Mathura (10th Century AD) was a beautiful dancer, chaste and a pious woman of Thanjavur, who was also a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, and she lived during the period of the great king Sri Rajarajachola. Her parents were Maran and Veniyammal, and she lived as a spinster throughout her lifetime. She sacrificed most of her life in dance field, and introduced new, new dance movements, and due to that, she has attained good name and fame.
As per the instructions given by the great Shaivite Saint, Sri Nambiyandar Nambi, she has also helped in raising the funds through her wonderful dance performances for the construction of the Thanjavur Big Temple (Sri Brihadeeswara Temple) Chariot. The chariot was constructed by more than 30 artisans and sculptors, by using sacred trees. It consisted of three tiers, atop with throne. On the throne, known as simhasana the processional deity was kept.
Beautiful sculptures for the chariot were neatly designed and still it is praised for its spiritual significance, and it was become possible only due to the painstaking efforts of the sculptors and artisans, who were planned their work systematically and dedicatedly and completed it within the prescribed time period.
Mathura initially lived in Tiruvidaimaruthur nearby the popular Mahalingeswara Swamy Temple, and afterwards she moved to Thanjavur and performed there as a “CHIEF DANCER”, and also owned some lands out of her hard work and dedication on the dance field.
Ma Mathura guided many young girls in the dance field and made them to shine well in their dance career. She used to offer free food to her students during the time of dance classes, and, she used to move with them in a soft manner, and she never behaved with them in a rude manner. It is believed that after her death, she has attained salvation.
I have got to know about these details, from a temple priest of the Thanjavur Big Temple. According to Hindu scriptures, ancient women like Ma Mathura are considered as very pure and chaste, and they are capable to lift even the big mountains on their bare hands through their chastity, generosity and purity! Women are considered as the holy creations of the almighty, and they are all considered as the holy incarnations of Mata Shakti Devi. Women shines well in their career path, and they are getting good opportunities only through their efficiency.
“JAI MA MATHURA”
WRITTEN BY
R.HARISHANKAR