Introduction
The historical traces of Emperor Rajendra Chola, the great Chola king who planted his flag of victory up to Kadaram, can still be seen in many places across Tamil Nadu today. Among them, one of the most significant historical treasures is the Manampadi Temple, which is about 1000 years old. This temple stands as a symbol carrying the artistic excellence and culture of the Cholas within it.
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Ancient glory of Manampadi Temple
Around a thousand years ago, an ever-burning lamp called ‘Nondha Vilakku’ was kept lit day and night in this temple. In addition, the Chithirai festival was celebrated every year in a grand manner. Artistic performances such as ‘Tamil Koothu’ were also staged here in praise of the deity. This reflects the spiritual devotion and artistic interest of the people of that time.
The real-life sculpture of Rajendra Chola
The most important feature of this temple is the Nataraja Koshta sculpture. In this, the real image of Emperor Rajendra Chola has been carved. The emperor is depicted vividly with a large hair knot on his head, a majestic thick moustache on his face, and a sword worn at his waist. Behind him stand his three queens, Mukkokkilandigal, Veeramadevi, and Thirubhuvana Madevi, worshipping Nataraja with devotion.
Subtle details of sculpture and mythological elements
✪ This set of sculptures is a wonderful creation where history and mythology are beautifully combined.
✪ A young boy, resembling Thirugnanasambandar, is shown pointing at Nataraja with his finger in a gesture of astonishment called ‘Vismaya Mudra’.
✪ While Nataraja performs the Ananda Tandava, a demon named Banasura is seated below playing the musical instrument ‘Kudamuzha’. Along with this, a scene of Goddess Kali performing Tandava is also depicted.
✪ On the other side, six devotees of Lord Shiva, with shaved heads, small tufts, and wearing Rudraksha beads, are seen worshipping Nataraja. In this arrangement, the royal family stands on one side and the Shiva devotees on the other, and notably, one of the devotees is a woman.
The tragedy faced by this historical monument
Despite having such remarkable features, this ancient temple now lies in ruins, which is a great historical tragedy. In 2013, there was a plan to demolish this temple for highway expansion works, but it was later abandoned due to strong opposition from history enthusiasts.
However, later under the name of renovation, the entire temple was dismantled. As a result, many priceless idols, including the rare sculpture of Rajendra Chola, are lying without protection in a metal shed, amidst waste and mud.
Even after the report by UNESCO and the intervention of the court, for many years no complete restoration work has been carried out, and this historical monument remains on the verge of destruction.
Finally…
It is painful that the legacy of a great emperor who conquered up to Kadaram is now left uncared for. It is the foremost responsibility of the entire society to protect historical treasures like Manampadi Temple, which carry the culture of Tamils and the glory of great emperors, and to safely pass them on to future generations without allowing them to be destroyed.