The sun cast a golden glow over the Kaveri river, its waters gently flowing past the sacred groves of Thanjavur. A young prince, eyes sharp and spirit unyielding, stood at the edge of the temple tank, watching the horizon. It was Arulmozhi Varman — the son of Sundara Chozhan, and the future Raja Raja Chozhan. But destiny still waited for him to claim his place.
A Kingdom in Turmoil
The Chola Empire was vast, yet fragile. Sundara Chozhan’s health was fading, and the question of succession brewed tension within the court. Though Aditya Karikalan, Arulmozhi’s elder brother, was the crown prince, whispers in the corridors of Uraiyur spoke of ambition, betrayal, and hidden loyalties. The Pazhuvettaraiyars — powerful nobles and warriors — sought to control the throne by placing their allies in power.
Arulmozhi, still in his twenties, kept himself away from palace politics. He chose instead to serve the empire by leading military campaigns in distant Lanka and Kerala. His loyalty to his father and kingdom never faltered, even when his own claim to the throne was in question.
A Warrior’s Discipline
Training under seasoned generals, Arulmozhi Varman learned the art of warfare not in theory, but in the chaos of real battle. His swordsmanship was precise, and his strategies, even at a young age, earned him respect. But more than his skills in war, it was his humility that won hearts.
In the dense forests of the Chera land, amidst swarms of mosquitoes and enemy ambushes, the young prince led his men not from behind but from the front. The stories of his bravery spread across the Tamil lands — a prince who dined with his soldiers, healed the wounded, and respected the elders.
The Unexpected Blow
But destiny is never linear. In a shocking turn, Aditya Karikalan was found murdered — his death shrouded in mystery. The empire trembled. Fingers pointed at many — the Pandya conspirators, the internal feud with the Pazhuvettaraiyars, and even at Arulmozhi Varman himself. But the prince refused to be shaken. With a heavy heart, he returned from his southern campaign to Thanjavur.
Sundara Chozhan, already ailing, was broken by his son’s death. It was now inevitable — Arulmozhi Varman had to ascend. But he didn’t seize the throne through force or decree. Instead, he waited. He earned the support of the people, the nobles, and the temples. His leadership during crisis became a beacon of hope.
The Dawn of a New Era
And so, with a heavy crown and a determined heart, Arulmozhi Varman was declared Raja Raja Chozhan — the King of Kings.
But this was just the beginning. He was not content to merely rule; he would expand, build, and immortalize the Chola name across oceans and centuries.
As the bronze bells of the Brihadeeswarar Temple echoed in the distance, the world began to witness the rise of one of history’s greatest emperors.