the hundreds of temples built by the Chola emperors, has reached a
milestone: a thousand years of existence.
The temple was commissioned by Rajaraja Chola, the emperor who oversaw the
Second Golden Era of Tamil Nadu. By then, he had already conquered the
other two powerful kingdoms of the embattled triumvirate, the Pandyas and
Cheras, to emerge as the unquestionable regional leader who found the
expansive empire which also included half of Sri Lanka. The Sinhala king he
defeated was Mahinda V.
According to available historical records, the construction of what became
the biggest and most striking temples of the era was completed in about six
years. The structure is complicated in its design and detailing, and the
stones used for building this structure had to be brought from far-off
places.
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The periya koil or Big Temple, a UNESCO heritage site since 1987, is a
proud example of Tamil Nadu's past glory and culture. It is thus not
surprising to find the DMK government organising a celebration that
includes seminars, exhibition, theatre, folk arts and a dance programme by
1,000 performers under danseuse Padma Subramaniam to mark the occasion.
Deputy CM M K Stalin led the team of ministers to the four-day
celebrations, while sister and Rajya Sabha member Kanimozhi is also a
constant participant in the seminars and other functions.
The Postal Department headed by DMK leader A Raja has decided to bring out
a commemorative stamp carrying the image of the temple and the king, and a
millennium coin to mark the occasion. Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, too, is
participating in the carnival.
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