Persecution of Ramanuja by Chola Ruler Kulothunga I

Under the Chola dynasty, there were several rulers who played significant roles in the history of Tamil Nadu. One of them was Kulothunga I, also known as Kulothunga Chola I or Kulottunga Chola I. He ruled the kingdom from 1070 to 1122 CE. Kulothunga I is known for his religious policies, which included the persecution of Ramanuja, a prominent Hindu philosopher and theologian.

Background of Ramanuja

Ramanuja was born in 1017 CE in the town of Sriperumbudur, which was part of the Chola kingdom. He is considered one of the most influential exponents of Sri Vaishnavism, a sect of Hinduism that venerates Lord Vishnu as the supreme deity. Ramanuja's teachings emphasized devotion (bhakti) and inclusivity, promoting the idea that anyone, regardless of caste or social status, could attain salvation through devotion to Vishnu.

Reasons for Persecution

Kulothunga I, during his reign, followed a strict interpretation of Shaivism, which venerated Lord Shiva as the ultimate deity. He saw Ramanuja's teachings and the growing popularity of Sri Vaishnavism as a threat to his authority and the dominance of Shaivism. Additionally, Ramanuja's ideas of inclusivity and social equality challenged the existing hierarchical social order, which was based on caste.

Persecution and Ousting of Ramanuja

Kulothunga I took several measures to suppress Ramanuja and his followers. He banned the public recitation of the Vedas, which were central to Ramanuja's teachings. He also ordered the destruction of Ramanuja's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, known as the Sri Bhashya. Moreover, Kulothunga I persecuted Ramanuja's disciples, leading to the dispersal of the Sri Vaishnava community.

Escape and Return

Faced with persecution, Ramanuja had to flee from his homeland and seek refuge in neighboring kingdoms. He spent several years in exile, during which he continued to spread his teachings and gather followers. Eventually, when the political situation in the Chola kingdom changed, Ramanuja was able to return to his homeland and reestablish the Sri Vaishnava community.

Legacy of Ramanuja

Despite the persecution he faced, Ramanuja's teachings and philosophy continued to spread and have a lasting impact. He is considered one of the most important figures in the Bhakti movement of South India. His ideas of inclusivity and devotion to Vishnu influenced the religious and social fabric of the region, and his followers continue to uphold his teachings to this day.

In conclusion, Kulothunga I, the Chola ruler, persecuted Ramanuja due to his religious beliefs and the threat he posed to the authority of Shaivism. Ramanuja's exile and subsequent return highlight the resilience and lasting impact of his teachings.

Kulothunga I Chola ruler had persecuted Ramanuja and ousted him from his kingdom. Ramanuja was the contemporary of Kulothunga II. It is Kulothunga II who banished Ramanuja from Tamil country and the latter had to seek refuge in Melkote, Karnataka. Hence  even bringing Ramunaja into Athirajendra’s death would cause more confusion. Till Kulothunga II, all the Chola kings and emperors supported all the religions equally although they were staunch Saivaites.