The Brihadeeswarar Temple at Thanjavur is the world's first complete granite temple. Built in 1010 A.D under the patronage of King Raja Raja Chola I of Chola Dynasty it is a Dravidian architectural masterpiece. This temple is also popularly known as the ‘Big Temple'.
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.
50 comments:
Stonework must have been a well-developed art in India, there's so much of it and it's such good quality. Great shots.
This temple is one the architectural wonders of India. Unfortunately it has not received the due recognition it deserves even in Tamilnadu !
Beautiful carvings .I have never seen such a big statue of Nandi before ,i can see the back of it in your first picture.
Rajesh, what a wonderful place. I'd really like to be there for a visit!
Very impressive and magnificent architecture as usual!
ve been here once...truly amazing....
That 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.
xoxo
Looks like a great place!
Unbelievable! 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!
I have been there...and it is beautiful, as was my impression of everywhere I was in India.
Wonderful shots from a beautiful place!
Thanks for sharing.
It's spectacular!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Beautiful temples! It must have taken a long time and so much hard work to create such buildings.
Great shots!
I 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!
Sylvia
Very beautiful temple and interesting history.
As always I am awed by the history all around you!
another incredible temple. i'm planning on a trip to india, hopefully this year, else next year.
My sky is here
What a beautiful place.. the temple is stunning.
Many 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.
Temples and sculptures - always fascinating to see in your country. Very beautiful. :)
beautiful architecture Rajesh!
An impressive structure! Would love to see this in person.
There is a spot there from where you can get the entire area in one shot. A great place to visit and revisit.
beautiful!
such a beautiful temple. the carvings are exquisite.
Work of art well preserved in time! Exquisite stone work!
What an impressive temple!
Absolutely marvelous. Wonderful post, as ever.
Lovely post.
www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
Great captures!
The Temple at Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar is really beautiful, good photos. Greetings.
Beautiful temple.
Regards and best wishes
Hi Rajesh, a lovely temple. They are amazing. Thanks for sharing.
Wonderful 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.
Part 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.
This 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.
How magnificently that "Big Temple's" Rajagopuram stands!Brihadeeswara temple is undoubtedly one of the artistic wonders of the world.
Beautiful temple! Great shots.
Have a lovely weekend.
Hello :)
dire 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.
Rosie
Thank you for appreciating this 1000 year old temple.
Beautiful. The description is nice and very helpful!
I ve been there, but didnt know so much details thanx for sharing, Nice pics... [www.photoblog.ajeethboaz.com]
Great tribute to a grand old temple!
I had no idea about this temple except for knowing about Thanjavur paintings.. thanks.for sharing..
Those temples are absolutely priceless. Thanks for the wonderful pictures. :)
Good to see this detailed post about this temple. Nicely written and one can get the complete picture here.
Have been there .magnificent !
Thank you for appreciating this 1000 year old artistic temple.
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