Emperor Rajaraja To Periya Perumal

Sivapathasekaran

Every reader who completed reading the Magnum opus by Amarar Kalki would not just put the book at rest. The reader will recollect whatever read and would be pursuing in knowing what happened to the characters like Arulmozhi, Vandhiyathevan, Kundavai and Nandhini. Kalki had mentioned in his epilogue that Arumozhi became Emperor Rajaraja, Kundavai married Vandhiyathevan.

These details influenced me in reading more of History books like "the Colas" by KAN Sastry, Sadasiva Pandarathar, SR Balasubramanian and Dr. Ma. Rasamanickanar to find out who the real characters are and who are fictious. Obviously Nandhini was not real.

We also come to realise that Rajaraja I became one of the Greatest Rulers of our Nation – easily comparable to Harsha, and Ashoka. In fact his son Rajendra I excelled every Ruler of India, by conquering overseas expeditions. These History books motivated me to reading the Primary sources like Thiruvalangadu Copper Plates, Great Leyden Grants etc etc. related to Chola History.

Though Rajaraja sacrified his throne in favour of Uthama – after the demise of his brother Adithya Karikala in about 969 AD, as recited in the Thiruvalangadu Copper Plates, the wives of Adhiseshan which bear the burden of this Earth were truly delighted when “ the Entity Arumozhi – was born to relieve the burden of their husband Adhiseshan ” – when Arumozhi adorned the Chozha throne in 985 AD. KA Neelakanta Sastry who brought out an exclusive volume of more than 800 pages for ‘ The Colas ’ in 1935 has devoted about 30 pages in Chapter IX to “ Rajaraja – The Great ” (985 – 1014 AD). He also devoted 50 pages in Chapter X to Rajendra - I (1012-1044) – the only son of Great Rajaja.

In his detailed study on Rajaraja, Sastri mentions of the titles such as Colendrasimha, Kshatriyasigamani, Jananatha, Pandiyakulanasini, Kerlantaka, Singalantaka, adopted by Rajaraja more on his political conquests. He also mentions of “Sivapadesekhara” as another TITLE of the king as a passing remark. A detailed Historical study would reveal that “Sivapadasekhara” is not a mere title, but a Concept. Like–wise in the Birudas of Rajendra I, Sastri mentions of Mudikonda, Gangaikonda along with Panditha chola. A detailed Historical study recently in 2005 at Thiruvalanchuzhi by Dr. Kalaikkovan and Dr. Nalini has already revealed that Rajendra I was also called “Sivasaranasekhara ” 1 , which is also not a mere title but a Concept.

Historian SR Balasubramanian has brought out in 1975 an extensive volume “Middle Chola Temples” – Rajaraja I to Kulothunga I. He has dealt with all the Temples constructed and renovated by Rajaraja I. He has written extensively on Thanjavur Peruvudayar Temple. He mentions of the grants made by Rajaraja between the twenty third year (1008) and twenty nineth year (1014) and added “after he assumed titles of Sivapadasekhara and Rajaraja” he made a gift of number of gold trumpets and after his triumphant return form the victory over Satyasraya, the Western Chalukya king, he made a gift of number of gold flowers.

He also has dealt with the inscription, published by the ASI in Volume II – No:38 – along with several others, wherein Aditha Suryan @ Thennavan Muvendavelalan, Headman of Poygainadu, set up the Bronze solid images of (1) Nambi Arurar @ Sundara (2) Nangai Paravaiyar (W/o Sundara) (3) Thirunavukkarayar (4) Thirujnana Sambandar (5) Periya Perumal (Rajaraja I) having two sacred arms – which stood on a lotus pedestal and (6) his consort Olagamadeviyar (Loga Madevi) having two sacred arms, which stood on a lotus pedastal and (7) one sacred (Tirumeni) in solid Brass for Chandrasekara Devar – having four devine arms, set up as Devaradevar for Periya Perumal. The inscription reads : “Periya Perumalukku Devara – devaraga elundarulivitha Thirumeni.”

Historian (Kudanthai) N.Sethuraman has worked on reconstructing the Chronology (based on Astronomical Data) and published his books “ The Cholas “ in 1977 and Early Cholas in 1980.

In his detailed study on Emperor Rajaraja’s final years, he concluded that the last year of Rajaraja I was 1014 AD. (Page 30 / Edition 1977 - The Cholas). This is based on the inscription 236 of SII – volume VIII wherein it is mentioned that Udayar Shree Rajendra Chozha Thevar has entered “Thilaparvatham” (a mount of gingelly) on the 21st day of his 3rd year of Rule (1015 AD approximately) which was interpreted as the First Death anniversary Ceremony for Rajaraja I.

ARE 315 of 1927 mentions of a record in Udayalur whereby in the 42nd year of Kulothunga I, the front of the mandapam of Udayar Shree Rajarajadevar alias Sivapadadeskaradeva in the village of Sivapadasekaramangalalm was in a dilapidated condition and that the process of restoration was devotedly completed by those incharge of the affairs after performing VRIDHAMs.

Dr. Kalaikkovan and Dr.Nalini of Dr.Raasamanickanar History Research Centre, Trichy, after their detailed study in Thiruvalanchuzhi (near Kumbakonam) Kshetrabalar Temple, have brought to light a very important inscription. They have published the inscriptions they found newly in “Varalaaru” History Publication and also brought out a book “Valanchuzhi Vaanar” in December 2005.

From the new-found inscription in Thiruvalanchuzhi, it is established that Rajendra I co-ruled in his 3rd yr along with Rajaraja’s 29th Year which 1014 AD (985 + 29) !

Chandeswara Sculpture in Gangaikonda Chozhapuram being interpreted as resembling Rajendra I – by SR Balasubramanian.

There is another newly found inscription from this same temple. Rajendra I is became to be known as “Siva Sarana Sekaran “ ! This inscription is also related to 3rd Reignal year of Rejendra I. “Udayar Sree Rajendra Chola Sivasaranesekara Thevar kudutharulina ur .. “ .. “Kopparakesari Panmarana Udayar Shree Rajendra Chola Thevarkku Yaandu 3vadhu mudhal.. thevadhananakudutha Thirvalanchzhi..”
Considering the following facts we can surmise that Emperor Rajaraja became to be known as Sivapadhasekara and in about 21st year of his rule (1006 AD), he laid foundation stone to construct the Big Temple Thanjavur, his wife Danthi sakthi vidangi constructed Kshetra balar temple in Thiruvalanchuzhi and his sister Kundavai commenced construction of Rajarajeswaram in Dadapuram and another Jain temple and a Vishnu temple too. Almost in the same period, Rajendra I annexed Raichur area with his formidable army about 900000 warriors.
From a Monarch Rajaraja I adopted himself to become a Nayanmar. His contribution to finding Thevarams is well discussed. From the Big temple paintings we understand he was so impressed with the life of Sundara and Cherman perumal.

The following facts are interesting to note:

1. Out of several of his Adopted names, he preferred only SIVAPATHASEKARAN and RAJARAJA and in these two names made TWO GOLDEN TRUMPETs and used them in the Thanjai Big Temple;

2. The Fresco Painting in the Big Temple – where in Rajaraja worshipping Nataraja along with his wives in Chidambaram.

3. The Fresco Painting in the same temple elaborating the episodes related to Cheramanperumal and Sundarar.

4. The Fresco Paintings related to Rajaraja performing poojas in front of Peruvudayar.

5. Along with the solid Bronze images of Sundarar & Paravai, Thirunavukkarasar and Thirugnanasambandar, Rajaraja’s official Aditha suryan has set up a Solid Bronze image for Rajaraja himself and named as PERIYAPERUMAL and another Bronze for his Crown Queen Olagamadevi, which are enjoyed the same respect and status along with the Thevarm Trio;

6. Rajendra I was also known as Sivasarana Sekaran, which historical fact has been brought to light only in the year 2005, but not gone into detailed Historical study;

7. Rajendra I performed a Religious Ritual of entering a mount of Thila as mentioned “Thilaparvatham Pukkaruli’ in the SII –VII -236., whether this was for First Annual Death ceremony for Rajaraja I or for some other Religious reason of more significance is to be gone into more detail.

ARE 315 of 1927 – Udayalur record in the 42nd year of Kulothunga I states that the front of the mandapam (mundril) of Rajarajadevar alias Sivapadadeskaradeva in the village of Sivapadasekaramangalm was in a dilapidated condition and that the process of restoration was devotedly completed by those incharge of the affairs after performing VRIDHAMs. (see photo).

From the foregoing it can be easily seen that Rajaraja I did not end his life as a King but as a Nayanmar. He himself had performed the Pooja rituals to the Peruvudyar he established. Since none other than a Nayanmar or Sivanadiyar only can perform poojas like this, he adopted the life of a Nayanmar. He was revered and worshipped at par with Thevara Trio and his title Sivapadhasekaran was not a mere Title but he was considered as a Nayanmar like Sundara. Rajaraja’s crown Queen Danthi sakthi Vidangi also adopted similar life like female-Nayanmar and she was respected at par with Nangai Paravai – Sundara’s wife. Crown Queen was considered as Paravainachiayar, Sundara’s wife. It is also more interesting to note that Rajendra I was also being known as Sivasaranasekaran and although he was known more as a warrior, Rajendra I was considering himself like Chandeswara – another Eswara Devotee of Lord Siva.

Then what is the explanation for the Thilaparvatham ceremony performed by his son Rajendra I ?

Rajaraja’s life came to an end not as that of an Emperor but as that of a Nayanmar.

When the life of a Nayanmar or Sivanadiar comes to an end, his son cannot perform his last rituals. Only another Sivandiar can perform such last rituals.

Therefore Rajendra I also adopted the process of Nayanmar and became to be known as “ Sivasaranasekaran “ as found from the Thiruvalanchuzhi inscriptions by Dr. Kalaikkovan and Dr. Nalini.

Sivasarana sekaran @ Rajendra I had completed the last rites of Sivapathasekaran @ Rajaraja I.

After completing the same, Rajendra I need to become the Emperor again. So he entered the “ Thilaparvatham ” and became to be known as Rajendra I – the Emperor again !

From the Big temple inscriptions we find that Rajaraja became to be known as Periyaperumal and the bronze along with that of his wife Danthisakthi Vidangi were carried in procession along with the bronzes of Navukkarasar, Sambandar and Sundarar & Nangai Paravai and these were attached to Thevara Devar !

Rajendra I also kept a Vibudhimadal in front of Periyaperumal in his 4th year !

1. Dr. R.Kalaikkovan & Dr. Nalini - Valanchuzhi Vaanar
2. SR Balasubramanian – The middle cholas.
3. SII Volume II

About

Sivapathasekaran is an adopted name of the author who is so much devoted to Emperor Rajaraja and Lord Siva. Though he is in a Non-History related profession, after reading Kalki’s Ponniyinselvan, has traveled widely around Cauvery delta, visited almost every place of importance related to Rajaraja & his son Rajendra and has completed his M Phil in History from the Annamalai University. He is ardent student of several contemporary Scholars like Dr. Kalaikkovan, Dr. Nalini, Dr. Kudavoil Balasubramanian, for his research work. He is one of the Trustees of REACH Foundation.