Gangaikonda Cholapuram – In Literatures
A number of literary works in both Tamil and Sanskrit
refer to Gangaikondacholapuram and its temple.
Thiruvisaipa
The sacred hymns (Thiruvisaippppa) composed on the
presiding deity of Gangaikonda Cholisvaram by Karuvur Devar, is the earliest
work to refer to this great temple. Karuvur Devar, a Brahmin by birth, hailed
from Karuvur the modern Karur in Trichy District. He was a great devotee of
Siva and is believed to be a Siddha. He has composed devotional hymns on ten
temples among which are included the Rajarajesvara temple of Thanjavur and the
temple of Gangaikondacholapuram.
Karuvur Devar was a contemporary of Rajaraja I and his
son Rajendra I, the builder of Gangaikonda Cholisvaram. Thiru-Isaippa is a particular
type of poetic composition in Tamil. The ten hymns of Karuvur Devar and similar
hymns of a few other Saivite saints have been Devar’s address to the deity of
Gangaikonda Cholisvaram, is soul-stirring poetry that ought to be read in its
original. 'People in large numbers from far and near throng to the temple of
Gangaikonda Cholisvaram adoring the deity with folded arms' says Karuvur Devar.
Siva as Gangadhara also comes in for special praise.
Vikramankadevacharita
The historical work, Vikramankadevacharita in Sanskrit
on Chalukya Vikramaditya, by Bilhana throws valuable light on the relationship
between the Chalukyas of Kalyan and the Cholas and incidentally refers to
Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Bilhana, the poet, was born of a Brahmin family and
hailed from Kashmir. He was born and brought up in Khonamushagrama in
jayavana-highland of Kashmir. His father was Jyeshtakalasa and mother Nagadevi.
Bilhana attained distinction in Vedic learning, Sanskrit
poetry (Kavya) and Patanjali's mahabhashya (grammar). He left Kashmir in
pursuit of fortunes and went to Mathura, Brindhavana, and Kasi. From there he
went to Dhara the capital of Bhoja, but before he could reach Dhara, Bhoja the
great patron of Sanskrit learning passed away. Disappointed Bilhana went to
Gurjaradesa, where he could meet only envious poets, Bilhana left Gurjara and
went on a pilgrimage to Ramesvara in the south and on his way back was
fortunate enough to visit the Chalukya capital.
Vikramaditya the Chalukya contemporary of Virarajendra
Chola and Kulottunga immediately appointed Bihana as his court poet
(Vidyapathi). Vikramankadeva Charita describes the exploits of Vikramaditya in
eighteen chapters. It is needless to go into the details of the work. According
to the work, Virarajendra Chola, the third son of Rajendra I, gave his daughter
in marriage to Vikramaditya after affecting a truce with him, Possibly the
marriage took place on the banks of Tungabhadra.
Virarajendra returned to his capital and soon after passed
away. This plunged the Chola country into chaos. Vikramaditya had decided to
place Virarajendra son, Adhirajendra on the Chola throne. Vikrama swiftly
marched to Kanchi and spent some days there subduing some opponents. From there
he turned his eyes on Gangaikonda (Gangaikonda Cholapuram) which abounded in
wealth and learned men. The city was beautiful with lofty towers and resembled
the veritable abode of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. It truly resembled Amaravathi
the capital of the celestials. Vikramaditya crowned Adhirajendra, the Chola
prince after defeating the enemies. He spent about a month there and returned
to the banks of Tungabhadra, after subduing the forest archers (probably the
Vettuars). But within a few days, the Chola prince was killed by his opposing
subjects (Prakritvirodhana) and the seat was occupied by Rajiga, the Vengi
ruler (Rajendra Kulottunga).
The above account of Bilhana gives the state of affairs
at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the visit of Vikramaditya to that city. Scholars
differ on the death of Adhirajendra. Sadasiva Pandarathar, who has written an
excellent account of Chola history in Tamil, points out an inscription of
Adhirajendra died due to illness and was not killed by his subjects. Probably
Adhirajendra's weakness and the opposition he met from his generals, proved
fatal to his life. Vikramaditya, wanted to punish the evil doers. But
Kulottunga who by that time was firmly in Chola throne, fomented trouble, by
instigating Vikrama's brother Somesvara to attack him from behind. Though
Vikrama was successful in defeating his brother and is credited with a success
against Kanchi, he never set foot on Gangaikonda Cholapuram again.
Kulottunga was strong enough to fall his attempts and
was ably assisted by the experienced Chola Generals. Bilhana's Vikramanka deva Charita
is said to have been composed in 1805 A.D.
Kalingattuparani
The Kalingattuparani a most fascinating historical work
in Tamil literature, was composed by Jayankondar, to celebrate the conquest of
Kalinga by Kulottunga I. Jayankondar adorned the court of Kulottunga I as his
court poet and composed the work, Kalingattup parani towards the end of
Kulottunga's reign. The work celebrates the exploits of Kulottunga from his
childhood and the greatness of his general Karunakara Tondaiman, who headed the
victorious Chola army on its Kalinga expedition.
From Kalingattup parani, it may be seen that Kulottunga
was born and brought up at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. He was also made a crown
prince at that city. The city is referred to as Gangapuri.
No detailed description of the city is however met with
in the poem. Jayankondar, the poet hailed from Dipangudi and was recognised as
an eminent poet (Kavichanditan) by his contemporaries.
Muvar Ula
Ottakuttar another eminent Tamil poet adorned the courts
of three successive Chola emperors, Vikrama chola, Kulottunga II and Rajaraja
II. He has composed three quasi-historical works, (Ulas), one on each of the
above rulers. These works, Vikrama Cholan ula, Kulottunga Cholan Ula and
Rajarajan Ula, are probably called Muvar Ula, and are known for their high
literary accomplishments. Each poem gives a brief summary of the Chola history
beginning with the mythical ancestors and details the exploits of the hero.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is referred to by name in Kulottunga Cholan Ula. The
poet says that all the fourteen worlds were struck by the beauty and wealth of
the capital.
The Rajaraja Cholan Ula describes the palace, entrance
towers, palacial buildings, streets, pavilions, (mandapas), temples, chuligas,
toranas, beautiful windows, pials (Terris), madas, dance halls etc. that
adorned the capital.