Author: Ragu Raman
Publication: The Times of India
Date: September 6, 2026

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASD) has found a new inscription by Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I at Vedhapuriswarar temple in Theralundhur in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu.

The inscription dated 1003 CE, the 18th regnal year of the Chola king was found on the stone pillar of the Arthamandapa (half-open entrance hall) and details the gift of gold to the temple.

The inscription in Tamil records the gift of 21 ‘kalanju’ of gold by Mahasabhai of Tiruvazhuntur, a Brahmadeya (tax-free land endowment to Brahmins), for offering food (Neyyamudu) to the deity of Tirukkadavudaiya Nayanar. ‘Kalanju’ is an ancient measurement of gold, which is roughly around 4.5 grams.

“The inscription says the interest accruing from the endowment was to be utilised for purchase of paddy and other requirements connected with daily offerings to the deity” said Munirathrinam Reddy, director (epigraphy), ASI.

This particular temple has inscriptions by various Chola kings including Rajendra Chola I, the son of Raja Raja Chola. “We have recorded 15 new inscriptions, including fragmented ones, issued by Chola kings from this temple alone. We have also been surveying old temples in Trichy Thanjavur and Mayiladuthurai districts to identify and record new inscriptions,” said P T Nagarajan, assistant epigraphist, ASI.

Overall, the ASI team has recorded more than 85 new inscriptions during its field explorations in Tamil Nadu in Aug. ASI is uploading the estampages of stone inscriptions on the Bharat SHRI portal.