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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Prehistoric Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

One of the oldest structure standing in maha- balipuram (now Mamallapuram, I still like the old name). There are supposed to be seven temples and all of them submerged. The rest six are still under water. During Indira Gandhi’s visit, she promised to offer national monument status, she did. Now this is the only temple standing on the beach. All the precautions are taken, that the ocean king does not invade this. Still the salty sea doing its work, its ruining the beauty of the wall without even touching it. Once in year chemical treatment is done to remove all the salt from the walls.

The temple was badly hit by Tsunami, and also by British Queen (locals tell she has taken the golden ‘Shiva Linga’ hundred years back ). you can also see remaining of a port 1300 year old. These kinds of docks south east coast only used to make trade with Srilanka and south East Asian countries.

Place: once submerged now protected temple. Gods are Shiva (linga) and ananthashayana. And don’t miss the scripture in ‘pali’ ‘language carved in pedestals. ‘Pali’ was the official language of ‘Pallavas’.

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Konark Sun Temple

Brihadeeshwara Temple was located in Thanjavur at Tamil Nadu
The magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple is a symbol of the greatness of the Chola Empire under the emperor king Rajaraja Chola. One of the tallest temples in the world, it was so designed that the Vimana never casts a shadow at noon at any time of the year.
Sama, Varma, the chief architect began to design a structure, which stood on a square base of 29mts and rose up to a height of about 65mts. The temple stands within a fort. The towering Vimanam is about 200 feet high. The octagonal shikharam rests on a single block of granite weighing 81tons. The size of the Nandi matches that of the huge Linga. The Kalasam on the top is about 3.8mts in height.

The temple stands within a huge compound walls rising above 15mts. Sama Varma crowned its glory with12.5feet tall finial of 9.25Kg of copper plated with 800gms for gold.
Another architectural wonder is seen in the tower with the huge dome. It is made of black granite and estimated to weigh 80tons. Besides, the gopuram on which this dome rests is 216 feet high.
The lofty sanctum tower is enclosed by a rectangular corridor consisting of two squares. The main tower occupies the central part of the rear square. The central tower has 16 tiers up to its 200 feet height. On the inner wall of the sanctum sanctorum are sculpted 108 dance poses or karmas performed by Lord Shiva.

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