Celebrating 1000 years of Brihadeeswarar temple:
Honouring Saints and Temples of India
The RBI to mark the millennium year celebrations of the Brihadeeswarar temple, has brought out a special cupro-nickel commemorative coin in the denomination of Rs.5/- which has been released into general circulation. Most of us will probably use this coin as small change, without even noticing the beautiful design of the temple on it, but, if we know about the temple and its history, probably, we will save the coin for posterity, if we do come across it.
Thanjavur (British Tanjore), the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" was the favoured capital of the Chola Empire from the times of Vijayalaya in 850 A.D. till the decline of the Chola Empire in 1279. Under the Cholas, Thanjavur thrived as a centre for Architectural marvels as well as for Arts and Crafts, particularly, bronze sculpture and painting.Naturally, it goes without saying that many temples were built by them and all of them are fine examples of South Indian Temple Architecture.
In 1002 A.D. the Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (also known as the Emperor Arulmozhivarman) laid the foundation of the "Brihadeeswarar Temple"or "Big Temple", at Thanjavur. It is said that the Emperor conceived the idea to build this temple, because he had been instructed to do so by the main deity, in one of his dreams.
Thanjavur (British Tanjore), the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu" was the favoured capital of the Chola Empire from the times of Vijayalaya in 850 A.D. till the decline of the Chola Empire in 1279. Under the Cholas, Thanjavur thrived as a centre for Architectural marvels as well as for Arts and Crafts, particularly, bronze sculpture and painting.Naturally, it goes without saying that many temples were built by them and all of them are fine examples of South Indian Temple Architecture.
In 1002 A.D. the Chola Emperor Rajaraja Chola I (also known as the Emperor Arulmozhivarman) laid the foundation of the "Brihadeeswarar Temple"or "Big Temple", at Thanjavur. It is said that the Emperor conceived the idea to build this temple, because he had been instructed to do so by the main deity, in one of his dreams.
Accordingly, it was designated as the Royal Temple, where major royal ceremonies such as anointing the emperor and linking him with its deity, Shiva, were held.
The Temple: The temple,also known as the Peruvudaiyar Koyil or Rajarajesvaram temple was completed in 1010 A.D. and is considered to be one of the best specimens of South Indian Architecture
The Temple: The temple,also known as the Peruvudaiyar Koyil or Rajarajesvaram temple was completed in 1010 A.D. and is considered to be one of the best specimens of South Indian Architecture
and is the world’s first complete granite temple (More than 1, 30,000 tons of granite has been used in the temple’s construction).This was in keeping with the Chola tradition of doing things on a grandiose scale commensurate with their wealth, power and artistic expertise. It has been listed in the UNESCO’s World Heritage sites and apart from being a pilgrimage centre, is a veritable tourist centre throughout the year. Even today it is the largest temple in India.
With the decline of the Chola Empire, Thanjavur and consequently, the temple, passed into the hands of the Pandyas(from 1279-1311), then, was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate (1311-1335). Then, it passed onto the Madurai or Ma'bar Sultanate (1335 - 1374), and then it was in the possession of the Nayaks (The Nayaks were another dynasty which ruled Madurai) after which, it fell into the hands of the Marathas under Chatrapati Shivaji (1674 - 1799) and lastly, it passed into British hands. Through all this "change of ownership" so to say,the temple's glory and its importance as a place of worship remained constant and unaffected. If only the stones of the temple could speak of the onslaughts of time it has endured and of the granduer and glory of its past, perhaps, it would make for a great story.
With the decline of the Chola Empire, Thanjavur and consequently, the temple, passed into the hands of the Pandyas(from 1279-1311), then, was ruled by the Delhi Sultanate (1311-1335). Then, it passed onto the Madurai or Ma'bar Sultanate (1335 - 1374), and then it was in the possession of the Nayaks (The Nayaks were another dynasty which ruled Madurai) after which, it fell into the hands of the Marathas under Chatrapati Shivaji (1674 - 1799) and lastly, it passed into British hands. Through all this "change of ownership" so to say,the temple's glory and its importance as a place of worship remained constant and unaffected. If only the stones of the temple could speak of the onslaughts of time it has endured and of the granduer and glory of its past, perhaps, it would make for a great story.
The temple complex layout has several structures, all aligned axially and with geometric symmetry. The Temple, which has a 30 m square base (approx) is located on the banks of the Cauvery or Kaveri river. Many wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods are still there on the walls of the temple, to see and marvel at.
The temple has a huge “vimana” or “shikara” (“Apex” , which in South Indian Architecture stands for the pyramid shaped roof towers) which at sixty-six metres or 216 feet is the tallest such tower in South India and ranks among the tallest of its kind anywhere in the world. It has sixteen storeys .
There is an interesting Oracle ascribed to a statue which has European-like attributes and is carved on the vimana itself. This is believed to foretell of the arrival of the British, French and the Portuguese several hundred years later. (While this is an interesting story for the incredulous, it is possible that it could be “imagination let loose” by the skilful sculptor who fashioned the figure, but, it plays its part in adding more excitement and interest for the visiting devotees and tourists).
There is an interesting Oracle ascribed to a statue which has European-like attributes and is carved on the vimana itself. This is believed to foretell of the arrival of the British, French and the Portuguese several hundred years later. (While this is an interesting story for the incredulous, it is possible that it could be “imagination let loose” by the skilful sculptor who fashioned the figure, but, it plays its part in adding more excitement and interest for the visiting devotees and tourists).
There is also a smaller “gopuram” (the rising tower at the entrance of a temple). The inner sanctum and the gopuram were constructed over a period of 12 years from a single piece of granite weighing around 80 tons.
A big statue of Nandi (sacred bull and mount of Lord Shiva), carved out of a single rock, is at the entrance measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The main temple is in the center of a huge quadrangle which consists of a sanctuary, a pillared hall and an assembly hall (mandapas), and many sub-shrines. The most important part of the temple is the inner mandapa which is surrounded by massive walls that are divided into different levels by sharply cut sculptures and pilasters (square columns often set in walls).
The temple’s main deity Shiva (Moolavar) and secondary deities, including the Sun (Suriyan) and the Moon (Chandran) are quite huge and even the statues of the “Ashta Dik Paalaks” (Keepers or Protectors or Lords of all the Eight Directions viz. Indra, Varuna, Agni, Niruthi, Yama, Eesana, Vayu and Kubera) are all six feet tall life-size statues. No wonder, then, that the temple is called “Brihadeeswarar” (“Brihad’ means “very large or huge” and “Ishwar” means “God”). Therefore, the temple is called “Big Temple” too; either derived from the fact that there are huge statues of the Gods within or from the fact that the temple itself is huge/massive and is the place where the Gods reside.
One can imagine the size of the temple, only by the fact that it requires a minimum staff in various capacities including the priests, of 600 persons for the daily rituals of the deities, accounting, records and maintenance etc.
Festival:
Every month a festival is celebrated on the day of the ruling star “satabhishag” (Aquarii – within the constellation Aquarius – comprising 100 star resembling a flower) which was, also, the ruling star at the time of Rajaraja Chola’s birth. An annual festival is held for nine days during the month of “Visaka” (corresponding to Librae – comprising three stars resembling a potter’s wheel, within the constellation Libra) or “May” (according to the Gregorian calendar) which attracts several devotees and tourists.
Millennium celebrations
Built in 1010 A.D. the temple has now turned 1000 years old in September 2010.
Posted on 08.03.2013
I have since received the Rs.1000/- Commemorative coin set (Proof coins in the denominations of Rs.1000/- and Rs.5/-) in February 2013 from the Mumbai Mint. I have got a bit delayed in putting up the images, as I have returned from a trip to Ghana only on 06.03.2013.
Obverse of the Rs.1000/- Proof coin showing the Lion Capitol with the words “Satyameva Jayate”(Truth Always Prevails) on the top of
the coin which is the emblem of the Government of India. Below the
emblem is the numeral “1000” representing the denomination of the coin. On
the left side are the words “Bharat” and “Rupiye” in Hindi and on the
right hand side are the words “India” and “Rupees” in English.
Reverse of the above coin showing an image of the temple in the background with the
words “Brihadeeswarar Mandir Ke 1000 Varsh” in Hindi on the left and
“one thousand years of Brihadeeswarar temple” on the right. In the
foreground is an image of the Emperor Rajaraja Chola I who built the
temple in 1010 A.D. in a praying pose with folded hands. Below the
temple and image of Rajaraja Chola I is the word “Thanjavur” mentioned
in Hindi and English. Further below is the year of issue – 2010, is
the Mumbai mint mark “M”(The mint mark "M" is reserved for Proof coins only by the Mumbai Mint which displays the usual "diamond" mint mark on other coin issues).
The specifications of this coin are :
Shape: Circular
Diameter: 44 mm
No. of Serrations: 200
Weight : 35.00 gms
Metal Composition : Silver Alloy : Silver 80%; Copper 20%.
Obverse of the five Rupee Proof coin.
Reverse of the five rupee Proof coin. Below the year of issue 2010 is the "M" mint mark, indicating that this coin was minted at the Mumbai Mint. As mentioned above the mint mark "M" is reserved for
Proof coins only by the Mumbai Mint which displays the usual "diamond"
mint mark on other coin issues.
The specifications of this coin are:Shape: Circular
Diameter : 23 mm
No. of Serrations: 100
Weight: 6.00 gms.
Metal Composition: Nickel Brass (Copper: 75%; Zinc: 20%; Nickel : 5%)
The back of the coin album.
Now, back to the earlier Post:
In April 1954, (much before the millennium celebrations in 2010), the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had issued a 1000 rupees currency note featuring the Brihadeeswara temple recognizing its cultural heritage, (this note was subsequently demonetized in 1975 along with other higher denomination currency notes).
Reverse of a one thousand rupee note showing the Brihadeeshwarar temple. The value of these Notes depending upon the series and Reserve Bank of India Governors who have signed the Note is estimated at anywhere between Rs.25,000/- and Rs.5,00,000/- .
To celebrate the 1000th year of existence of the grand structure, the state government organised a Bharat Natyam classical dance show, in which 1000 dancers from all over India and abroad participated. (The temple has traditionally served as a platform for Bharat Natayam dancers to learn and showcase their talent since its inception).
The RBI to mark the millennium year celebrations of the temple, have brought out a special cupro-nickel commemorative coin in the denomination of Rs.5/- , of which I have got a specimen in my collection.
Obverse of the coin issued in 2010 showing the Lion Capital and the words “Satyameva Jayate”(Truth Always Prevails) on the top of the coin which is the emblem of the Government of India. Below the emblem is the numeral “5” representing the denomination of the coin. On the left side are the words “Bharat” and “Rupiye” in Hindi and on the right hand side are the woeds “India” and “Rupees” in English.
Reverse of the coin showing an image of the temple in the background with the words “Brihadeeswarar Mandir Ke 1000 Varsh” in Hindi on the left and “one thousand years of Brihadeeswarar temple” on the right. In the foreground is an image of the Emperor Rajaraja Chola I who built the temple in 1010 A.D. in a praying pose with folded hands. Below the temple and image of Rajaraja Chola I is the word “Thanjavur” mentioned in Hindi and English. Further below is the year of issue – 2010, with the Mumbai mint mark “Diamond” below the year of issue, indicating that this coin has been minted in Mumbai mint.
The Posts and Telegraph (P&T) Department in India , also brought out a five (5) rupee stamp in 2010 commemorating the temple. An image of this stamp is placed below:
Posted on 03.07.2012:
Today, Mumbai Mint has started booking Commemorative Two coin Proof and uncirculated sets priced at Rs.4775/- and Rs.4435/- respectively . The coins will be of the denominations of Rs.1000/- and Rs. 5/- . Online coin Bookings will cost Rs.100/- more per Booking. The coins are likely to be delivered within nine months. from close of booking on 31st August 2012 (later extended upto 30th September 2012 on popular demand).
As this is the only time that a Rs.1000/- denomination coin is likely to be issued, there is likely to be a huge demand for these coin sets from both active and passive coin collectors. (These commemorative coins have since been received and the images are displayed above).
Posted on 17.09.2012:
Today I have received the Commemorative (uncirculated) Rs.5/- coin from Hyderabad Mint. The coin album as well as the coin image and specifications are given below:
The Front of the coin album .
The details of the Brihadeeswarar temple given overleaf in the Album.
The Obverse of the Commemorative five-rupee coin.
The Reverse of the Commemorative five-rupee coin.
The specifications of this coin are:
Composition:
Copper : 75%
Zinc : 20%
Nickel : 5%
Dimensions of the coin:
Diameter: 23mm
Weight : 6gms
Serrations: 100
Posted on 20.12.12:
(This "coin-in-a-card" is an uncirculated coin minted at the Mumbai mint and has been gifted for my collection by Jayant Biswas) . This image shows the reverse of the coin issued to commemorate 1000 years of Brihadeeshwarar temple.
The obverse of the coin issued by Mumbai Mint showing the specifications of the coin as well. The number of serrations on this coin are 100 as well (which is not mentioned in the specifications on the card).
Links to other articles on coins issued on Prominent saints and temples of India:
1) 25 Years of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
Links to other articles on coins issued on Prominent saints and temples of India:
1) 25 Years of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board
8) Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Tukaram
9) Swami Chinmayananda : Celebrating his Birth Centenary: A Rs.10/- coin issued by the Hyderabad Mint
10) Commemorating the Birth Centenary of Acharya Tulsi of Jainism by issuing a Rs.20/- coin
Other interesting posts on Christian Saints, Churches, priests and the Pope: 1) The inspiring story of Saint Teresa :
2) Saint Alphonsa: The first Catholic Woman Saint of India
3) Pope Francis: 80th Birthday on 17.12.2016: 6 Commemorative coins issued by Cook Islands
4) Christ Church Fort Teppakulam, Trichirapalli
5) St. Joan of Arc: The patron Saint of France
6) Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregarious Centenary Celebrations
7) Bicentenary of the Old Seminary in Kottayam
9) Swami Chinmayananda : Celebrating his Birth Centenary: A Rs.10/- coin issued by the Hyderabad Mint
10) Commemorating the Birth Centenary of Acharya Tulsi of Jainism by issuing a Rs.20/- coin
Other interesting posts on Christian Saints, Churches, priests and the Pope: 1) The inspiring story of Saint Teresa :
2) Saint Alphonsa: The first Catholic Woman Saint of India
3) Pope Francis: 80th Birthday on 17.12.2016: 6 Commemorative coins issued by Cook Islands
4) Christ Church Fort Teppakulam, Trichirapalli
5) St. Joan of Arc: The patron Saint of France
6) Archbishop Benedict Mar Gregarious Centenary Celebrations
7) Bicentenary of the Old Seminary in Kottayam
Ramchandra Lalingkar has commented:
ReplyDeleteVery interesting to know that GOI has issued Rs.1000/- commemorative coin which is a rare thing, I suppose. The size also is almost double than that of Rs.5/- coin. Thanks for the post with elaborate description.
Yes,the size of the coin is 44 mm. Also, the interesting part is that normally the Commemorative coins of this size contain about 50% silver. This coin on the other hand is made of 80% silver. This could perhaps be the only Rs.1000/- coin issued by the Indian mints, because it is difficult to find/commemorate another institution which is over 1000 years old.
ReplyDeleteAny idea where someone can get hold of this? Details will be more helpful
ReplyDeleteHi Vijay,
ReplyDeleteMumbai Mint has a Sales outlet where they sell Commemorative Coin sets (which was opened at all three mints, minting Commemorative coins after my elaborate correspondence with SPMCIL as mentioned under my Post "The strange Case of the missing Test Coins"). All surplus coins left over after despatching Booked coin orders go to this outlet for sale - although at a small premium. You could check up the Mumbai Mint/SPMCIL website for coins available at the outlet in Fort, Mumbai and enquire over phone. They also have several back-issues available at the outlet. Remember to carry your PAN-Card, if you do go there. Unfortunately, you cannot book a postal delivery thru this channel. Sometimes,the Mint goes in for a rebooking of popular coins in which case newspaper advertisements will come out in leading dailies. A third channel is websites like e-bay where someone may have posted a coin-set for sale.
kindly contact on spdctc@yahoo.com or 9328833153 to buy this coin
ReplyDeleteWell, the coin card looks attractive and should be affordable.. would you happen to know the price at which this is sold by the bank?
ReplyDeleteThe coin cards are normally priced at about Rs.300/- to Rs.350/- with the asking rate going up every year. Mumbai Mint may still have a few in its retail outlet at the Mint. This Rs1000/- coin was the most popular ever issued. Every day the Mumbai Mint was selling a maximum of 30 coins against PAN Cards. At least 200 Coin dealer's representatives would line up and there would be a "melee" when the counters opened. This is because in the open market these coins were selling for atleast 1-1/2 times the Mint price. No other numismatists could enter till the quota of 30 coins per day was exhausted. An interesting feature of the silver coins was that they had 80% silver content as against the usual 50% , but they were priced the same as the 50% silver coins.
Delete