2nd October
2015.
The
details and history of this temple, Sri Rajarajecharan, also known as Thanjavur Brihasdeeswarar Temple, are covered first, and Donations, Administration, and 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 for allowing me to see the beauty of this unimaginable temple
constructed more than 1000 years ago by Rajarajan, without any present
technical equipment. I salute Chozha King Rajarajan and his team of people
for giving us this treasure and making us proud.
The
view of the Periya Kovil - Big Temple from the 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 king's family). This temple is located in
the heart of the city of Thanjavur, with easy access from the Railway Station
and the Old Bus Stand. Thanjavur is also called Thanjai or Tanjore. It was
believed that the name Thanjavur is derived from Than+ Sei+ oor, and
it has become Thanjavur. Another story is a demon by the name of Thanjan, who
was killed by Kodiamman, and he prayed to Amman that this place should be called
after him before dying. Raja Raja Chozha’s inscription says that this
place was called 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 the river water
flows all around, forming an agazhi / Moat
MARATHA'S RAJAGOPURAM.
The Rajagopuram was built in the Maratha style with not
much of Stucco images. Vinayagar sannidhi is on the left and Murugan
sannidhi is on the right side of the Rajagopuram entrance. On top, Shiva with
Parvati, Vinayagar, and other murtis are in a 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 in length, 55 feet, and 9 inches wide, and 110 feet in height. This has 5 tiers.
The side pillars are single stones 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 that the air can be circulated
inside the tower. Dakshinamurthy (South) and Brahma (North) shrines
are constructed on the tower itself, which are a little protruding from the main
tower. (The present Dakshinamurthy sannadhi was constructed later.) It was learned through Mr. Kudavayil Balasubramaniam that regular
poojas were conducted earlier. Brahma is in a sitting posture with eight
hands and with a beard. This is of the Kouda desa style, and he is also called Velvi
Nayagan with a 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
Nonuniform 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 Dwarapalakas (below
foot), we can see the relief of a snake swallowing an Elephant and a crocodile.
There are 2 nos of 4 x 4 feet and 40 feet high pillars to support the
vimanam at the center. On the left are reliefs of Shiva and Parvati's marriage
and Markandeyar's History. On the right side, reliefs of Valli
Devasena Murugan, Kiratarjuniya history (Arjunan’s dhabas to get the Pasupata
astra), and Kamathakana are there. The stucco image of Sevappa Nayak worshiping
Murugan sitting on an elephant is at the 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 exist during Arunagirinathar's Visit. The present Murugan sannidhi was constructed 16th century, during the 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 a hunter, fights with Arjuna in a story to get the 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 gold-plated 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 later.
Moolavar banam is 16 feet & 8 inches tall, the banam circumference is 23 feet 6 inches, the avudayar circumference is 55 feet, and Padma peedam is 50 feet 6 inches in circumference. The sanctum was built with
two tiers, with Santharam. The walls are 30 feet (11 feet outer, then santharam
is 6 feet, and inner wall thickness is 13 feet). On the first level, Santharam's
paintings were drawn, and on the second level, Rajarajan tried to install 108
karanas of Shiva’s dance, but was 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, of which 4 are at the ardha mandapam entrance, both north and
south, and the balance 6 are on the three side windows. These Dwarapalakas
were damaged during the Muslim invasion, and the damaged portions were
reconstructed (The sad thing is they were not given the correct
astarams/weapons – as per Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan). There are
three windows on each side of the first level and the second level for air
circulation in the santharam and natural lighting. It was said that during sunset, the sun rays used to fall on Moolavar through the west side
window. The space above the moolavar was open during construction. Now the
same is constructed with a Madras-type terrace false ceiling.
SRI
VIMANAM.
Kailash
replica was constructed on the east side, hence Sri Vimanam is also called Dakshina Meru or Golden Meru. This is of two levels. On the three sides of the second level, Koshta Murtis are with bow & arrow. Shiva,
Dhakshinamoorthy, Maha Vishnu, and Brahma murtis are also there. The Sri
Vimanam is of 13 tiers, and the height is 216 feet. (During the British period, the
height of the vimanam was measured using a theodolite, and during this process, the
instrument fell down from the top and got damaged). The top globe-shaped stone structure weighs approximately 80 tonnes, is not a single
stone, and is constructed with many pieces, as per Kudavayil
Balasubramaniyan.
Maha mandapam
with Sri Vimanam view before and after the invasion
Construction
of Sri Vimanam
Maha mandapam with Sri vimanam view
Pichadanar
and Agorar
Natarajar
Temple view from the North
European (man with hat) on Sri Vimanam
Sri
Vishnu and Ganapathy in the niches of the 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-foot stone pillars. Cheppu and stone
small Nandhis are there and facing Moolavar. Steps are constructed
on the south and north sides to reach Ardha Mandapam.
On the
side of the steps, reliefs of Chandesa Anugraha Murthy, Daksha’s head chopped by
Shiva, the 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 Parvati's 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 Tripura and Brahma as the 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 a hunter, fights with Arjuna in the
story of getting the 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 were destroyed during the invasion, and only one
floor was reconstructed during the 16th century. Some of the
pillars with inscriptions used are from other destroyed temples. During
reconstruction, the maha mandapam was divided into two portions. One
portion has square simha pillars of the Pallava period (which might have been brought from
other destroyed temples). The entrance to the Maha Mandapam was constructed
with 16 pillars. During Nayaka's period thirupani, the 12-foot dwarapalakas were
installed at the entrance.
MUKHA
MANDAPAM
The mukha
mandapam, called Bramachi Nayakkar mandapam, was built by Pachaiyappa Nayaka, one
of the officers of Bramachi Nayakar, during the 16th century.
Saraboji, a Maratha king, constructed the steps for this mukha
mandapam. There are two 18-foot Dwarapalakas at the entrance. On the left side
of Dwarapalaka's foot (below), the relief of a snake swallowing the elephant is
worth seeing, and the same was mentioned in Thirugnanasambandar’s hymn.
Dwarapalaka in front of Mallappa Nayaka Mandapam entrance – see the relief of a Snake swallowing
an elephant
Dwarapalakar
in front of Mallappa Nayaka Mandapam entrance – see the relief of a 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 the 14th century by the Pandya Kings. The
king’s image is on the Maha Mandapam's left wall. As per Kudavayil
Balasubramaniyan, it was believed that the Ambal's image was brought from
Rajaraja Chozha’s Parivara temple. The front mandapam with 38 pillars was
constructed during the 15th century by the Vijayanagara Kings.
Instead of Simha Vahana, a small Nandi mandapam was also built in front of the temple. In the year 1779 CE, silver kavasam weighing 15 ser was
donated by the Maratha king Second Thulaja. The reliefs on the pillars are worth seeing. 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 a tiger. He
does Pooja by dropping Bilva/Vilva leaves on the Shiva Lingam without
knowing on a Shivaratri day, and gets the blessings of lord Shiva
Pandya king who constructed this Ambal temple
The Tub was made of stone used to store water for Abhishekam (Originally used during the construction of this temple to temper/harden iron chisels.
SUBRAMANIYAR / MURUGAN SANNADHI
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's stucco images are on the top of Subramaniyar's sannadhi.
Mahisan vatham by Durga
Mahisan vatham by Durga
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 King's period, he closed the side
walls, and separate steps were 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 in his wife’s name, and
stones were donated by Puliyurar, who also donated stones for Mallappa Naikar
Mandapam. The Nataraja is one of the surviving Cheppu Thirumeni made during the Chozha Dynasty. Once the Cheppu Thirumeni base was damaged, the same was
rectified and installed back in 1884 CE by King Shivaji’s wife Kamatchiamba
Baayisakeb. (The inscriptions are at the base of Nataraja).
IDABAM / RISHABAM MANDAPAM
The
present Idabam / Rishabam is under a 16-pillar mandapam on a 5-foot raised platform. The Rishabam is made of a single stone of 18 feet in length, 8 feet wide, and 12 feet
high. This was built during Nayak's period after replacing the original Idabam installed by Rajarajan (the reason for replacing it is not known). The original Idabam was moved to the Southside praharam near Varahi Sannidhi. On pillars, reliefs of Nayak Kings who built the Idabam & Mandapam. There is a hearsay
that after installing the Rishabam, it started growing. Fearing 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 the Rishaba mandapam were painted (Birds, Flowers, Angels, and flowers falsely)
beautifully during British rule. The Dwajasthambam and balipeedam are in
front of the 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 southwest corner of the praharam.
This sannadhi was built in the year 1801 CE by the Second Maratha King Saraboji. 
DAKSHINA MURTHY SANNIDHI.
Originally, Pooja was conducted at Dakshinamurthy sannidhi, which is an integral part of
Keralanthakan Rajagopuram. About 150 years ago, a separate sannadhi was
constructed abutting the south side of Sri Vimanam.
KARUVURAR
SANNIDHI
This sannadhi
is on the northwest corner of Sri Vimanam before Subramaniar Sannidhi. This
might have been built about 90 years ago. 
Karuvurar sannadhi
Karuvurar sannadhi
VARAHI AMMAN SANNIDHI
This sannadhi was built during the 20th century. It
was believed that the Saptamatrikas sannadhi was in this place. Anjaneyar is on the opposite side.
KSHETHRAPALAKA SANNIDHI
This sannadhi is in the Peruvudaiyar mukha mandapam, and it was said
that he is the parivara Kshethrapalaka, as per Kudavayil Balasubramaniyan.
ARULMOZHI VINAYAGAR SANNIDHI.
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 the Muslim invasion. One floor was reconstructed later.
This praharam is 800 feet long in the north-south direction and 400 feet
long in the east-west direction. The height of the compound walls is 50
feet. The praharam mandapam was supported by 368 pillars, once housed
Enthisai balaka sannadhis, and 26 parivara sannidhis. But now it houses only
Vinayagar, Nagarajar, Agni, Varuna, and Esanan. The corridor is on a raised
platform above the ground level. The fragments and debris generated during the carving of pillars and stones are used to fill up the
elevated level of the corridor. The south and west sides, up to Varunan Sannidhi
Marathi inscriptions are there. On the Corridor walls from Varunan to the northside
wall, Nayak’s period paintings are. (For details, Please CLICK HERE.)
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 lingam
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 the landline number is 04362
274476
HOW TO REACH :
Thanjavur
is well connected by bus to all the headquarters of Tamil Nadu districts.
1.5
km distance from the old bus stand, where autos are available.
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE: CLICK HERE
RAJARAJA CHOZHA-I's HISTORY
This
great temple was built by the Great Chozha King Rajarajan, and his parents are
Sundara Chozhan and Vanavan Mahadevi. During childhood, he was called Arunmozhidevan. He was brought up by his Sister, Kundavai Piratti, and his elder
grandmother, 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 from 985 to 1014 CE. He was called 42 different names (Mei keerthi). This temple
was built between 1003 to 1010 CE.
Rajarajan
played a key role in constructing 5 more temples, of which one is a
Pallipadai temple for his grandfather Arinjaya Chozhan. It was believed
that he might have died in the year CE 1014 since only his son
Rajendra Chozha’s inscriptions were available.
ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS
The
chief Architect of this temple was Rajaraja Perumthachan, and his assistants were
Madhuranthagan, alias Nithavinodha Perumthachan, and Ilathi Sadayan, alias
Kandarathitha Perunthachan. The inscriptions were cut by Sathankudi
Vellalan Iravi Paalurudayan. King Rajarajan treated everybody equally, including those who
contributed to the construction of this temple. He awarded the title of Rajarajan
even to the low-rank barber and ordered this to be inscribed on the stone.
One
of the special features 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 plates, the same were looted
during the Muslim 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, and Sri Kudavayil Balasubramanian. Of the above, the important inscriptions are the Gold Plates 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 by different kinds of
people, like Instrument players (Udukkai, Ketti melam, Veena, Vocal, Conch,
Sakadai, Vangiyam, Padaviyam), Dancers, Nattuvanars, Singers, Vocal & Tamil,
Kaantharvarkal, Supervisors, Head accountant, Asst Accountant, Lighting
people, 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 depending on the proficiency.
17
Villages were gifted to the temple, and tax was collected in the form of
paddy, which accounts for 59481 kalam 2 thooni 1 kurumani and 1 Nazhi. In
terms of Gold 297 Kazhanju, 4 manchadi, and 3 maa mukkani were 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 out the rules and
regulations. Pandari (Brahmans) – who take care of the Treasury,
Parisaarakar (Brahman bachelors) – who help with poojas, and accountants are
called 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 every year. In addition to this, they were also paid coins depending on
proficiency. Meikappalars
(guards) were appointed from various places in his kingdom (One or two
people from each village). The total number works out to 122.
For
naivedyam to Vinayagar, 360 coins were deposited as a Fixed Deposit, and the
interest of 1/8 coin was used to get 150 Bananas. The 360 coins
were collected as a 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 the sannidhis of Periya Kovil, Idayars were ordered to give 1 ulakku
ghee for each day on a contract basis. For this, Rajarajan gave 96 goats, 48 cows, or 16 buffaloes for one lamp (1 ulakku ghee) to the Idayars. (Hope it
was done in a better manner than the present Tamil Nadu Government’s
vilaiyilla thittam). He also named the idayars/herders responsible for supplying 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 buffalo
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 idol's measurements were also mentioned.
Regarding
vessels for Pooja necessary articles were made of Gold, Silver, and copper. These are inscribed till his 29th year of rule. Some of
the gold and silver vessels were brought from the Chera & Pandya kingdoms after
defeating them in the war. These amount to about 31 in gold and 155 in silver.
Poikai
Nadu Kizhavan Aathithan Suryan, alias Thennavan Mooventhan Velalan, also donated
10 idols, which include Periya Perumal alias Rajaraja Chozhan.
Rajaraja’s
captain Krishnan Raman alias Mumudi Chozha Brahmarayan also donated the Arthanareeswarar idol with ornaments.
The second Saraboji king also donated vessels of Copper and Silver and ornaments made
of Gold/Silver, fitted with precious stones like diamonds, emeralds, etc.
ORNAMENTS
Rajarajan
donated the ornaments brought from Cherar, Pandiyar, Malai Nattu kings, and Melai
Chalukyas after defeating them in the war. He also donated new ornaments. These
amount 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 the 275th day of his
25th year of rule to make the kalasam. He also donated
2926.5 kalanju gold to the plate on the kalasam. By this, Thanjavur Periya Koil becomes the first temple with gold plating. The inscription is on the
pillar of the south side of the pillar of Rajarajan Rajagopuram.
---OM SHIVAYA NAMA:---
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