The temples in the Chola Kingdom were the centre of social activity, besides being a place of worship. How did the temples gain this position of eminence?

The temples of Chola kingdom were very rich. They had huge resources in the form of land and gold. The temples were also the biggest employers after the state, providing work and means of livelihood to a large number of people. The temples had the patronage of the Chola Kings. The temples were centers of education, with many of them having schools for teaching Sanskrit, Tamil, and other subjects. The temples also sponsored cultural activities such as music, dance, and drama, which helped to promote the arts and foster a sense of community. The temples provided a range of social welfare services such as hospitals, orphanages, and shelters for the poor and the homeless. They also served as centers for resolving disputes and conflicts in the community. Due to all these reasons the temples gained a position of eminence and became the centre of social activity in the Chola Kingdom.