The entire temple area is constructed using hard granite stones. The temple complex is surrounded by fortified walls. The complex is made up of many structures that are aligned axially. Inside the complex there is main temple, a Nandi, a pillared hall and an assembly hall and many sub-shrines.
The main temple tower is 216 ft in height and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. There is a big 13 ft statue of Nandi carved out of a single rock, at the entrance in front of the main shrine. The garbhagriha is square and sits on a plinth. In the center is placed the image of the Lord Shiva. 
The external surface of the temple has been richly carved and is a treat to the eyes. The entire surface is treated with high quality sculpture of myriad manifestations of Shiva. 
The temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage Site.Next we will see more details of the temple tower.
Stonework must have been a well-developed art in India, there's so much of it and it's such good quality. Great shots.
ReplyDeleteThis temple is one the architectural wonders of India. Unfortunately it has not received the due recognition it deserves even in Tamilnadu !
ReplyDeleteBeautiful carvings .I have never seen such a big statue of Nandi before ,i can see the back of it in your first picture.
ReplyDeleteRajesh, what a wonderful place. I'd really like to be there for a visit!
ReplyDeleteVery impressive and magnificent architecture as usual!
ReplyDeleteve been here once...truly amazing....
ReplyDeleteThat is an incredible architectural treasure. I am amazed that thousands of years ago man could built such beautiful structures without an ounce of technology. Stunning.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Looks like a great place!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable! This is majestic and huge! I can see why it is a world heritage site! I'd like a granite counter top in our house and this whole thing is made of granite! As I said, unbelievable!
ReplyDeleteI have been there...and it is beautiful, as was my impression of everywhere I was in India.
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots from a beautiful place!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing.
It's spectacular!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temples! It must have taken a long time and so much hard work to create such buildings.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots!
ReplyDeleteI wish you a Happy Friday!
The incredible temples in your country never fail to take my breath away and gorgeous skies as well! Fantastic captures, Rajesh, as always! And, as always, thank you for sharing the beauty!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
Very beautiful temple and interesting history.
ReplyDeleteAs always I am awed by the history all around you!
ReplyDeleteanother incredible temple. i'm planning on a trip to india, hopefully this year, else next year.
ReplyDeleteMy sky is here
What a beautiful place.. the temple is stunning.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for sharing your lovely images.
Another amazing example of carving -- incredibly beautiful. I can hardly imagine how much time it must have taken to finish this. I'm glad it is a World Heritage Site.
ReplyDeleteTemples and sculptures - always fascinating to see in your country. Very beautiful. :)
ReplyDeletebeautiful architecture Rajesh!
ReplyDeleteAn impressive structure! Would love to see this in person.
ReplyDeleteThere is a spot there from where you can get the entire area in one shot. A great place to visit and revisit.
ReplyDeletebeautiful!
ReplyDeletesuch a beautiful temple. the carvings are exquisite.
ReplyDeleteWork of art well preserved in time! Exquisite stone work!
ReplyDeleteWhat an impressive temple!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely marvelous. Wonderful post, as ever.
ReplyDeleteLovely post.
ReplyDeletewww.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Great captures!
ReplyDeleteThe Temple at Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar is really beautiful, good photos. Greetings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temple.
ReplyDeleteRegards and best wishes
Hi Rajesh, a lovely temple. They are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWonderful captures Rajesh... it gives an historical feel! It seems u have visited the temple at noon, it would be more brilliant checking the temple complex in evening or morning when sun were beside.
ReplyDeletePart of my country,Malaysia used to be under the same King a very long time ago and there are today remnants of Hindu temple from that era in the state of Kedah.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very impressive temple. I really like your photo, it shows just how magnificent the temple complex is. The detail in your last photo is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteHow magnificently that "Big Temple's" Rajagopuram stands!Brihadeeswara temple is undoubtedly one of the artistic wonders of the world.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful temple! Great shots.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend.
Hello :)
ReplyDeletedire che questi templi sono magnifici è dire poco !
Sono veramente fantastici.
Si rimane senza parole a guardarli.
La tua terra è veramente meravigliosa.
Buona serata.
Myriam :)
So much beauty in history.
ReplyDeleteRosie
Thank you for appreciating this 1000 year old temple.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. The description is nice and very helpful!
ReplyDeleteI ve been there, but didnt know so much details thanx for sharing, Nice pics... [www.photoblog.ajeethboaz.com]
ReplyDeleteGreat tribute to a grand old temple!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea about this temple except for knowing about Thanjavur paintings.. thanks.for sharing..
ReplyDeleteThose temples are absolutely priceless. Thanks for the wonderful pictures. :)
ReplyDeleteGood to see this detailed post about this temple. Nicely written and one can get the complete picture here.
ReplyDeleteHave been there .magnificent !
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating this 1000 year old artistic temple.
ReplyDelete