Pidari Ekaveeri: a fierce Goddess, a captivating smile, and Raja Raja’s mother-in-law’s grant
Archaeological research at the Sadaimudinathar Temple has uncovered inscriptions detailing an ancient endowment for the deity Pidari Ekaveeri. The findings reveal that the mother-in-law of Chola emperor Raja Raja I funded rituals for the deity, who is now identified as Ashtapuja Durgai.
Why it matters
This discovery provides valuable historical context regarding Chola-era religious practices and the continuity of temple traditions.
Within the precincts of the ancient Sadaimudinathar Temple at Tiruvalanchuzhi, near Kumbakonam, stands a remarkable image of Pidari Ekaveeri, a deity whose significance is illuminated by the temple’s inscriptions. The temple, celebrated in the hymns of the Shaivite saints and renowned as an architectural marvel of the Chola period, is also home to inscriptions that reveal an equally fascinating chapter in its religious history.
The article is a historical and cultural report based on archaeological findings, devoid of political or social bias.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in