Call to put Chola temples on country’s tourist map

Minister for School Education and Archaeology, Thangam Thennarasu interacting with Sathyabhama Bhadrinath, Superintending Archaeologist, Chennai circle, ASI, at a seminar to commemorate the 1000th year of Brahadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur on Thursday. Photo: M Srinath

The School Education Minister Thangam Thennarasu has called for a combined study and view of the four all stone temples built by Chola kings at Thanjavur, Darasuram, Thirubuvanam and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

Inaugurating a two-day seminar organised by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) here to commemorate the 1000th year of Brahadeeswara temple, the Minister said that the Brahadeeswara temple should not be seen in isolation. It should be viewed and studied along with temples of it’s like in this region. "These four temples are really great temples which offer new things every time a tourist visited them", the Minister said.

He appealed to the ASI and tourism department to take steps to bring the four temples in the tourist map of India.

Brahadeeswara temple at Thanjavur is not a mere architectural marvel but a temple that had societal connections. King Raja Raja Cholan who built the temple has said this in the inscription he made in the temple. He speaks about the contribution made by the people for construction of the temple after speaking about his and sister’s contribution.

The Minister said that steps would be taken to form heritage clubs in schools with a view to create awareness among students to preserve our rich heritage monuments. These clubs will be on the lines of eco clubs formed schools to protect environment. People’s participation and society’s involvement is very much necessary for preserving our rich cultural heritage, the minister said.

He complimented ASI for maintaining monuments in an excellent way. "State Archaeology Department maintains nearly 84 monuments in the state. We take inspiration from ASI", Mr. Thennarasu said. He also appreciated the role of media in helping the Government in preserving old paintings and monuments by highlighting them when they are in danger in their reports.

Earlier the Minister saw the exhibition of portraits of our monuments organised by the ASI.

M.S.Shanmugham, District Collector, stressed for research on this grand temple.

S. V. Venkateshaiah, Regional Director, ASI and other officials from ASI spoke.