Saturday, April 11, 2009

Chola Temples


Chola Temples:
The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur was built by the potent ruler of the Chola dynasty, King Rajaraja chola in the 10th century AD. This temple is a mirror to the exquisite Dravidian architecture and the paintings, letters and the inscription on the temple walls speak of the rich cultural heritage and high literary progress under this dynamic ruler.
The Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram was built by another erstwhile leader King Rajendhra Chola, son of Rajaraja Chola between 1020 and 1029 AD. The king after conquering Madurai and Ellum extended his territory till here and carried water from the river Ganges to purify the local water body thus giving this place the name Gangaikondacholisvaram. He later went on establish his capital in this place and also built a temple resembling the structure of the Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur. This temple though a little smaller when compared to the temple at Thanjavur reflects the Chalukya architecture and also portrays the Pallava and Chola dynasties. The temple was damaged during the wars and was also used as garrison by the Pandya rulers and later on by the British.
Airavateswara temple at Darasuram was built by King Rajaraja chola II and is a true representation of the chola dynasty.

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