Researchers have identified an ancient idol of the deity Pidari Ekaveeri in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, linked to the Chola period.
The discovery is significant because it provides a rare physical connection to historical inscriptions. While texts from the Chola era frequently mention Pidari deities, the actual images associated with those records are seldom identified.
R. Kalaikovan of the Dr. Rajamanickanar Centre for Historical Research said the idol is probably the oldest identifiable Pidari image in Tamil Nadu [1]. The artifact is tied to historical grants, specifically one associated with the mother-in-law of the emperor Raja Raja.
Kalaikovan said that although several inscriptions from the Chola period refer to Pidari deities, the corresponding images have rarely been identified [1]. This find allows historians to bridge the gap between epigraphic evidence and tangible artistry.
The idol represents a deity described as both fierce and possessing a captivating smile. Its presence in Kumbakonam highlights the region's role as a center for Chola artistry and religious patronage. The identification process relied on matching the physical attributes of the idol with the specific descriptions found in ancient grants and inscriptions [1].
By linking the idol to the grant from Raja Raja's mother-in-law, researchers can better understand the social and religious hierarchies of the time. The grant suggests that the installation and maintenance of such deities were supported by the royal family's extended network, ensuring the goddess's veneration across the empire.
“the idols is the probably oldest identifiable Pidari image in Tamil Nadu.”
The identification of this idol transforms a textual reference into a physical reality, allowing historians to validate Chola-era inscriptions. It provides a concrete example of how royal grants influenced the spread of specific deity worship in Tamil Nadu, offering deeper insight into the religious administration of the Chola Empire.
