The
demon's dying request to Vishnu
was to name the place after him. His request was granted. Some others also give a
derivation from Tanjam meaning refuge; the city being thus called the city of
refuge.
Tanjore became famous during the reign of Raja
Raja Chola I and his grandson. Raja Raja I ruled during the period 985 to 1013 A. D.
He built the magnificent temple of Brihadeswara or Raja Rajeswara. It is said that the
king was suffering from black leprosy. The remedy to get rid of this was to build a great
temple to Lord Siva after bringing the Sivalingam, from the river Narmada. The disease was
the result of
infliction of injuries to animals during his past birth as hunter, said his spiritual
preceptor.
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