Birth Anniversary of Raja Raja Chola I is Celebrated annually with great enthusiasm and devotion as Sadhaya Vizha in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Raja Raja Chola I, originally named Arulmozhi Varman, was born in 947 CE.
Known as Raja Raja the Great, he is one of history's most illustrious and visionary rulers.
His life and legacy are famously depicted in Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 Tamil novel Ponniyin Selvan.
The novel's adaptation into a motion picture series.
Raja Raja Chola’s Reign (985-1014 CE):
Military Prowess: His influence extended to Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Administrative Vision: He inherited and expanded the Chola Empire, ensuring both military and cultural flourishing.
Revered for his devotion to Lord Shiva, worshipped as Peruvudaiyar.
Sadhaya Vizha Celebrations Held in the Tamil month of Aippasi (mid-October to mid-November).
Brihadeeswarar Temple:
The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Chola architecture.
A grand tribute to Raja Raja Chola’s devotion to Lord Shiva.
Contains Tamil inscriptions meticulously engraved on stone, detailing:
The temple's construction process.
Daily rituals, offerings, and special worship ceremonies.
Contributions from Raja Raja Chola, his sister Kundavai, his queens, and others.
The inscriptions consist of 107 paragraphs, recording:
Raja Raja Chola’s personal involvement in planning and construction.
Detailed accounts of gifts and rituals associated with the temple.
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