Kulottunga, Kulothunga: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Kulottunga means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

General definition (in Hinduism)

[«previous next»] — Kulottunga in Hinduism glossary
Source: 4harmony: Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra Day

1) Kulottunga Chola I (r. 1070–1122 CE) alias Kulothunga was an 11th century monarch of the Chola Empire.He was one of the sovereigns who bore the title Kulottunga, literally meaning the exalter of his race. He did not belong to the main line of Cholas but was rather a prince of the Eastern Chalukya dynasty. His mother was a Chola princess and the daughter of emperor Rajendra Chola I. According to historian Nilakanta Sastri, Kulottunga avoided unnecessary wars and evinced a true regard for the well-being of his subjects. He had a long and prosperous reign characterized by unparalleled success that laid the foundation for the well being of the empire for the next 150 years

Kulottunga was a patron of arts and architecture. The poet-laureate Jayamkondar is said to have adorned his court. The construction of the Amritaghateswarar Shiva temple in Melakadambur is attributed to the reign of Kulottunga Chola I. He was also on friendly terms with the Gahadval Kings of central India who were very artistic builders of temples and had Lord Surya as their tutelary deity. Later, inspired by his visits to the Gahadvala Kingdom, Kulottunga I would build several temples dedicated to the Sun God, especially the Suryanar Temples at Pudukkottai and Nagapattinam.

2) Kulothunga Chola II (fl. 1135 CE) was a 12th-century king of the Chola Dynasty of the Tamil people of South India. He succeeded his father Vikrama Chola to the throne in 1135 CE. The Kulottunga Cholan Ula hails Kulottunga II as the son of a princess belonging to the lunar race from Tuvarai. Scholars identify his mother as a Hoysala princess based upon this detail. Kulottunga II’s reign was marked by literary activity as evidenced by the works of Sekkizhar and Ottakoothar. Sekkizhar composed the Periyapuranam, a religious treatise on Shaivism during his reign.

India history and geography

Source: Shodhganga: The significance of the mūla-beras (history)

1) Kulottunga II (AD 1135-1150) is the name of a king from the [Later] Chola Dynasty (AD 848).—Kulottunga II, the son of Vikramachola, did elaborate renovation in the temple at Chidambaram.

2) Kulottunga III (AD 1178-1218).—A great builder of Chola art and architecture was Kulottunga III. He built the Kampaharesvara Temple at Tribhuvanam and also at Kanchi, Madurai, Chidambaram, Tiruvidaimarudur and Darasuram. Due to the enthusiasm of the Chola kings, Saivism swept over the whole of South India and reached beyond the seas. Thousands of temples were built, giving full rein to the architects and image-makers. This passion was paralleled by a desire to improve the images.

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context information

The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.

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