Students paint the ‘Periya Kovil’ of their imagination

One of the first-prize winning paintings displayed in the ASI office in Thanjavur. Photo: M. Srinath

The very mention of Thanjavur conjures up the image of the Big Temple. Called the Raja Rajeswaram, it is an architectural marvel constructed by King Raja Raja Cholan and a perfect subject of celebration on World Heritage Day.

The Archaeological Survey of India which maintains the temple organised on the spot painting competition and essay competition at the Big Temple on Sunday for students. The students were asked to paint the Big Temple as they see it in their own imaginations. The competition not only brought out the artistic talents of the youth but also resulted in paintings depicting the Big Temple in various forms and views. Every painting seemed to capture the splendour and beauty of the Big Temple.

In all, fifty seven students participated in the painting competition and ten students in the essay competition. Sitting on the lawns of the temple inside the inner prahara, the students drew the pictures looking at the great temple. The painting competition was conducted in three categories for students; from classes I to V, from VI to IX and from X to college level.

In the first category, K. Adhitya of Don Bosco Matriculation School (Class II) won the first prize, C. Santhosh (V) student of Abidean Matriculation School, Papanasam won the second prize and S. D. Ilakkiya (III) of Blossom school, Thanjavur won the third prize. In the classes VI to IX category, C. Amudha (ninth standard) of Raja's Higher Secondary School, won the first prize. S.Janani (VIII) of GKD Matric Higher Secondary school, Coimbatore won the second prize, K. Nithya (VIII) of Ponnaiyah Ramajayam Public school, Thanjavur, won the third prize. In the classes X to college level category, C.Raghu, (second year) Government Arts College, Kumbakonam won the first prize, P.Sivappa (class XII) of Rajah's Higher Secondary School won the second prize and M.Dhivya (twelth standard) of St. Joseph's Higher Secondary School won the third prize.

Selvakumar, Professor of Archaeological Department of Tamil University, gave away the prizes to winners.