In a bid to popularise Kambar and his epic work, the Kamba Ramayanam, among the gen-next, the Archaeological Survey of India, Trichy Circle, is observing Kamba Ramayanam Festival at Kambarmedu between March 30 to April 06, 2025. During the week-long celebration, focus of the event is to interact with school/college children and active participation in multiple activities and cultural events in order to inculcate awareness on Kamba Ramayana tradition of Tamil Nadu.
Kambar, one of the greatest Tamil poet who lived when the Chola power was at its peak, wrote Ramayana during the 12th Century CE, which was presented to scholars at Srirangam. Kamba Ramayana is known as a classic, unparalleled epic in the history of Tamil literature. Many scholars have, time and again, appreciated the lyrical quality, the emotions it brings and the way Kambar tells the story through his verses.
Kambarmedu, located in Therazhundur near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of the esteemed Tamil poet Kambar, renowned for authoring the “Kamba Ramayanam.” This site holds significant historical and cultural value, though it currently faces neglect.
Interestingly, the panels from the Chola temples above closely resemble the verses of Kamba Ramayana, though it was created centuries later. ASI officials believe this is an attempt to present the panels from the Chola temples along the verses of Kamba Ramayana so that connoisseurs of both art and literature can cherish the cultural tradition of Ramayana in Tamil Nadu, which has been in vogue for ages. As part of this celebration, an exhibition with the theme of “Ramayana Sculptural Panels through the eyes of Kamban” is arranged at Archaeological Site.
Kambarmedu, located in Therazhundur near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of the esteemed Tamil poet Kambar, renowned for authoring the “Kamba Ramayanam.” This site holds significant historical and cultural value, though it currently faces neglect.
In 1984, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) excavated Kambarmedu, revealing evidence of early Megalithic occupation with late Neolithic remnants, followed by a Medieval period reoccupation. Findings included black and red ware pottery, terracotta objects, beads of semi-precious stones, shell bangles, iron implements, and Chola period coins. These discoveries suggest the site’s prolonged habitation and its historical importance.
Local traditions hold that Kambar and his family used new clay pots daily for cooking, discarding them after each use, leading to the accumulation of pottery fragments forming the mound known as Kambarmedu. However, historians like Kudavasal Balasubramanian note that there is no concrete historical or literary evidence to confirm Kambar’s residence at this specific site, despite Therazhundur being acknowledged as his birthplace.
Despite its designation as a protected monument, Kambarmedu suffers from neglect, overgrown with vegetation and lacking proper maintenance. The ASI has acknowledged the site’s condition and expressed intentions to address its preservation. Local communities and Tamil enthusiasts advocate for the site’s restoration to honor Kambar’s legacy and promote cultural tourism.