The inscription in a sub-temple built by Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044), one of the most important kings of the Imperial Cholas, inside Tiruvarur threw new light on his birth star.
Kudavayil Balasubramanian, a noted archaeologist and historian who deciphered the inscription in the Thiagarasar temple, said the king in the inscription clearly noted that the Margazhi Tiruvathirai (star) day should be celebrated as a festival for Lord Shiva, the Iyppasi Sathayam (star) day-the day of the birth of his father Rajarajan-I should be celebrated as a festival besides his own birth star day of Aadi Tiruvathirai also as a festival.
He also arranged separate endowments for these festivals.
“Historians like K A Neelakanta Sastri, T V Sadasiva Pandarathar relied on the inscription in Thiruvottriyur temple which spoke about celebrating the Margazhi Tiruvathirai day, the auspicious day for Lord Nataraja, as ‘Rajendra Cholan day’. It did not have any reference to the effect that the Margazhi Tiruvathirai day is the birth day of Rajendra chola, Balasubramanian said.
Rajendra Chola became emperor in 1014 after the demise of his father.
Official sources said the Government of Tamil Nadu was planning to celebrate the 1,000th year of Rajendra Chola shortly. There is a proposal to perform Kumbhabhisekam at the Brihadeeswara temple in Gangaikondal Cholapuram built by Rajendra Chola I.