Also known as Rajarajeswaram or Rajarajeswara Temple, the temple represents one of the greatest works of art achieved by the Cholas in Tamil architecture. The temple is dedicated to Siva and is part of the UNESCO world heritage site "Great Living Chola Temples".
This is the largest temple in India
and one of India's most prized architectural sites. The temple stands
amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The trapezoidal Vimana or (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high
and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kumbam (Kalasha or Chikharam) (apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple
is carved out of a single stone and it weighs around 80 tons. The big Nandi (bull), weighing about 20 tonnes is made of a single stone and is about 2 m in height, 6 m in length and 2.5 m in width.
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| View from the road - you can see the 3 entrance gopurams as well as the main Vimanam |
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| The 2nd entrance gopuram |
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| The 3rd entrance gopuram - with intricate carvings and dwarpalakas(gate keepers) on either side |
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| The wall abutting the 3rd entrance gopuram |
The entire temple structure made out of granite was built in 1010 AD
by Raja Raja chola I in Thanjavur, Also popularly known as the ‘Big Temple', turned 1000 years old in 2010.
I must say that I am totally fascinated with this grand temple and its
brilliant architecture. I consider this temple as one of the most
stunning and captivating monuments in the country - in terms of sheer size, magnitude or architectural brilliance. I would easily
compare this towering monument with such illustrious monuments as the Taj Mahal
Agra or the Victoria Memorial Kolkata or the Gateway of India Mumbai.
Surprisingly do to inadequate publicity, this temple is virtually unknown outside of Tamilnadu !
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| The Layout of the Temple |
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| Closeup view of a dwarpalaka |
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| Intricate carvings |
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| Bas Reliefs on the wall |
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| The Bull Mantapam and the main Vimana behind - Above & below |
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| Combined view of Bull Mandapam, Entrance Mantapam to temple and the magnificent trapezoidal Vimana | |
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| Side view of the Vimanam in brilliant sunshine |
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| Bull Mantapam with Flagstaff or dwaja sthambam in front |
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| The massive Nandi or Bull - celestial vehicle of Lord Siva |
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the temple is extremely impressive, then when you showed the wall, too... amazing.
ReplyDeleteI loved my visit to this temple. Grand architecture.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post. I haven't been to this temple but soon I will. Being popular is one thing and being great is another. Less people good for the monument :)
ReplyDeleteexcellent snaps...i had gone there as a kid...need to visit now just to photograph.
ReplyDeletebeautiful post... and nice photos
ReplyDeletethanks
Wish I could see some of these beautiful places, Rama:)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temple with wonderful architectures. You have captured it beautifully.
ReplyDeletehttp://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/
Hello Ram!
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering how the large stone on top was moved into place.
Very interesting buildings and carvings which appear to still be in good condition - maybe the climate suits the stone!
Ruby
Absolutely wonderful and marvelous photos from the Big Temple! Captivating indeed... Grand detail on the Bull! Even I enjoyed my present there on its 1000th year of building in 2010.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful temple. I marvel at the craftsmanship of those who carved such beauties from single stone.
ReplyDeleteAmazing shots too, Sir.
A beautiful pictorial discription that brought memories of my visit there.
ReplyDeleteIf you have time,please see this http://vasparth.blogspot.in/2010/11/4.html
Dear Sir,
ReplyDeleteAn excellent blog you are maintaining.I am from Cochin. Your blog is a good place to get great details before to visit the actual.
I want to go Tanjavur on next week. Could you please let me know is any lodges to accommodate for a day?
please reply to : psaradhimca@yahoo.com
Such a grand place and you caught it in the golden light too!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful stone work!
ReplyDeleteInteresting places and very good pictures.....good photographed.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Holland, Joop
Ah that temple tower looks really grand and very, very attractive. What a beauty!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures. I love your photographs. I had been there two years back and wrote about the temple. My photos look very dull!
ReplyDeleteHere it is: http://maradhimanni.blogspot.in/2011/04/brihadeeshwarar-temple-tanjai-peria.html
I visited this shrine twice...But still do not feel satisfied.. The magnificent structure always evokes an awe in me.. Nice captures..
ReplyDelete