Thursday, March 22, 2012

Nandi at Brhadeeswarar Temple, Tanjavur

In the 1000 year old Brhadeeswarar Temple complex of Tanjavur there are several sculptures of Nandi. Some of them are on the tower of the temple.

The Main Nandhi is made up of huge monolithic stone is housed in a Mandapam with numerous pillars. It is 13 feet in height. The Nandhi and the mandapam were erected during the Nayaks period 1000 years back. The Nadhi is erected here before the flag-mast and such a Nandhi is called Porkala Nandhi or Wartime Nandhi.

The ceiling of the Nandi mandapam is beautifully painted. Centuries old paintings have passed the test of time so far.

At the top of the temple tower near its neck there are 8 Nandhis facing the 8 directs. These Nandi are visible prominently even while standing on the ground near the temple. They are huge and carved from single stone. There is also a Nandhi of the similar scale on the Southern side of the temple.

43 comments:

Cloudia said...

wonders!

thank you-


Aloha from Honolulu
Comfort Spiral

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Teamgsquare said...

Wonderful......

Ramakrishnan said...

This is one the biggest Nandis in existence. I was at this temple once during Sivaratri & pradosham and had the privilege of witnessing the Abhishekam of the massive Nandi - that was an awesome spectacle !

Kavita Saharia said...

Love the paint and the art work on the ceiling of the mandap.

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Yes this is beautiful...I had visited this temple...nice photos

Pietro Brosio said...

What a great place, wonderful ceiling and carvings!

joo said...

It's such a beautiful place!

Jeevan said...

The ceiling art was mesmerizing to exist still! Wonderful details

Sylvia K said...

Awesome temple, beautiful skies and terrific captures for the day, Rajesh!! Thanks for sharing the beauty! Have a great weekend!

Sylvia

Lowell said...

It's interesting that while people living 1,000 years ago did not know much science, medicine, philosophy, etc., they were very creative and could erect and sculpt such magnificent buildings and statues!

Unknown said...

The time span is hard to believe, especially with the paintings looking so fresh. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Tatjana Parkacheva said...

Beautiful temple.

Regards and best wishes

Carver said...

Beautiful place and I like your photographs. The ceiling is great.

RIZALENIO said...

Awesome! The craftsmanship is brilliant as always.

Al said...

What a beautiful building and paintings, it's amazing they last this long.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

I like how the temple top is surrounded by bright blue sky!

Desert Sky

Anonymous said...

beautifully photographed...

thanks for sharing info and photos...

Ebie said...

Love the ceiling mural. It looks like an eye is watching us!

Liz said...

Great shots! Love the ceiling.

My Sky.

Annemor said...

That blue starstudded ceiling was wonderful.
Have a wonderful friday

Indrani said...

Great captures.

Leovi said...

I like this old temple. Lovely place, nice photos.

Anonymous said...

That ceiling is gorgeous!

eileeninmd said...

Lovely shots of the temples, Rajesh! The carvings and details are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

Sridharan said...

Super.. It is saddening to note the frescos loosing sheen..

Anonymous said...

wow!a thousand years old and still in good condition.

Pat said...

I have been here. It is truly beautiful, as is Nandi. I am sorry I did not buy a small Nandi...

George said...

The artwork in the ceiling is beautiful. I'm very glad it has survived all these years. The carvings of the Nandi are very impressive.

Kim, USA said...

That is beautiful!

SWF

Barb said...

I often wonder how long it took to create these carved masterpieces. The artisans were very talented!

Linda said...

Amazing painting and carvings.

eden said...

impressive artwork. Great shots.

Kelly said...

I enjoy the things I learn from visiting your blog. Interesting photos!

Full-On-Forward said...

AWESOME as always!

Thanks so much Rajesh!!

John

Chubby Chieque said...

Absolutely impresive art of India.

Love the structure.

Happy SSS,

Blessings,
/CC

Lighthousegal said...

The Temple is Amazing. So beautiful and full of so many detailed works of art. Beautiful!!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures! Have a nice sunday!

Anonymous said...

What beautiful captures of mood and textures, tones and light.

Liz said...

Beautiful pics! Have a fabulous week.

Liz @ MLC

Fashion Momma said...

Beautiful pics!

Egg Dress

Rajesh said...

Thank you all for appreciating this sculptural marvel.

Panchali said...

That's probably the biggest Nandi I have ever seen...absolutely beautiful carvings! Splendid!

Rajesh said...

Thanks for appreciating this sculpture.