Story of Raja raja cholan
Raja Raja Chola was a powerful ruler and one of the greatest kings in the history of Tamil Nadu, India. He is widely regarded as a visionary monarch who played a pivotal role in expanding the Chola empire and promoting the cultural and economic development of his kingdom. In this blog, we will explore the life, achievements, and legacy of Raja Raja Chola.
Family of Raja Raja Chola:
Raja Raja Chola, the great Chola king, was born to Parantaka Sundara Chola, who established the Chola dynasty. Parantaka Sundara Chola was a renowned king who ruled from 907 to 955 AD and expanded the Chola kingdom to encompass parts of modern-day Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Parantaka Sundara Chola was known for his military prowess and his campaigns against the Rashtrakuta dynasty in the north and the Pandya and Chera kingdoms in the south. He was also known for his patronage of the arts, literature, and religion. He built several temples and religious institutions and was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva.
Parantaka Sundara Chola had several sons, including Aditya Karikalan, the eldest, and Kundavai, the only daughter. Aditya Karikalan was a brave and skilled warrior who led several successful military campaigns on behalf of his father. He was known for his valor and courage on the battlefield.
However, Aditya Karikalan was involved in a power struggle with his younger brother, Arulmozhi Varman (Raja Raja Chola), and was eventually killed in a battle. The exact circumstances of his death are unclear, but it is believed that he was killed in a duel with Raja Raja Chola over the succession to the throne.
Kundavai, the only daughter of Parantaka Sundara Chola, was a prominent figure in the Chola court and played a crucial role in shaping the history and culture of Tamil Nadu. She was a devout worshipper of Lord Shiva and was known for her intelligence and political acumen. She married the Chera prince, Vira Pandyan, and their union helped to cement a political alliance between the Chola and Chera kingdoms.
Early Life and Rise to Power:
Raja Raja Chola, also known as Arulmozhi Varman, was one of the most powerful and influential kings in the history of Tamil Nadu, India. He was born in 947 AD in Thanjavur, a city in the southern region of India, to Parantaka Sundara Chola, a renowned king who established the Chola dynasty.
Raja Raja Chola was born in 947 AD in Thanjavur, a city located in the Tamil Nadu region of southern India. He was the son of Parantaka Sundara Chola, a prominent king who had established the Chola dynasty. Raja Raja Chola received an excellent education and was trained in warfare, diplomacy, and administration from a young age. He showed remarkable intelligence and leadership skills, which earned him the respect and admiration of his father and the people of his kingdom.
In 985 AD, Raja Raja Chola ascended to the throne after the death of his father. He inherited a vast kingdom that extended from present-day Tamil Nadu to parts of modern-day Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Raja Raja Chola was determined to expand his empire and enhance the prosperity and well-being of his people.
Military Campaigns and Conquests:
Raja Raja Chola was an accomplished military strategist who launched several successful campaigns to expand his kingdom. His armies conquered territories in the Pandya and Chera kingdoms, as well as parts of Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Southeast Asia. He also established a powerful navy and built a network of ports and trading posts, which helped to enhance the economic prosperity of his kingdom.
After the death of Aditya Karikalan, Raja Raja Chola ascended to the throne and proved to be a visionary ruler who expanded the Chola empire, promoted trade and commerce, and patronized the arts and culture. He built the magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, which is considered one of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture. One of Raja Raja Chola’s most significant achievements was the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, which is considered one of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture. The temple is a marvel of engineering and design, with a massive tower, intricate carvings, and beautiful sculptures. The temple stands as a testament to Raja Raja Chola’s patronage of the arts and his commitment to promoting cultural and religious traditions in his kingdom.
Legacy and Significance:
Raja Raja Chola’s reign marked a golden era in the history of Tamil Nadu. His military campaigns, diplomatic skills, and administrative reforms helped to expand the Chola empire and establish it as a dominant power in South India. He promoted trade, commerce, and agriculture, which led to an increase in the standard of living for his people.
Raja Raja Chola’s patronage of the arts, culture, and religion helped to foster a sense of identity and pride among the people of his kingdom. His contributions to the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, as well as other temples and monuments, are a testament to his commitment to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of his land.
Today, Raja Raja Chola is remembered as a visionary monarch who played a crucial role in shaping the history and culture of Tamil Nadu. His legacy continues to inspire people around the world, and his achievements serve as a reminder of the power of leadership, vision, and determination in achieving great things.
Current status of Brahdeeswara temple:
Brahadeeswara Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswara Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built during the reign of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century CE by the emperor Raja Raja Chola I. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the finest examples of Tamil architecture.
The temple is famous for its towering Vimana, which is a term used to describe the tower above the sanctum sanctorum of a Hindu temple. The Vimana of the Brahadeeswara Temple is over 60 meters tall and is one of the tallest in the world. The dome of the Vimana is made of granite and weighs around 81.3 tonnes. It is believed that the dome was lifted into place using a ramp made of earth, and it is a testament to the engineering skills of the Chola dynasty.
The temple complex also includes a Nandi Mandapam, which is a pavilion that houses a statue of Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva. The statue of Nandi is carved out of a single piece of stone and is over 6 meters long and 3.7 meters tall. The entire Nandi Mandapam is carved out of granite and features intricate carvings of various deities and scenes from Hindu mythology.
The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple houses a lingam, which is a symbol of Lord Shiva. The lingam is believed to have been brought from the banks of the Narmada River and is considered one of the most sacred symbols in Hinduism. The inner walls of the sanctum sanctorum are adorned with exquisite frescoes that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.
The temple also features several other shrines and mandapams that are dedicated to various deities. The Keralantakan Shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s son, Murugan, while the Subramanya Shrine is dedicated to his other son, Kartikeya. The Natya Mandapam, or Hall of Dance, features several pillars that are adorned with intricate carvings of various dance poses. The Raja Raja Mandapam is another hall that is used for various religious and cultural events.
The Brahadeeswara Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola dynasty. The temple complex is a stunning example of Dravidian architecture and is renowned for its intricate carvings, stunning frescoes, and towering Vimana.
