Archaeological discoveries continue to unlock the glorious heritage of ancient India as the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) unearths a rare stone inscription issued by the legendary Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I. Discovered at the historic Vedapuriswarar Temple in Theralundhur, located within Tamil Nadu’s Mayiladuthurai district, the newly found epigraph dates back to 1003 CE, corresponding to the 18th regnal year of the iconic monarch. This remarkable find sheds fresh light on temple administration, ancient economic practices, and centuries-old traditions of pious donations during the zenith of the Chola empire.
Unveiling the 1003 CE Inscription and Ancient Gold Donations
Inscribed on a stone pillar situated in the ardhamandapa (half-open entrance hall) of the Vedapuriswarar Temple, the epigraph is meticulously penned in ancient Tamil script. According to ASI epigraphists, the inscription documents a significant gold donation made by the Mahasabha of Thiruvazhuntur—a historical brahmadeyaor tax-free land grant bestowed upon Brahmins. The record specifies a contribution of 21 kalanjus of gold, with a kalanju serving as a traditional ancient unit of measurement equivalent to approximately 4.5 grams.
Funding Daily Temple Offerings Through Accumulated Interest
Explaining the administrative details of the endowment, ASI Director Muniratnam Reddy noted that the inscription outlines how the interest generated from the gold donation was utilized. The funds were specifically earmarked to purchase paddy and procure essential items required to sustain daily food offerings and rituals dedicated to the presiding deity, Tirukkadavudaiya Nayanar. P. T. Nagarajan, Assistant Epigraphist at the ASI, highlighted that the temple is a treasure trove of Chola history, having previously yielded inscriptions from Rajaraja Chola I’s illustrious son, Rajendra Chola I, alongside 15 newly recorded epigraphs from the site alone.
Continuous Epigraphical Surveys and Digital Archiving on Bharat Shree Portal
As part of ongoing regional documentation efforts across Trichy, Thanjavur, and Mayiladuthurai districts, ASI field teams successfully recorded over 85 new stone inscriptions across Tamil Nadu during August alone. To democratize historical research and preserve these invaluable artifacts for future generations, the ASI is actively uploading stone impressions and transcripts of 28,000 Tamil Nadu inscriptions onto the official Bharat Shree portal. This digitization initiative allows students, historians, and the general public to access authentic historical documentation completely free of charge.