440 Dasi Dancers During Chola Reign

During my recent visit to the Big Temple, I was told that the great King Raja Raja (985-1014) had handpicked 440 temple dancers after holding rigorous auditions. He had called for a wide search covering many villages for young beautiful and talented dancers who will be attached to the Big Temple and perform evening dance rituals for the Gods. Raja Raja Chola was incredibly generous with these dancers. He provided them with house and land and made it clear that their only job was to glorify the Lord in his Big Temple during the evening puja.