Friday 2 October 2015

Brihadisvara Temple / Sri Rajarajecharam Temple / Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple / Thanjavur Periya Kovil / தஞ்சாவூர் பெரிய கோயில்/ தஞ்சாவூர் பிரஹதீஸ்வரர் கோயில், Ponniyin Selvan Meet 2015, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

 2nd October 2015.
The details and history of this temple Sri Rajarajecharan also known as Thanjavur Brihasdeeswarar Temple are covered  first and Donations, Administrations, operation of the temple are written  at the end of this post. I tried to write all the details, which I had seen at the temple and if anything is omitted/ wrong,  request the readers to correct me. I extend my sincere thanks to Mr SPS, Mr Venkatesh, Mr Kudavayil Balasubramanian and the organizers / participants of the Ponniyin Selvan Group to given me the opportunity to see the beauty of this un imaginable temple constructed more than 1000 years before by Rajarajan, without any present technical equipment. I salute Chozha king Rajarajan and his team of people for given us this treasure and feel us proud.

The view of the Periya Kovil - Big Temple from main road

SRI RAJARAJECHARAM, THANJAVUR.
Thanjavur Big Temple alias Periya Kovil is one of the UNESCO Heritage monument sites under ‘ Living Chozha  Temples’.  This temple's permanent trustee is Sri E Babaji Rajah Bhonsle B.E. ( the heir of the Maratha kings family ) This temple is located in the heart of the city Thanjavur,  with an easy access from Railway station and Old Bus Stand. Thanjavur is also called as Thanjai or  Tanjore. It was believed that the name Thanjavur is derived  like Than+ Sei+ oor  and it has become Thanjavur. Another story is  a demon by name Thanjan, who was killed by Kodiamman and he prayed Amman that this place should be called after him before dying.  Raja Raja Chozha’s inscription says that this place was called as Thanjavur. 

The Mayura purana supports the Mahavidwan Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai's statement on this temple and Thanjavur as... 

அம்மையார் நிழலில்யா மமர்வோமென் றருள் செய்த
செம்மையார் வீற்றிருக்குந்  திருத்தஞ்சை.
---மயூரபுராணம்- திருநாட்டுப்- 54 

And in Thanjai Peruvudaiyar ula...
                                                            "பொன்னி
நதியுடைக்கோன் முன்னோர் நரைமுதியா னீழல்
வதிகின்றே மென்ன வந்தான் வந்தான்' - 70.

Karuvur Thevar praised Lord Shiva dn this temple in his Thiruvisaipa as.... 
உலகெலாந் தொழுவந் தெழுகதிர்ப் பரிதி
ஒன்று நூறாயிர கோடி
அலகெலாம் பொதிந்த திருவுடம் பச்சோ
அங்கனே அழகிதோ வரணம்
பலகுலாம் படை செய் நெடுநிலை மாடம்
பருவரை ஞாங்கர் வெண்திங்கள்
இலைகுலாம் பதணத் திஞ்சிசூழ் தஞ்சை
இராசரா சேச்சரத் திவர்க்கே
----கருவூரார்.. திருவிசைப்பா.
Moolavar   : Sri Rajarajechvaramudayar,
  Sri Rajarajeechvaramudaya Paramswamy,
  Sri Periya Udaya Nayanar,
  Sri Brihadeeswaraswamy, Sri Peruvudayar,
  Sri Periya Sivanar .
Consort    : Sri Ulakamuzhuthudaya Nachiyar, Sri Periya Nayagi, 
                  Sri Rajarajeswari, Sri Brihan Nayagi.

THANJAVUR PERIYA KOVIL DETAILS
The temple was built like a fort and river water flows all round forms like an agazhi / Moat

MARATHA'S  RAJAGOPURAM.
The Rajagopuram was built in Marati style with not much of Stucco images. Vinayagar sannidhi is on the  left and Murugan sannidhi is on right side of Rajagopuram entrance. On the top Shiva with Parvati, Vinayagar and other murtis are in standing posture.
  

KERALANTHAKAN  RAJAGOPURAM.
This is the second Rajagopuram after  Marata’s entrance gopuram. This was built in memory of the victory at Kanthalloor Salai ( near Trivandrum - Thiruvananthapuram ). This is 97 feet 2 inches length, 55 feet and 9 inches wide and 110 feet height. This has 5 tiers. The side pillars are single stone measuring  4 feet x 4 feet and 40 feet high ( do not know the length below the ground).  The side walls were constructed using different shapes of stones without using mortar in the joints. The Gopuram was constructed in such a way the air can be circulated inside the tower. Dakshinamurthy ( South ) and Brahma ( North )  shrines are constructed on the tower it self, which are little protruding from the main tower.  ( the present Dakshinamurthy sannadhi was constructed latter ).  It was learned through Mr Kudavayil Balasubramaniam that regular poojas were conducted earlier. Brahma is in sitting posture with  eight hands with beard. This is of Kouda desa style and he is also a called as Velvi Nayagan with ghee spoon.
   



 Lord Shiva’s oorthuva thandavam
Kali’s dance 
Dakshinamurthy sannidhi in Keralanthan Rajagopuram
 
The 4 feet x 4 feet x 40 feet pillar of Rajagopuram with pothyal to support the Rajagopuram load 
Non uniform stones are used for the  construction without binding mortar 

RAJARAJAN RAJAGOPURAM
This rajagopuram is of 3 tiers and the height is 78 feet. 20 feet high dwarapalakas are on both sides of Rajagopuram. On one of the dwarabalas (below foot ) we can see the relief of snake swallowing elephant and a crocodile.  There are 2 nos of 4 x 4 feet and 40 feet high pillars to support the vimanam at the centre. On the left reliefs of Shiva and Parvathi marriage and  Markandeyar History.  On the right side, reliefs of Valli Devasena Murugan, Kiratarjuniya history ( Arjunan’s dhabas to get the Pasupata astra), Kamathakana are there. Sudhai sirpam of Sevappa Nayak worshiping Murugan on elephant is at third level. 

The 15th Century saint Arunagirinathar has sung Thiruppugazh in praise of Murugan and Valli Devasena of this tower, since the present Murugan sannidhi didn't exists during Arunagirinathar's Visit. The present Murugan sannidhi was constructed 16th century, during Sevvappa Nayaks period. The Thirupukazh praises Lord Muruga as.... 

சந்த்ரசே கரிநாக பூஷணத்தி யண்ட
முண்டநா ரணியால போஜனத்தி யம்பை
தந்தபூ ரணஞான வேள்குறத்தி துஞ்சு         மணிமார்பா

சண்டநீ லகலாப வாசியிற்ற் றிகழ்ந்து
கஞ்சன்வா சவன்மேவி வாழ்பதிக்கு யர்ந்த
தஞ்சைமா நகர்ராஜ கோபுரத்த மர்ந்த         பெருமாளே



Shiva as hunter fights with Arjuna in a story to get pasupata astra from Lord Shiva ( கிரதார்ஜுனிய காட்சி )
  
Lord Shiva is going for the marriage with Parvathi - the relief related to Sundarar's Devara pathigam. - On the top பெண்கள் பலிபெய்ய இடபத்தின் மீது அமர்ந்து உண்ணும் ஈசனார் 
   
The view of Kaman being burnt (காமதகன காட்சி 

The inscriptions are not legible and the reproduction is given below  about gold plated to the Vimanam this is the first temple with gold plated in the world.   

SANCTUM SANCTORUM
Moolavar is very big on a big avudayar with padma peedam. Since the Banam is huge in size Shiva lingam was installed first and the Sri Vimanam was constructed latter. Moolavar banam  is of 16 feet & 8 inches tall, the banam  circumference is 23 feet 6 inches, the avudayar circumference is 55 feet and padma pedam is 50 feet 6 inches circumference.  The sanctum was built with two tiers with Santharam. The walls are 30 feet ( 11 feet outer then santharam is of 6 feet and inner wall thickness is of 13 feet). In the first level Santharam painting were drawn and in the second level Rajarajan tried to install 108 karanas of Shiva’s dance, but able to finish only 81. ( Drawings and karanas details are written in a separate Post. For details please : CLICK HERE  CLICK HERE  ).

In Koshtam the moorthams / murtis / idols of Thatpurusan, Vishnu anugraha murthy, Agorar, Ayudhapurusar & Sakthi devar ( South side dwarapalakas), Kalabairavar, Natarajar, Hariharar, Lingothbavar, Parasuthevar & Sulathevar ( west side Dwarapalakas), Sathyojathar, Chandrasekar, Arthanareeswarar, Gangadhara, Kadkathevar & Thuvajadevar ( north side dwarapalakas.), Vamathevar, Gowreeprasathar,  Chandran and Thiripuranthakar. There are 10 dwarapalakas in which 4 are at the artha mandapam entrance, both north and south  and the balance 6 are on the three side windows. These dwarabalakars were damaged during Muslims invasion and the damaged portions were reconstructed ( The sad thing is there were not given with the correct astarams/ weapons –  as per Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan).  There are three  windows on each side of first level and second level  for air circulation in the santharam and natural lighting. It was told that  during sun set sun rays used to fall on moolavar through the west side window.  The space above moolavar was open during construction. Now the same is constructed with madras type terrace false ceiling.

SRI VIMANAM.
Kailash replica was constructed on the east side, hence Sri Vimanam is also called as Dakshina meru or Golden Meru. This is of two levels. On the three sides of second level Koshta moorthakal are with bow & arrow. Shiva, Dhakshinamoorthy, Thirumal and Brahma murtis are also there. The Sri Vimanam is of 13 tiers and the height is 216 feet. ( During British period the height of the vimanam was measured using theodolite and during this process the instrument had fallen down from top and got damaged ).  The top globe shape stone structure weighs approximately 80 tonnes, is of  not a single stone and constructed with many pieces,  as per Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan.

 Maha mandapam with sri vimanam view before and after invasion 

Construction of Sri Vimanam 
 Maha mandapam with Sri vimanam view
 Pichadanar and Agorar
 Natarajar 
 Temple view from North 
European ( man with hat ) on Sri Vimanam  
 Sri Vishnu and Ganapathy in the niches of Maha mandapam

 
 The way to Santharam
Moolavar sannidhi komugam 
 The shadow of Sri Vimanam kalasam is falling on the ground

ARDHAMANDAPAM.
This mandapam is supported by  4 nos of 20 feet stone pillars. Cheppu and stone small Nandhis are there and facing Moolavar. Steps are constructed on south  and North side  to reach ardhamandapam.

On the side of steps reliefs of Chandesa anugraha murthy, Daksha’s head chopped by Shiva, Tripuranthakam story, in which Lord Vishnu as Buddha and preaches to Tripura Asuras, etc,.

 Vishnu Anugraha murthy – on the left Chozha kings Rajarajan ( on the top ) and Rajendran ( below) 
 Lord Shiva and Parvathi Marriage
  Alingna murthy 
Vishnu as Buddha advises Tripura asuras
 Thiripura was burned by Lord Shiva and the three asuras/demons  worshiping Lord Shiva 
 Shiva as Thirpuranthakar on a chariot  to burn Tripuram and Brahma as Charioteer 
 A rare relief of  Parvati is near Nandi and Shiva is sitting 

 Daksha’s head was chopped by Lord Shiva as Veerabhadra
Devars and cows running in fear of muppuram / Tripura - முப்புரங்கள் பறந்து வந்து தாக்க விண்ணவரும் பசுக்களும் பயந்து ஓடும் காட்சி ).
 
 Lord Shiva as hunter fights with Arjuna in the story of getting Pasupata astra 
Chandesa anugraha murthy - சிவனாரும் உமையும் அமர்ந்து சண்டீசர் தலையில் மாலை சுற்றும் காட்சி 

MAHA MANDAPAM
Maha mandapam was initially constructed with three floors and supported by 100 and odd pillars. The two floors has been destroyed during invasion and  only one floor was reconstructed  during 16th century. Some of the pillars with inscriptions used are from other destroyed temples. During reconstruction the maha mandapam was divided in to two portions.  One portion has square simha pillars of Pallava period ( might have brought from other destroyed temples ). The entrance to the maha mandapam was constructed with 16 pillars. During Nayaks period thirupani 12 feet dwarapalakas are installed at the entrance.

MUKHA MANDAPAM
The mukha mandapam called Bramachi Nayakkar mandapam was built by Pachaiyappa Nayaka one of the officer of Bramachi Nayakar, during 16th century.  Saraboji, a Marata  king constructed the steps for this mukha mandapam. There are two 18 feet Dwarapalakas at the entrance. On the left side of dwarabalakar foot ( below) the relief of snake swallowing the elephant is worth to see and the same was mentioned in Thirugnanasambandar’s hymn.
  
 Dwarapalaka in front of Mallappa nayaka Mandapam entrance – see the relief of Snake swallowing an elephant  
 Dwarapalakar in front of Mallappa nayaka Mandapam entrance – see the relief of Snake swallowing an elephant  
 Kodungai of Mallappa Nayaka mandapam entrance 
Kodungai of Mallappa Nayakar mandapam entrance 

CHANDIKESWARAR SANNIDHI
This sannadhi was built by Rajaraja Chozha, like a separate temple.


SRI ULAKAM MUZHUTHUDAYA NACHIYAR SANNADHI
This temple was built during 14th century by Pandya Kings. The king’s image is in the maha mandapam left wall. As per Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan, it was believed that the Ambal moortham was brought from Rajaraja Chozha’s parivar temple. Front mandapam with 38 pillars was constructed during 15th century by the Vijayanagara Kings. Instead of Simha vahanam a small nandhi mandapam was also built in front of temple.  In the year 1779 silver kavasam  weighing 15 ser, was donated by Marata king Second Thulaja. The reliefs on the pillars are worth to see. The mandapam ceiling was painted with beautiful pictures.

 Ambal sannadhi 
Idaba / Rishaba Mandapam instead of simha vahanam 
 Ambal sannadhi  
Stucco image of a hunter on a Bilva /Vilva tree fearing for a tiger. He does Pooja by dropping Bilva / vilva leaves  on Shiva Lingam  without knowing on a Shivaratri day  and got the blessings of lord Shiva
 
 Pandya king who constructed this Ambal temple

The Tub made of stone used store water for Abhishekam ( Originally used during construction of this temple temper / harden the iron chisels. 

SUBRAMANIYAR / MURUGAN SANNADHI
The temple is on the north west direction with vimanam Idanazhi, Artha mandapam and mukha mandapam. This was built during 16th century by Sevvappa Nayaka. During Arunagirinathar visit he has sung on Murugan of Rajagopuram. The steps are built with elephant and yazhi. In moolavar koshtam 52 styles of Murugan sudhai sirpangal.  Moolavar is with 6 faces sitting on peacock vahana. 


Subramaniyar sannadhi with Sri Vimanam view 
 Dwarapalaka
 Yazhi on the top and elephant on the bottom  in the steps to Subramaniar Sannidhi - Yazhi hastha Sobanam and Hasti hastha sobanam

 Narasimhar in one of the niches of Subramaniyar sannidhi 
 Komukham / Pranala of Subramaniyar sannidhi 
 52 styles of Murugan sudhai sirpangal / stucco images on the top of Subramaniyar sannadhi.
 Mahisan vatham by Durgai 

Mahisan vatham by Durgai 

MALLAPPA NAYAK MANDAPAM
In front of Sri Subramaniar mukha mandapam there is a mandapam called Sevvappa Nayaka mandapam with 32 pillars. Mallappa Naikars sirpam is also there in the mandapam. During Saraboji Kings period he closed the side walls and a separate steps are provided.

a relief on the entrance pillar 
 Mallappa Nayakar mandapam steps – the elephant 

Mallappa Nayakar mandapam steps – the elephant- see the ropes  

NATARAJAR SABHA MANDAPAM OR MOORTHIYAMMAL MANDAPAM
This mandapam was built  during Sevvappa Nayaka’s period on his wife’s name and stones were donated by Puliyurar, who also donated stones for Mallappa Naikar Mandapam. The Natarajar is one of the surviving cheppu thirumeni made during Chozha dynasty. Once the Cheppu thirumeni base was damaged, the same was rectified and installed back during 1884 AD by King Shivaji’s wife Kamatchiamba Baayisakeb. ( the inscriptions are at the base  of Natarajar).
  

IDABAM / RISHABAM MANDAPAM
The present Idabam / Rishabam is under 16 pillar mandapam on a 5 feet raised platform. The Rishabam is made of single stone of 18 feet in length, 8 feet wide and 12 feet high. This was built during Nayaks period after replacing the original Idabam installed by Rajarajan ( the reason for replacing is not known ). The original Idabam was moved to South side prakaram near Varahi Sannidhi.  On pillars relief of Nayak Kings who built the Idabam & Mandapam. There is a hear say that after installing the Rishabam, it started growing. Fearing of damage to the mandapam, authorities nailed on the Rishabam and after that it stopped growing. ( There is a story of “Therai” also). The Ceilings of Rishabam mandapam  was painted ( Birds, Flowers, Angels and flowers false ) beautifully during  British rule. The Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are in front of Rishabam mandapam.

The old and original Rishabam installed by Rajarajan is kept in the South side corridor - in front of Vaaraki sannadhi 

  Rishaba mandapam with Dwajasthambam view




 The Nayak Kings who built the Rishaba mandapam

VINAYAGAR SANNIDHI
Vinayagar sannidhi is on the south west corner of the prakaram. This sannadhi was built in the year AD 1801 by Second Marata King Saraboji. 



DAKSHINAMURTHY SANNIDHI.
Originally Pooja was conducted to Dakshinamurthy sannidhi, which is an integral part of Keralanthakan Rajagopuram. About 150 years before a separate sannadhi was constructed abutting south side of Sri Vimanam.

KARUVURAR SANNIDHI
This sannadhi is on the north west corner of Sri Vimanam before Subramaniar Sannidhi. This might be built about 90 years before. 

 Karuvurar sannadhi
Karuvurar sannadhi

VARAHI AMMAN SANNIDHI
This sannadhi was built during 20th century. It was believed that Saptamatrikas sannadhi was in this place. Anjaneyar moortham is on the opposite side.

KSHETHRAPALAKA SANNIDHI
This sannadhi is in the Peruvudaiyar mukha mandapam and it was said the he is the parivara Kshethrapalaka, as per Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan.

ARULMOZHI VINAYAGAR SANNIDHI.
This sannadhi is on the left side of mukha mandapam of Peruvudaiyar temple.  Arulmozhi is one of the name to King Rajarajan. 



OUTER PRAHARAM
Rajarajan ordered his captain Krishnan Raman alias Mummudi Chozha Brahmarayan, to construct this praharam with two floors and the same was destroyed during Muslims invasion. One floor was reconstructed  latter. This praharam is 800 feet length on North – South direction and 400 feet length on east- west direction.  The height of the compound walls are 50 feet high. The praharam mandapam was supported by 368 pillars, once housed Enthisai balaka sannadhis, 26 parivara sannidhis. But now it houses only  Vinayagar, Nagarajar, Agni, Varunan and Esanan. The Corridor is on a raised platform  from the ground level. The fragments and debris  generated  during carving of pillars and stones are used to fill up the elevated level of the corridor. The south and west side up to Varunan Sannidhi Marathi inscriptions are there. On the Corridor walls from Varunan to north side wall  Nayak’s period paintings are there. (For details Please CLICK HERE  ).

Apart from this there are some sannidhis  and  moothams / murtis / idols installed in the praharam and Temple premises.108 Shiva Lingas, 241 small Shiva Lingas, Naalvar, Durgai, Bairavi, Suryan, Vinayagars in Keralanthagan Rajagopuram,  2 Vinayagar on the left side of Peruvudaiyar sannidhi ardhamandapam, 

 cannon ( British period ) 
 Old Rishabam in the South side corridor in front of Vaaraki sannidhi 
 Marathi inscriptions 

 Urchavar vahana 

 Vinayagar ( In parivara sannadhi )

108 Shiva lingas 

TEMPLE TIMINGS:
The temple is kept open between 0.6 Hrs to 12.30 Hrs and 16.00 Hrs to 20.30 Hrs

CONTACT DETAILS :
The temple office phone number is +91 9751341108 and land line number is 04362 274476

HOW TO REACH :
Thanjavur is well connected by bus from all the head quarters of Tamil Nadu districts.
1.5 KM distance from Old bus stand, where autos are available.

LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE :CLICK HERE

RAJARAJA CHOZHAN HISTORY
This great temple was built by The Great Chozha King Rajarajan and his parents are Sundara Chozhan and Vanavan Mahadevi. During child hood he was called as Arunmozhidevan. He was brought up by his Sister Kundavai Piratti and his elder grand mother Sembiyan Mahadevi.  His Guru was Eesana Siva Pandithar. He had 11 wives and Vanavan Mahadevi was the mother of Rajendra Chozhan who constructed the Gangaikonda Chozhapuram temple. He ruled the Chozha kingdom during 985 to 1014 CE. He was called in 42 different names ( Mei keerthi ). This temple was built between 1003 to 1010 CE.

Rajarajan played a key role in constructing the 5 more temple of which one is a Pallipadai temple for his grand father Arinjaya Chozhan.  It was believed that he might have died in the year CE 1014, since there after only his son Rajendra Chozha’s inscriptions are available.

ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
The chief Architect of this temple was Rajaraja Perumthachan and his assistants are Madhuranthagan alias Nithavinodha Perumthachan and Ilathi Sadayan alias Kandarathitha Perunthachan. The inscriptions were cut by Sathankudi Vellalan Iravi Paalurudayan. King Rajarajan treated everybody equal, those who contributed for construction of this temple. He awarded the title of Rajarajan even to the low rank barber and ordered this to inscribe on the stone.

One of special feature of this temple is ‘Vaan Kailash’ . Replica of kailash with Shiva Parvathi, Munivars, Shiva ganas, Devars, Munivars, etc., This is  on the east side of Rajagopuram above ardha mandapam. The temple is facing East with Sri Vimanam, Artha mandapam, maha mandapam and Mukhappu mandapam. The Sri Vimanam was covered with gold plate the same was looted during Muslims invasion.

THE INSCRIPTIONS
The temple has Chozha, Pandya, Vijayanagara kings, Thanjai Nayakars and Marathis. These are known to this present world through Mr Hultzsch  of Germany, who worked in  Madras state Epigraphy Dept., Sri Rao Bahadur Venkaiah Naidu, Sri Rao Bahadur H Krishna Sastry, ASI New Delhi, Pulavar S Raju, of Thanjavur Tamil University, Sri Nagaswamy, Sri Kudavayil Balasubramanian. Of the above the important inscriptions are  Gold Plate fitted to Sri Vimanam, Rajaraja’s Mei keerthi and the proof of the construction of this temple by Rajarajan.

TEMPLE MAINTENANCE & ADMINISTRATION
During Rajarajan’s period the temple was maintained through different kinds of peoples, like Instruments players ( Udukkai, Ketti melam, Veena, Vocal, Conch, Sakadai, Vangiyam, Padaviyam), Dancers, Nattuvanars, Singers Vocal & Tamil, Kaantharvarkal, Supervisors, Head accountant, Asst Accountant, Lighting peoples, cleaners, water sprayers, Dhobis, Barbers, Tailors, Carpenters, Pot makers ( Kuyavars) etc,. The total no of persons works out to 1040. They were provided with accommodation and paddy was paid as a salary.  The quantity varies depends on the proficiency.

17 Villages were gifted to the temple and tax was collected in the form of paddy  which accounts to 59481 kalam 2 thooni 1 kurumani and 1 Nazhi. In terms of Gold 297 Kazhanju, 4 manchadi, 3 maa mukkani was also collected ( Tax ), to the temple as income. Also paddy and Gold are collected as tax from 31 villages.

Rajarajan appointed Pandari, Parisarakar and accountants. For this he laid the rules and regulations.  Pandari ( Brahmans) – who takes care of Treasury, Parisaarakar ( Brahman bachelors ) – who helps for poojas, and accountants are called as karanathar ( Hope the present Karnams in villages are called by this name ). The total no of people works out to 192. They were paid with paddy as wages on year basis. In addition to this they were also paid coins depends on proficiency. Meikappalars (  guards ) were appointed from various places of his kingdom ( One or two people from each village ). The total numbers works out to 122.

For neivedyam to Vinayagar 360 coins were deposited as Fixed Deposit and the interest of 1/8 coin was used to get 150 Bananas.   The 360 coins were collected as loan from 1. Thanjavurpurampadi Nitha Vinotha Perum Theru Nagarathar, 2. Mumudi Chozha Perum Nagarathar, 3. Veerasigamani Perumnagarathar and 4.Thiripuvana Madevi Perangadi Nagarathar. ( This shows that Nagarathars also in those days helped to perform regular poojas and their main business was lending money ).

THIRUVILAKKU TRUST.
To burn lamps in sannidhis of Periya Kovil, Idayars were ordered to give 1 ulakku ghee for each day on contract basis. For this Rajarajan gave 96 goats or 48 cows or 16 buffalos for one lamp ( 1 ulakku ghee ) to the Idayars. ( Hope it was done in a better manner than this present Tamil Nadu Government’s vilaiyilla thittam ). He also named idayars  responsible for supply the Ghee to the temple. For this many people donated goats and cows. ( three goats for one coin ). It was estimated that 4000 goats, 100 cows and 100 buffalos were donated to supply ghee to the temple.
   
IDOLS AND VESSELS
Rajarajan donated Gold, Copper  and Silver idols to this temple for Urchavam etc,. On this Sri Pulithevar and Shethrabalathevar are made of Gold. From the inscriptions it was learned that the idols measurements were also mentioned.

Regarding vessels for Pooja necessary articles were given made of Gold, Silver and  copper. These are inscribed till his 29th year rule. Some of the gold and silver vessels were brought from Chera & Pandya kingdoms after defeating them in the war. These amounts to about 31 in gold and 155 in silver.

Poikai Nadu kizhavan Aathithan Suryan alias Thennavan Mooventhan Velalan also donated 10 idols, which includes Periya Perumal alias Rajaraja Chozhan.

Rajaraja’s captain Krishnan Raman alias Mumudi Chozha Brahmarayan also donated Arthanareeswarar idol with ornaments.

Second Saraboji king also donated vessels copper and silver and ornaments  made of Gold/ silver fitted  with precious stones like diamond, emerald etc,.

ORNAMENTS
Rajarajan donated the ornaments brought from Cherar, Pandiyar, Malai Nattu kings, Melai Chalukyas after defeating them in the war. He also donated new ornaments. These amounts to 53 ornaments weighing 1783.5 Kazhanchu 7 maa ( equal to 3 kgs and 901 grams)

Rajarajan donated Copper vessels  weighing 3080 palam to install on the Sri Vimanam on 275th day of his  25th year rule to make the kalasam. He also donated 2926.5 kalanju gold to plate on the kalasam. By this Thanjavur Periya kovil becomes the first temple with gold plating.  The inscription is on the pillar of south side of the pillar of Rajarajan Rajagopuram.

THE INSCRIPTIONS - THE PROOF FOR RAJARAJAN CONSTRUCTED THIS RAJARAJECHARAM
   


---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---

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