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- Prominent temples built during Cholas (Brihadeshwar, Gagaikonda Cholapuram, Darasuram etc) were dedicated to lord Shiva.
- Cholas often represented Shiva as Tripurantaka (destroyer of three mythical cities of asura) in sculpture and painting. This form gave Shiva a warrior like status and helped in gaining legitimacy to the rulers.
- Shiva as Nataraja or Adal Vallan (king of dance) in the form of idol celebrated Tamil music, dance and drama with hymns composed by Nayanar saints. This form was very popular among masses.
- Oduvars, patikam paduvars and musicians were appointed in temples to recite Tirumurai daily in the temple premises. Trained Girls were also appointed for the service of the God.
- A highly evolved philosophical system called Shaiva Siddhanta was founded during this period.
Temple as Social Institution
- Cultural role: Sculpture and metal works were promoted and displayed in temples. Festivals of Chitrirai Tiruvizha, Kartigai and Aippasivizha were celebrated at temples. Traditional dance forms like kudak-kuthu and sakkaik-kuthu were portrayed in the form of sculptures and paintings in the temples. Traditional Tamil music was played and portrayed as sculptures in Temples. A play called Rajarajanatakam, based on the life of Rajaraja I was performed at Thanjavur temple.
- Economic role: Temples functioned as banks by advancing loans, purchasing and receiving endowments and donations. Temple accounts were audited and the auditor was called koyilnakku. Pastoral communities as mark of the devotion donated livestock of temples to maintain perpetual lamp.
- Political role: Gifts to temples were noted in the inscriptions of temples, this earned royal affinity for gift givers. There was large temple bureaucracy related with temples. Land grants free of taxes were given to temples. Chola kings-built temples to make statements of their grandeur.
- Educational role: Singing hymns in temples promoted oral literacy among masses. They became educational centres as training was imparted in Vedas, music and the arts (dances).
