozone.html) 

# The Temple was in Race for " SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD "

        The New Seven Wonders project, was a private effort to identify important historical creations for the purpose of helping preserve them for future generations.

    A large number of places in India are on the list, including Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Arunachaleshwara Temple, Brihadeshwara Temple, Golden Temple in Amritsar, Saint Thiruvalluvar Statue, Mahabalipuram, Ajanta and more.

    

    While the worthy top 21 nominations out of 66, alone will be short-listed for the final selection, this temple had risen to the twenty-sixth position in the total voting, with 3.4% but couldn't make it into the list of 'Seven Wonders of the World'. However,the temple is definitely one of the 'Wonders of World'. Did you know that this great temple, was recognised as a world wonder in the year 1991? 

Down, down in the South,

Which the antiquity etched to the soul,

The city stretched with majesty,

On the banks of the fertile Vaigai;

The air coalesced with aromatic jasmine,

The mighty Meenkashi Ammn temple painting the sky with the regalia,

Super soft Idlies, reflecting the aura of their home;

The city was named rightly,

A divine nectar indeed,

The proud capital of Pandyas;

The solace of ancient Tamil literature,

MATHURAI 

The City That Never Sleeps

Thanks for reading, Let me know your comments !

                          

Compiled By- 

Vamsi Krishna Mutyala 

vamsim88@gmail.com

The Forgotten Massive Empire - THE CHOLAS

    DEEP in the south of India lie the spectacular remains of one of the world's most remarkable and most forgotten civilisations. In its heyday it was one of the half-dozen greatest powers on Earth. It controlled half a million square miles - more than five times the size of Britain. And under its wing literacy and the arts flourished.

    Yet today, 1,000 years later, the Chola Empire is remembered only by a handful of specialist historians. If it had been European, or had given its name to some still-surviving nation, things might be different. But despite 400 years of glory, the Chola Empire disappeared from history; a sad fate for a civilisation which was among the most remarkable produced by the medieval world.

    In some ways, it was the most significant of the dozen or so empires which rose and fell during India's long, tumultuous history. It lasted some 460 years, longer than any of them. The Chola was also the only Asian empire (bar the Japanese) to have indulged, albeit briefly, in overseas expansion. It conquered Sri Lanka, the Andaman and Nicobar islands and, temporarily, parts of south- east Asia - the islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali, and the southern part of the Malay peninsula.

    Most of these overseas conquests are shrouded in mystery. All that is known is that, in 1025, the Chola emperor Rajendra I dispatched an army, presumably on a large fleet, across 2,000 miles of ocean to conquer the southern half of south-east Asia. The records show that he succeeded and received the submission of large numbers of cities. Some historians believe that the Cholas then simply sailed back to India, but others suspect that Chola power persisted in some form in south- east Asia for two or three generations.

    Certainly, the Chola conquest contributed to a long process that had already started and which linked southern India and south-east Asia together in terms of trade and religion. The Indonesia/Malay region was a pivotal point in trade between China and India (and, indeed, the West), and both Java and Bali were largely Hindu. Rajendra's conquest was perhaps the first military expression of a more general connection which had been developing for centuries.

    Closer to home, in Sri Lanka, the Cholas' overseas expansion is better documented - both in text, and in stone. Tourists today can still explore the great ruined city of Polonnaruva, founded by the Cholas as a capital for their newly conquered island territory.

    But the emperor's armies didn't only head southwards. In the early 11th century, Chola forces marched almost 1,000 miles through India to the banks of the Ganges. Like the south-east Asian conquest, this epic 'long march' is also shrouded in mystery. Whether the emperor's objectives in marching an army to the sacred river were political or purely religious is unknown. Certainly, the north of India, though temporarily subdued, was not incorporated into the empire - although holy Ganges water was carried back to a great new capital named in honour of the sacred river, and the ruler who had conquered it.

    This capital was called Gangaikondacholapuram - literally 'the City to which the Chola emperor brought the Ganges'. At the centre of their new metropolis, the Cholas built a magnificent temple and a vast three mile-long reservoir symbolically to hold the 'captured' waters of the Ganges. Both have survived. Under Chola rule, religion and politics grew ever closer together, with the emperor projecting himself as the representative, almost a manifestation, of God on Earth. Large temples were built, for the first time, as royal establishments. The Cholas probably built more temples than any other Indian kingdom or empire. Each temple was a masterpiece. Even today, the Chola heartland - along the Kaveri River in the state of Tamil Nadu - is full of beautiful, delicately carved temples, some the size of tiny chapels, others as big as European cathedrals. In the very centre of what was the empire, there are still 40 Chola temples in an area half the size of greater London. The most spectacular structure is the 63m-high pyramid- shaped central shrine in the city of Thanjavur, the Chola capital before Gangaikondacholapuram.

    Chola art and architecture were among the finest in the world. Indeed, in cast bronze sculpture and hard-stone sculpture, Chola art is unsurpassed. Millions of figures, deftly carved in granite, can still be seen on their temples, while in museums, in Thanjavur and Madras, visitors can marvel at the artistry and craftsmanship of the bronze figurines and statues.

    The Cholas not only nurtured an artistic boom; they also fostered a massive expansion in education. Political stability and imperial grants - both to the temples which ran education and to the students themselves - led to the expansion of local schools and elite colleges for higher castes. The education system - which operated from a religious perspective but also promoted literacy, mathematics and astronomy - was probably, at least in part, responsible for the development of a competent imperial administration and broadened international horizons. Some estimates suggest that literacy rose to around 20 per cent - perhaps the highest in the medieval world.

    An unplanned result of this high level of education was an increase in intellectual dissidence. One of the greatest Indian religious thinkers - the 11th-century philosopher Ramanuja - was a product of the Chola empire, although he was ultimately expelled for his views. In many ways, he can be seen as the founder of Hindu monotheism with his belief in a unitary personal god, the ultimate font of love and compassion.

    In the 12th century there flourished an even more dissident religious movement. The Lingayats professed a sort of cynical humanism which questioned the very fundamentals of religion - the authority of India's holy books, the Vedas (the equivalent of the Bible), and reincarnation itself. Socially, they were also radical, challenging the taboo on widows re-marrying, and condemning child marriages. This dissident movement derived much support from the lower castes.

    The empire also increased the importance and institutionalisation of local government. Each group of five to 10 villages had an elected district council, which in turn had endless subcommittees dealing with everything from land rights to irrigation, law and order to food storage. Every household in a district had the right to vote - and the councils enjoyed considerable power. The Chola emperors encouraged their development, probably as a counter-balance to the power of local vassal rulers, who owed obedience to the empire.

    Although the Cholas ruled for more than four centuries, they did so with a remarkable light touch. Local responsibility for local affairs was encouraged, and newly conquered local rulers were allowed to keep their titles and lands, though under ultimate Chola control.

    The light touch was brought even to waging war. The Cholas exemplified the Indian principle of war - the dharma yuddha, literally, the principle of the fair fight. Battles were normally pre- arranged and fought in daylight on a level field between equal numbers of troops. Defeated princes could carry on living and prospering, but had to pay homage and cough up tribute for the emperor's treasury and women to act as concubines and courtiers.

    Presiding over this mixture of autocracy and democracy, a cocktail of religious orthodoxy and dissidence, and a surge of artistic creativity - not to mention their concubines - the Chola emperors considered themselves the rulers of the world. They did, of course, look on India as the Continent of the Cosmos.

    Yet now they are forgotten, their achievements ignored by the world. There is not one book in print on the Chola Empire; nor a travel-company tour to most of their extraordinary temples.

1.Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

    Spectacular Chola temple with rich sculpture, a magnificent pavilion with 984 pillars, and a shrine to the sun god complete with stone chariot wheels. Here, one of the Hindu trinity of gods, Siva, is said to have performed his cosmic dance of joy. A delightful story has it that Siva's wife, Parvati, challenged him to a dance contest, which took place where the temple now stands. Siva won by way of a clever ruse. He contrived to drop his earring so that he could pick it up and put it back with his toe; his spouse was, however, too modest to raise her leg - and lost.

    Chidambaram temple embodies the following characteristics :

1) This temple is located at the Center Point of world 's Magnetic Equator.

2) Of the "Pancha bootha" i.e. 5 temples, Chidambaram denotes the Skies. Kalahasthi denotes Wind. Kanchi Ekambareswar denotes land. All these 3 temples are located in a straight line at 79 degrees 41 minutes Longitude. This can be verified using Google. An amazing fact & astronomical miracle !

3) Chidambaram temple is based on the Human Body having 9 Entrances denoting 9 Entrances or Openings of the body.

4) Temple roof is made of 21600 gold sheets which denotes the 21600 breaths taken by a human being every day (15 x 60 x 24 = 21600)

5) These 21600 gold sheets are fixed on the Gopuram using 72000 gold nails which denote the total no. of Nadis (Nerves) in the human body. These transfer energy to certain body parts that are invisible.

6) Thirumoolar states that man represents the shape of Shivalingam, which represents Chidambaram which represents Sadashivam which represents HIS dance !

7) "Ponnambalam " is placed slightly tilted towards the left. This represents our Heart. To reach this, we need to climb 5 steps called "Panchatshara padi " "Si, Va, Ya, Na, Ma " are the 5 Panchatshara mantras.

There are 4 pillars holding the Kanagasabha representing the 4 Vedas.

8) Ponnambalam has 28 pillars denoting the 28 "Ahamas "as well as the 28 methods to worship Lord Shiva. These 28 pillars support 64 +64 Roof Beams which denote the 64 Arts. The cross beams represent the Blood Vessels running across the Human body.

9) 9 Kalasas on the Golden Roof represent the 9 types of Sakthi or Energies.

The 6 pillars at the Artha Mantapa represent the 6 types of Sashtras.

The 18 pillars in the adjacant Mantapa represents 18 Puranams.

10) The dance of Lord Nataraja is described as Cosmic Dance by Western Scientists.

Whatever Science is propounding now has been stated by Hinduism thousands of years ago  

     Apart from Thillai Nataraja Temple, you can visit 100s of temples build by cholas in Chidambaram.

2. Shri Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

    Marvellous temple built by the Chola Emperor Rajaraja II in the mid- 12th century. One beautiful pavilion - in imitation of a war chariot - has wheels and rearing horses. See also relief portraying the lives of the 63 saints of the god Siva.

3. Brihadisvara temple, Gangaikondacholapuram

    The magnificent and richly sculpted Brihadisvara temple, built of granite as the centrepiece of a new Chola capital in circa AD1025. The main shrine is 160ft (50m) high. The three-mile 11th-century Cholaganga reservoir (for sacred water) also survives.

  

4. Sivan Kovil, Kaliyapatti, Pudukottai

     The 'Place of Stone'. Small temple, c 900. This temple was ruined with the time.

5. Twin Temples, Keezhaiyur, Nagapattinam

Double shrine, c 900.

    As the name suggests, the complex consists of two temples. The temple in the north is called Vadavaayil Sirikoil or Chozheecharam and the one in the south is called Thenvaaayil Sirikoil or Agatheeswaram. The temples were constructed by the Paluvettaraiyar chieftains Kumaran Maravan and Kumaran Kandan, sub-ordinates to Cholas.

6. Moovar Kovil, Kodumbalur, Pudukottai 

Triple shrine, c 900.

    Muvar Koil in Tamil means ‘temple for three deities/persons’. This complex is known by this name probably because it has three temples inside. Only two out of these three have survived fully while the third one has only the basement remaining now.  Local traditions and folklore give some interesting interpretations of the term ‘Muvar’. As per one belief, Shiva saints (Nayanar-s) Appar, Sundarar and Manikkavachakar built one shrine each. Another belief states that kings of three major dynasties Chera, Chola and Pandya constructed one shrine each. One another tradition states that these three shrines were constructed to house Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. As per a foundation inscription on south wall of the north-most temple, these temples were constructed by Kodumbalur Velir chief Bhuti Vikramakesari on behalf of himself and his two wives, Karrali and Varaguna. Bhuti Vikramakesari was a contemporary of the Chola ruler Aditya I hence these temples would have been constructed in middle of 10th century CE. This complex can be assigned to the early phase of the Chola architectural activities.

    The complex has three main temples standing in middle and face west. There are remains of about sixteen sub-shrines around the main temples. The complex with such sub-shrines is called parivara complex housing various deities belonging to Lord Shiva and his family. Such complexes were probably originated during the Chola rule. There is a common maha-mandapa constructed in front of these main temples. It measures 91 feet by 41 feet however now only basement of this remains. Beyond this mandapa are the remains of a Nandi-mandapa and a bali-pitha. The feeling on the first look on this complex is that of witnessing a splendid composition with serene surroundings. The feeling culminates into an impression which is awestruck with the grandeur and beauty of the sculptures adorning these temples. 

                                  Two surviving temples of Muvar Koil complex

7. Nageswaraswamy Temple, Kumbakonam

    Beautiful sculptures of female dancers and musicians, the sun god and the god Siva - in the form of a divine young ascetic - adorn the Nageswaraswamy Temple, built c 870. According to legend, this riverside temple was built where a pot was washed ashore containing the seed of creation and the Hindu bible.

    The temple is incarnated by the hymns of Thevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. Shiva in the guise of Nagaraja, the serpent king and is located in the centre of Kumbakonam.

    Aditya Chola constructed this temple during the 9th century. It is great marvel of Chola architecture, building technology and astronomy. The orientation is structured in such a way that it allows sunlight inside the temple, right on the sanctum only during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May). It bears another name called Surya Kottam or Keezha Kottam. The Karuvarai (Sanctum Sanctorum) of Nageswaran temple is similar to Sarangapani Temple, as it is made in the form of a Chariot. The temple consists of three gopurams in the eastern, western and southern directions. The temple is designed in such a way that during the first three days of Tamil month Chittirai (April - May), the rays of the Sun falls directly in the base of the presiding deity in sanctum sanctorum.

8. Amritaghateshvara Temple, Melakkadambur 

    This small temple occupies a unique place in the history of South Indian temple architecture. It is situated in the village of Melakkadambur, some 32 km. S.W. from Chidambaram and 4 km. from Kattumannargudi, in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu. Near the southern tip of the Viranam Eri, a large irrigation reservoir constructed by the Chola king Parantaka I (907-955). Two inscriptions engraved on the walls of the temple belonging to the 41st and the 43rd year of the reign of the Chola king Kulottunga I (1070-1120) indicate the temple existed in this form by the early 12th century. But the existence of a hymn composed by the saint-poet (Nayanmar) Appar dedicated to the presiding deity of this temple shows it was already a renowned sacred place in the 7th century CE.

    It is a very interesting temple from an architectural, iconographical, and art-historical point of view. It is believed to be the earliest shrine constructed in the form of a ratha or chariot. This architectural concept was applied in many temples constructed during the later phases of the Chola empire, and also by later South Indian dynasties. It reached its pinnacle in the grand Sun temple of Konarak in Orissa, build by Narasimha Deva, a king belonging to the Ganga dynasty around the year 1278. The sculptural work of the Amritaghatesvara temple is very rich, elaborate and detailed. Chola sculptors have left us many master pieces and the sculpture of this temple is some of the best from their hands.

9. Vijayalaya Choleeswaram, Narthamalai, Pudukottai

    Constructed c 870, the Vijayalaya Cholesvara Temple is said to have been built by the first Chola emperor, Vijayalaya.

    Temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Constructed in the Dravida style and rock cut architecture, the temple is believed to have been built during the 9th century by Muttaraiyar kings, the cardinals of Pallavas, with later expansion from the Cholas. The rock-cut architecture is an early example of Cholan Art, continuing the tradition of the Pallavas. The other portions of Narthamalai houses the 8th century Jaina Abode, the Aluruttimalai Jain Caves. There are also two rock-cut caves, one of which houses twelve life size sculptures of Vishnu. The temple is considered one of the oldest stone temples in South India.

10. Agastisvara Siva Temple, Panangudi, Pudukottai

Chola temple built c 900.

    This east facing temple has a sanctum and a small mandapa in front. The sanctum is constructed with a square base of nine feet side on exterior and five feet in interior. On this sanctum a square vimana rises above. Vimana has a single story with bhutagana frieze below cornice with yali-row on corners. Above this storey rests a square griva (neck). On top of this griva is a square shikhara (cupola). The shikhara has maha-nasika (big arches) in middle on all four sides. Below these maha-nasika-s, on first and only storey of vimana, are niches carved in. These niches have Shiva as Dakshinamurti on south, Vishnu on west and Brahma on north and Indra (Subramanya) on east, confirming to the regular arrangement of their placement. An image of Nandi is placed on all the four corners on this vimana story. These Nandi-s either face east or west but no north and south.

                              

11. Vanavan Mahadevisvaram, Polonnaruva, Sri Lanka

    Ruins of a great city founded as a new capital for the island by the Chola emperor Rajaraja following his conquest of Sri Lanka in 993. Visit the many medieval buildings, including two Chola temples. Because they are not functioning temples, it is possible to visit the sacred innner sanctums, where one can see examples of that most important of Hindu symbols, the stone obelisk called the lingam. It represents the creativity and fertility of the human phallus and the safety and shade of the archetypal tree.

12. Thiru Alandurai Mahadevar Kovil, Pullamangai, Thanjavur 

    One of the most beautiful of all Chola temples, c 910. Perfectly preserved, with miniature relief.

    The local history is that this town was known as Pullamangai and the temple name was known as “Alandhurai”. However, in present days the town name has become Pasupathi Koil.

    When Devas were trying get nectar by churning the milky ocean, the snake they were using spewed poison, and it is said the God abode here took that poison and settled here.  Hence the name Alandurai or Alanthurai.

13. Koranganatha Temple, Srinivasanallur, Kumbakonnam

    The 10th-century temple of Koranganatha - the Lord of the Monkey. Beautiful sculptures of medieval worshippers in their aristocratic clothes.

14. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Trichy

    This most important temple to the god Vishnu in southern India has exquisite carvings of female musicians. It is dedicated to a young girl called Andal who became enraptured with Vishnu.

    The temple is enclosed by 7 concentric enclosures with courtyards (termed prakarams or mathil suvar). Each layer has walls and gopurams, which were built or fortified in and after the 16th century. These walls total 32,592 feet (9,934 m) or over six miles. The temple has 17 major gopurams (towers, 21 total), 39 pavilions, 50 shrines, 9 sacred water pools, Ayiram kaal mandapam (a hall of 1000 pillars) and several small water bodies inside. A 239.501  feet Rajagopuram of this temple is the tallest of its kind.

15. Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai

    Regarded, mythologically, as a sort of divine weapons store, this Chola temple is dedicated to the war god Murugan.

16. Brishadisvara Temple, Thanjavur (also spelt Tanjore or Tanjavur) 

    Once the capital of the Chola empire, this town is home to the greatest of all Chola buildings - the Rajarajesvara (or Brihadishvara) temple. Built in AD1010 by the emperor Rajaraja the Great, it is 210ft (63m) high - the tallest temple in all India. On top of its sumptuously sculpted pyramid-shaped tower is an 80-ton cupola, said to be fashioned out of a single block of granite placed there with the aid of a four-mile temporary ramp.

Some of the  facts about the temple are:

 # When ever we say the periya nandhi (Big nandhi) or the “Otrai Kal Nandhi”(A sculpture of nandhi carved from one single rock), All we think is the one which is now seen on the entrance of Thanjavoor Periya Kovil(Big Temple). But, only few knows that, the nandhi we see now in the Thanjavoor periya kovil is not that “Otrai Kal Nandhi” which was installed during the time Raja Raja I’s reign or the during those olden age.

    The present, big Nandhi situated on the entrance of the Thanjavoor Periya Kovil is not the one which was created during the Raja Raja I’s reign or the time when the Temple was built. It was the new sculpture which was kept more recently, said to be the gift to the temple from the Maratha rulers during the Maratha’s reign(Late 17th to 19th Centuries) . The original “otrai kal nandhi” was removed from the place where it was before for various unaccounted reasons and kept at the praharam(the side path) of the temple. It is said to be the Nandi which keeps growing in the size(no one knows there reason, may be because of weathering), and in order to control the growth, they have bolted or nailed it to the ground on the legs of the sculpture. Since, it was not known by many about this nandhi, it is less maintained and due to that, it has seen some deterioration in them.

Original Otrai Kal Nandhi

# A structure of such a massive architecture, needs intense planning and execution in order to have a safe construction zone with minimal accident incidents, the Temple walls have inscriptions which shows the records of every works performed daily and have recorded few minor accidents where few workers were wounded and only one fatal accident was recorded. Where, a sculptor, who lost his life while raising a stone column, which accidentally fell on him and crushed him to death. The inscription also says that Raja Raja I mourned for that unfortunate incident and he gave compensation to the dead person’s family. He gave lands near river for agriculture, official job to a family member, and they were even waived off of their taxes for next 7 generations. Can you imagine? a monarch, who was the greatest king of that time, ruling almost all the southern India, taking care of their citizen with such a great care and gesture. There is a reason for people calling his reign as the Golden Era of Tamilagam.

#Every damn thing was recorded as an inscription on the walls of the temple. Built by Raja Raja Chola (who ruled from 985 -1014 Common Era), the Big Temple is not only a magnificent edifice with its majestic vimana, sculptures, architecture and frescoes, but also has a wealth and richness of Tamil inscriptions engraved on stone in superb calligraphy.

#These rock carvings look like mere decoration, but if you look closely, there are very small holes cut into them. These holes are drilled vertically, probably to hold something very slender. Primitive tools like iron or copper chisels can not accomplish this, even today.

#The temple walls are completely made of granite, one of the hardest materials on earth. In modern days, we use diamond tipped tools to make these kind of holes. Today's archaeologists and historians are baffled at how he could construct such a gigantic temple in a very short time.

#This temple was not only a religious place, but was also designed as defensive fort to withstand any attack. The satellite view of the temple and the nearby places, where the palace was situated, shows a water drainage layout flowing around the temple’s outer walls which are clearly looking like a fort’s wall and extending through the main city region and covering the main areas like one long MOAT. The Anaicut’s Cauvery water flowing in between Thnajavoor keeps providing water to this moat. This giving it a great advantage for defending the city if it was under attack. This the reason for the Periya Koil to have many secret hidden passages leading into the temple from various other parts of the city.

The MOAT in the Thanjavur City

#The hollow interior of the vimana, a view from below. Built of interlocking stones without any binding material, the vimana has not developed a crack or tilted even a few centimetres in all these years despite six earthquakes.(And a normal tower in one place just tilts 5.5 degrees due to the blunder in construction and it got named as World’s wonder, sigh.

17. Brahmasirakandeesar Temple, Tirukkandiyur

   Small Chola temple.

    Thirukandiyur or Kandiyur is the site where Shiva curbed the ego of Brahma by cutting off his fifth head. It is believed that, at the beginning of creation, Brahma had 5 heads, and as he created one form of life after another, his ego grew, until he felt that he was the greatest of the gods. Shiva decided to teach him a lesson, and cut off Brahma's fifth head, which stood on top of the other four. Brahma at once realized his error, and prayed to Shiva, asking for forgiveness. This temple also figures among the Saptha Sthaanam temples.

    The main deity here is the Brahma Shira Kandeeswarar. There is no bronze idol depicting the story of this temple. The goddess is Mangalambigai. There is a statue of Brahma and Saraswati to the left of the lingam, facing it, in a separate sanctum.

18. Astha Parivara Shrine, Thirukkattalai, Pudukottai

      The 'temple of the holy command', c 900. The name Thirukkattalai comes from the name Thirukkatrazhi, which means sacred stone temple. This is one of the early structural temples. It has a small sanctum sanctorum and 7 shrines in all directions. These shrines are attached to the outer wall of the temple which is unusual architecturally. This was built but the 1st Adithya Chola in the 9th C. The Lord Shiva here is called Sundareshwara. The separate shrine for Ambal was built during the Late Pandya Era. he shrines in the side are of Surya, Chandra, Saptha Madha, Vinayaka, Karhtikeya, Jyeshta devi, and the 7th shrines is empty. Inscriptions of both Aditya Chola Period and also Nayak period are there. 

     The Vimana (the tall pyramid shaped structure atop the sanctum sanctorum) has some important sculptural details on all 4 sides. In the eastern side, that's the entrance, right atop is Alinganamurthy - that's Lord Shiva with his consort on his lap. However in this sculpture, his consort is broken!!! 

  The southern side has Thripuranthaka at the bottom, Bhikshadana in the middle and Veenadhara Dakshinamurthy atop. The western side has Vishnu in standing posture at the bottom, Seated Vishnu in the middle, Bhoovaragava atop. The northern side has Standing Brahma at the bottom, seated Brahma in the middle and the structure atop is unidentifiable. However a pattern seems to have been followed. The southern side was completely Shiva, the western side was Vishnu and so the northern side must be completely Brahma. So the unidentified sculpture atop must be Brahma!!!

19. Sakshinatheswarar Temple, Thiruppurambiyam, Kumbakonam

Templae, c 900

Thiruppurambiyam was the fierce battlefield in the 9th century deciding the bright future of Cholas. Chola king Aditya I built a temple in sweet remembrance of the turn of the tide in his favour and named it Aditeswaram. The present name of the presiding deity is Sakshinathar and the consort, Kuraivialla Azhagi(beauty unsurpassed). The sanctum of the consort was built by Rajaraja Chola I. The sanctum wall contains beautiful sculptures of Parivara devatas(other deities of Siva temple). Lord Ganesa, the elephant god is performed honey ablution on the day of Vinayagar Chaturthi and all honey passed is absorbed

20. Aiyarappur Temple, Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur 

     By uttering the mystical (and apparently meaningless) word ohm, the Chola poet Sundarar succeeded in parting the waters, Red Sea style, of the Chola heartland's great river, Kaveri, so that he and a visiting king could praise the god Siva at the temple of Tiruvaiyaru on the other side.

    Aiyarappar temple (also called Panchanadeeswarar temple) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The Five Rivers are Vadavaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru. Shiva is worshiped as Aiyarappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Dharmasamvardhini. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

21. Arunachalesvara Temple, Thiruvanamalai

    This temple - with stone sculptures depicting 108 classical Indian dance poses - was built in the place where Siva turned himself into what he claimed was an eternal unending pillar of fire. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of fire, or Agni.

22. Thyagaraja Temple, Thiruvarur

    The temple is built at the legendary scene of a great Chola miracle of death and resurrection. The son of a Chola king - out joyriding, as princes will, in one of the royal chariots - ran over and killed a calf. A somewhat distraught cow - the calf's mother - complained to the king, who was furious and decided to punish his son by killing him. Understandably he found this difficult, indeed morally impossible. So, obligingly, the king's prime minister carried out the execution. Filled with sadness, both prime minister and king committed suicide. But all was not lost, for the god Siva decided to resurrect them all.

     Tiruvarur temple car, the largest (chariot) temple car in the world, it weighing 300 tonnes (295 long tons; 331 short tons) with a height of 90 feet (27.43 m).

23. Kalyanasundareswarar Kovil, Tiruvelvikkudi, Kumbakonam

    The temple of Manavalesvara.Parvathi who was in the form of cow got redressed from the curse and born to Sage Bharatha and married Lord Shiva.  Mother Parvathi was born to Sage Bharatha in Kuthalam near Tiruvelvikudi.  She performed penance for 16 Mondays on Lord  Shiva to have His hand as Her Lord.  Mother made a Linga of sand for the penance.  On the 17th Monday, Lord appeared before Parvathi  as Manavaleswarar and promised to marry Her.  Accordingly, the rituals (Velvi in Tamil) were conducted with Brahmma being the head  priest for this divine marriage.  Hence, the place is named Tiru Velvikudi.

24. Kampaharesvara temple, Tribhuvanem, Thanjavur 

    The Kampaharesvara temple, built by the Chola emperor Kulottunga III in c 1200. As per Hindu legend, Shiva is believed to have relieved Kampa (quaking) of a king haunted by evil spirits on account of the king killing a Brahmin by mistake. This led to the name of Kampahareshvara.

25. Bhumisvara Temple, Viralur, Pudukottai

     Abandoned Temple

26. Vasukisvaramudaiya Mahadeva Temple, Visalur, Kumbakonam 

    The temple is constructed with a square base on which a square vimana rises above. Vimana has a single story above which square griva (neck) rises. On top of this griva is a square shikhara (cupola). The shikhara has maha-nasika (big arches) in middle on all four sides. Below these maha-nasika-s, on first and only storey of vimana, are niches carved in. These niches have Shiva as Dakshinamurti on south, Vishnu on west and Brahma on north, confirming to the regular arrangement of their placement.

Why don’t we remember the Cholas?  

Proud to Be a Dravidian !!!

Compiled By     

                                                          

Vamsi Krishna Mutyala

TNAU, Coimbatore

vamsim88@gmail.com