Brihadeeswarar Temple – Temple Timeline
The much celebrated 'Ponnambalam' (temple with golden
roof) at Thillai (Chidambaram) was just a few hours of journey away.
Thiruvarur, the most important 'Sapta Vitanka Sthalam’, which had the patronage
of the Cholas right from the days of Manuneedhi Cholan and Musukuntha Cholan,
was also nearby.
So were numerous temples referred to as 'paadal Petra Sthalangals'
- temples where the Saivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandhar and Manickavasagar
had sung Thevaram hymns (religious hymns praising the deeds of Lord Shiva).
Then, what made Rajaraja Cholan build a massive temple in his capital
city?
Few centuries back, the Pallavas had given a new
dimension to art and architecture. Under their patronage rose the majestic
Rathas, Shore Temple and Yali Caves at Mamallapuram. Rajasimha Pallavan built
two splendid temples in Kanchipuram 'Paramesvara Vinnagaram' and 'Kailasanathar
Kovil'.
The latter, dedicated to Lord Siva, held Rajaraja
Cholan's attention. He called it 'kachchipettu Periya Thali' (The Big Temple of
Kanchipuram).
Rajaraja Cholan's dreams and aspirations were always
huge. The visionary he was in all matters, there is no wonder that he envisaged
a huge temple to celebrate the power of divinity.
Many a people, have wondered why he chose to build an
imposing monument. Did he want to showcase the power and might of his empire by
building something colossal? Did he want to stamp his authority and tell the
world, 'Look what I have accomplished?' Did he want to get rid of sins wrought
by years of warfare or get a magical cure to a disease of unknown origin, as
some people claim?
May be the reason was simple.
He wanted to show the whole world the towering presence
of God that is everlasting against human life that is highly evanescent.
