Why is Raja Raja Cholan called as Ponniyin Selvan?

 Raja Raja Cholan’s political life had lot of ups and downs as he was born in Hastha Nakshatram.

First he was not the first heir of Chozha King. It was still a mystery how his elder brother died.

Second, at the time of his coronation, he was forced for a compromise to elevate Sundara Chozhan in place of him and he was the Emperor in Waiting.

Third, these up and down times made him stronger to emerge as the Great Emperor of his time. He is an example of “Destiny prepared him for a higher cause”

Ponni is another name of River Kaveri. As he was a “Master” emerged from the banks of Ponni river, he is called Ponniyin Selvan.