Brihadishvara temple, also called Rajarajeswaram or Peruvudaiyār Kōvil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the south bank of Kaveri river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
It is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary
example of a fully realized Tamil architecture. It is called
as Dakshina Meru (Meru of south).
Built by Tamil king Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and
1010 AD, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the
"Great Living
Chola Temples", along with the Chola dynasty era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple that are about 70
kilometres (43 mi) and 40 kilometres (25 mi) to its northeast
respectively.
The original monuments of this 11th-century temple were
built around a moat. It included gopura, the main temple, its massive tower,
inscriptions, frescoes, and sculptures predominantly related to Shaivism, but
also of Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions
of Hinduism.
Built out of granite, the vimana tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India. The temple has a massive colonnaded prakara (corridor) and one of the largest Shiva Lingas in India.
It is also famed for the quality of its sculpture, as well as being the location that commissioned the brass Nataraja – Shiva as the lord of dance, in 11th century.
The complex includes-
shrinesfor Nandi, Parvati, Kartikeya, Ganesha,Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandeshvara, Varahi and others.
The temple is one of the most
visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.( wiki)
Though I have not visited the temple, even the mere
description instils awe and devotion.
The temple completed over 1000
years and the event was celebrated well with many activities.
Be happy. Be safe.
ॐ तत् सत्
9 45 AM
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