Brihadeeswarar Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple Latest News

Marking World Heritage Week, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) organised a heritage walk and clean-up drive at the Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) in Thanjavur recently.

About Brihadeeswarar Temple

• It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
• It is also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram. 
• It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period.
• It was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.
• It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.

‹ ›

Brihadeeswarar Temple Architecture

• The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. 
• ‘The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. 
• The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.
• The temple complex spans over 40 acres and is decorated with masses of sculptures and inscriptions that spotlight the era’s devotion and craftsmanship.
• There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance. 
• The entire temple structure is made out of granite.

Source: TH