THANJAVUR: The 1,023rd sadhaya vizha, birthday celebrations of King Raja Raja Cholan will be celebrated at the Big temple here from Thursday (November 6) to Saturday (November 8) according to M. S. Shanmugham, Thanjavur Collector.
He told presspersons that Patti Mandram, Kaviarangam, Karutharangam, cultural programmes will be organised in connection with the festival on all the three days. Rendering of `Devarams'
As the king has retrieved `Devarams' from Chidambaram, rendering of `Devarams' (Thirumurais) by `Othuvars' will form part of the celebrations.
Special abishekam will be performed to Lord Brahadeeswara on Saturday. Statue to be garlanded
`Thirumurais' will be taken in procession and Raja Raja Cholan statue near the Big temple will be garlanded by the District Collector.
T. Selvam, Chairman of the celebration committee said that time for rendering of `Thirumurais' has been increased this year and the meaning of `Devarams' will also be told during the rendering.
Women poets will participate in the Kaviarangam this year. Programmes
Thamizhisai by Master Kashyab and party, "Oppana Kolkali" dance programme by Calicut Kalalaya from Kerala, folk songs by Chinnaponnu and party on Friday and dance drama by Kalai Kaviri College of Fine Arts, Tiruchi, are some of the highlights of the celebrations.
A big pandal is being erected in the southern prahara of the temple for the function. Illumination will be done to the temple on all three days.