Some Chola Inscriptions relating to the singing of Tiruppadiyam and provision of Music in Temples
- An Inscription of Rajaraja Chola-I (985–1014 CE) from Big Temple refers to the daily allowance of Paddy to 48 persons appointed for reciting Tiruppadiyams before the god in the temple & 2 persons who were to accompany them on Drums, one on Udukkai & one on Kotti Maththalam.
2. This statement is of considerable “Importance of the History of Tamil Literature” as unmistakable proof of the existence of the Saiva Hymns which go by the name of Padiyam and which are collected on Devaram in the time of Rajaraja Chola-I.
3. An Inscription of Rajaraja Chola-I (985–1014 CE) from Erumbeeswarar temple at Thiruverumbur mentions the grant of land by the local assembly for the maintenance of Four persons singing the Tiruppadiyam before the god thrice a day with Udukkai and Talam as accompaniments.
4. One more Inscription of Rajaraja Chola-I from Manavaleswarar Temple at Tiruvelvikkudi (Tiruvilakkudi) in #Mayavaram northeast of Thanjavur mentions an endowment of land for the maintenance of three musicians sounding Talam and Gong during Sribali Service to the temple.
5. An Inscription of 37th year of Parantaka Chola-I (907–955 CE) from Sabdarishiswarar Temple at Lalgudi (Tiruttavatturai) in Trichy mentions an endowment of land for the maintenance of two persons singing the Tiruppadiyam! This record is one of his successor Gandaraditya Chola.
6. An Inscription of 10th year of RajarajaChola-I (985–1014 CE) from Tindivanam refers to the reclamation of 2,910 Kuli of land for a Musician who was to play on the Veena and a Vocalist who was to accompany him in the Tindiswara Temple.
7. A Konerirajapuram (Known as Tirunallam) Inscription of the 26th Year of Rajaraja Chola-I records grand of land for Two persons singing Tiruppadiyam in Uma Maheswarar temple! It is interesting to note that the date of the inscription is fixed as “Wednesday 12th July 1010 AD!”.
8. An Inscription of 13th year of Uttama Chola (970–985 CE) from Velvidainathar Temple at Thirukarugavur in Thanjavur refers to the grant of land for maintenance for 9 persons for beating Drums during Three services of the Ardhayama, Sandhi, Tirupalli Ezhuchchi in the temple.
