Next let’s go to the fourth page. Historical Tamil scholars have written very clearly about every small part of this temple. Their role in establishing the history of the Cholas and collecting many rare information of the Chola Empire and bringing it to the world through books was invaluable.
For example, a Tamil scholar named Neelakanda Sastri wrote a book entitled “Sourthern Battlefields” in Tamil. I have mentioned earlier that it was the book Southern Battlefields that brought me the search for Cholas and my interest in history. In that book he had written very clearly the entire history of the Cholas’ war or wars in the Tamil Kingdom from Sangam age to the age of British rule.
We are now in the modern world. But seeing the historical monuments like Tanjore Periya Kovil makes one proud of the scientific artistry of the Tamils. It’s amazing to think of their technological know-how a thousand years ago.
In this temple complex, the antiquity of the temple and its history and information about the temple vimana are kept in detail in a corner with no proper notice board or guidance. A museum should be set up in the temple complex itself so that all the people who come to the temple can see it easily. Through it, the tradition of Tamils can been made accessible to many people who can see the talent of Tamils by foreigners and foreign people who come to the temple. There is no doubt that the fame of our forefathers will forever be echoed through this.
Many Shiva Lingams can be seen in this temple. During the reign of the Cholas, if a king or a queen died, it was the custom of the Cholas to build a temple in his memory and place a Shivalinga in it (it was called Pallipadai).Similarly a Sivalinga may have been placed in this temple to honor great warriors who could have died in battle etc.
I have taken many photos of Tanjore Great Temple on my page. Enjoy watching it when you have time. See you in the next post.