By C Subrahmanyam
Sadhaya Vizha is a two-day 13 – 14 Nov 2023 festival that commemorates the birthday of Raja Raja Cholan, one of the greatest kings of Tamil history. It is held every year at the Tanjore Big Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that he built over a thousand years ago. The festival showcases the rich and diverse art, culture, and tradition of the Tamil people, and pays tribute to the king who brought prosperity and glory to his empire.
The Legacy of Raja Raja Cholan Raja Raja Cholan was a visionary ruler who expanded his domain to include most of South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. He was a patron of arts and literature, and supported the development of Tamil language and culture. He was also a devout Shaivite, and built many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Raja Raja Cholan’s most remarkable achievement was the construction of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, in Tanjore. The temple is an architectural marvel, with a 216-foot-tall tower, a 13-foot-tall Shiva Lingam, and exquisite sculptures and paintings. The temple is also a repository of historical inscriptions that record the achievements and donations of the king and his successors.
The Significance of Sadhaya Vizha Sadhaya Vizha is a festival that celebrates the birth anniversary of Raja Raja Cholan, which falls on the day when the Sadhaya star is visible in the Tamil month of Aippasi. The festival was started by the king himself in 985 AD, when he ascended the throne.
Since then, it has been observed every year by his descendants and devotees. The festival involves various cultural and religious programmes, such as Bharatanatyam dance, Thirumurai Pannisai, Natha Sangamam, and Kaviyarangam.
A special abishekam is performed to the Shiva Lingam and the bronze idols of the king and his consort. The collector and representatives of various political parties and organisations also garland the statue of the king in front of the temple.
Sadhaya Vizha is a way to honour the king and express gratitude for his outstanding contribution to the development of his subjects and the glory of the Chola empire. It is also a way to appreciate the art, culture, and tradition of the Tamil people, which have survived and thrived for centuries. The festival is a reminder of the rich and glorious heritage of Tamil Nadu, and a source of inspiration for the present and future generations.
Sadhaya Vizha is a way to honour the king and express gratitude for his outstanding contribution to the development of his subjects and the glory of the Chola empire. It is also a way to appreciate the art, culture, and tradition of the Tamil people, which have survived and thrived for centuries. The festival is a reminder of the rich and glorious heritage of Tamil Nadu, and a source of inspiration for the present and future generations.
The Need for Preservation and Promotion Sadhaya Vizha is a unique and valuable festival that deserves more recognition and support from the government and the public. The festival is not only a religious and cultural event, but also a historical and educational one. It provides an opportunity to learn about the history and achievements of the Chola dynasty, and the importance of the Big Temple as a cultural and architectural landmark.
The festival also promotes the awareness and appreciation of the Tamil language and literature, and the various forms of art and music that originated from the region.
However, the festival faces many challenges and threats, such as lack of funds, resources, and publicity, vandalism and encroachment of the temple premises, and indifference and ignorance of the people. The festival needs more attention and assistance from the authorities and the media, to ensure its proper organisation and management, and to attract more visitors and participants.
The festival also needs more involvement and enthusiasm from the local community and the youth, to ensure its continuity and relevance.The Conclusion Sadhaya Vizha is a festival that celebrates the birthday of Raja Raja Cholan, the great Tamil king who built the Tanjore Big Temple. The festival showcases the rich and diverse art, culture, and tradition of the Tamil people, and pays tribute to the king who brought prosperity and glory to his empire.
The festival is a reminder of the rich and glorious heritage of Tamil Nadu, and a source of inspiration for the present and future generations. The festival deserves more recognition and support from the government and the public, to ensure its preservation and promotion. Sadhaya Vizha is not just a festival, but a celebration of Tamil identity and pride.
