The 1039th ‘Sathaya Vizha,’ held at the Brihadeeshvara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) in Thanjavur to mark the birth anniversary of Emperor Raja Raja Chola, began on 9 November 2024. The ceremony, celebrating the legacy of the great Chola ruler and the architect of the majestic Thanjavur Big Temple, is scheduled as a two-day celebration on the temple premises, to be held on 9 and 10 November.
Unlike previous years, this event is meant to honor Raja Raja Chola’s contributions to Tamil culture and architecture. However, this year, there was a noticeable absence—empty seats in the hall, which disheartened many attendees.
The festival at the Brihadeeshvara temple commemorates the birth of Raja Raja Chola, observed annually on Sadayam Nakshatra in the Tamil month of Aippasi. This year, the event started with a performance of traditional music and hymns recited by Odhavur, marking the beginning of the celebrations.
Contrary to the printed invitation, which listed a long line of dignitaries, the actual turnout was disappointingly low. Even the communities and political parties that claim Rajaraja Chola as part of their heritage and ancestral pride were conspicuously absent. As a result, the seats in the hall remained largely unoccupied, and what was meant to be a grand event turned out to be a subdued occasion.
Many point to a growing superstition among many politicians and officials, attending this event could lead to a loss of their position or status. As a result, political figures and officials are reportedly reluctant to participate. Officials suggest that this fear is the primary reason behind the empty seats at the ceremony. This reluctance has led to a situation where the event, which should be a grand celebration of Rajaraja Chola’s legacy, appears to be lacking in participation.
Critics have voiced their concerns, stating that the sight of an empty hall during the 1039th Sathaya Vizha is not just a failure of organization but also a reflection of the political and social climate of the times. “To hold such an important ceremony with empty seats is a disgrace to Rajaraja Chola’s memory and a shame for Thanjavur,” they remarked.
Despite the setbacks, the legacy of Rajaraja Chola remains undeniably powerful. During the ceremony, Justice Suresh Kumar of the Madras High Court delivered a speech that highlighted the enduring fame of Rajaraja Chola. He stated, “Rajaraja Chola’s fame will last as long as this world exists.” Justice Kumar went on to make an impassioned plea to the Tamil Nadu government, suggesting that the Tamil University be renamed in honor of Rajaraja Chola. “The greatest honor we can give to Rajaraja Chola is to name the Tamil University after him—Rajaraja Chola Tamil University,” he said.
The call to honor the Chola emperor with a university bearing his name is a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of Rajaraja Chola on Tamil culture, architecture, and history. While the event itself may have faced setbacks this year, the significance of Rajaraja Chola’s contributions continues to endure, regardless of the political or social challenges that may come in the present.
(With Inputs From Dinamalar)
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