Ālvār Sri Parāntakan Sri Kundavai Nachiyar, better known as Kundavai, was a princess of the Chola empire who lived in the tenth century in South India.
She was the daughter of parantaka Cholar II, also called the Sundara Cholar. He was called so because he was known as the epitome of Male Beauty in his times. She was the sister of Aditya Karikala Cholar II and Arulmozhi Varman, Aditya Karikala Cholar II was titled Virapandiyan Thalai Konda Koparakesari Varman Karikalan. Aditya Karikala Cholar killed and took the head of Veera pandiyan in the battle of chevur. Arulmozhi Varman is the one of the greatest kings of Bharat That this world has ever seen. He was Known as Rajaraja Cholar I, which means ‘King of the Kings’.
They say, ‘Behind every man’s success, there is a woman!’ And it was Kundavai pirattiyar who was behind the courage, valour, kindness, intelligence and almost everything the Rajaraja Cholar I possessed. It was Kundavai pirattiyar who groomed Rajaraja Cholar I and made him a mighty king. She only groomed Rajaraja Cholar I but also Rajendra Cholar I, son of Rajaraja Cholar I. She was married to Vallavaraiyar Vandyadevar, who was a great friend and a trustful chieftain of Rajaraja Cholar I. Territory under Vallavaraiyar Vandyadevar authority was known as Vallavaraiyanadu. He ruled Brahmadesam.
The one thing that Parantaka Cholar II had pride in was Kundavai Pirattiyar. When the people who belonged to the Royal family, donated their wealth to the construction, and modification of Temples, Kundavai Devi donated to establish medical centres all over the Chola empire.
Kundavai Pirattiyar used to live in Pazhaiyarai which is located near Kumbhakonam, TamilNadu. Tanjavur was the capital of Chola Empire. But the people of Pazhayarai lived happily and prosperous just like the people who lived in Tanjavur.
Indian History is filled with the names of Kings and warriors. But the names of Queens, Princess are very few in number. But This princess (Queen in the hearts of the people of Chola empire) has laid a strong place for herself with her selfless nature both in the history and hearts of the people.
By – Dharshana Ramesh
