Tamil Nadu: Sadhaya Vizha' for King Raja Raja Cholan in low key

Thanjavur: The two-day ‘Sadhaya Vizha’, to commemorate the coronation day of King Raja Raja Cholan, who had built the ‘Big Temple’ at Thanjavur, began here on Sunday. 'Thirumurais' were rendered by Kalimedu Appar Avaiyinar after a mellifluous Nathaswaram recital by T.K.S.Padmanabhan and party. 

A.Annadurai, district collector, who spoke at the festival inaugural, said that Thanjavur district has two world heritage monuments declared by UNESCO. One is the Big temple in the heart of Thanajvur town and another Iravatheswaraswamy temple at Darasuram.

More than 1000-year-old 'Big Temple' is a symbol of Raja Rajan's spiritual, scientific and artistic bent of mind. "The present Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri. Banwarilal Purohit had presented a memento of the 'Big Temple' when he first met President of India after his assuming charge as Governor of Tamil Nadu. This showed the importance of the temple. It is a symbol of Tamil Nadu and Thanjavur," he said.

C.Babaji Rajah Bhonsle, hereditary trustee of Palace Devasthanam and Prince of Thanjavur, Durai Thirugnanam, president of Sadhaya Vizha Committee, J.Thennarasu, joint commissioner, HR and CE department, were among those who participated on the first day of the function. Later a seminar on 'Thirumurai' was held. 'Kaviyarangam' and cultural programmes were held in the evening. A special 'Abhishekam' will be performed to Lord Brihadiswara, the presiding deity of the temple on Monday, second day of the festival.