Monday, February 27, 2012

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

After the tour of Thanjavur city, we drove to the ancient city of Gangaikonda Cholapuram which is at a distance of 61 kms. The Chola Dynasty ruler Rajendra Chola-I founded this city sometime between 1012-1044 A.D to commemorate his victory over the Pala Dynasty.

Today it is a small village, and the glorious past of the city is remembered by the existence of the great Shiva Temple. This city was constructed for the administrative and strategic purposes. In those days, it was an extensive city, carefully planned and laid to suit the needs of a capital.

In the early 11th century, they built the huge Brihadeswara Temple which is architecture marvel.

48 comments:

Sridharan said...

Superb.. One of the places I loved a lot.. Marvelous architecture..

eileeninmd said...

Wow, a beautiful temple. Gorgeous design! Thanks for sharing!

Vee said...

Such an ancient history... Wonderful architecture...always fun to see where you've been and the pictures you've been taking!

Hari Narayana said...

Awesome Pictures Rajesh...

Mary said...

Oh how beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing at MM. :)

Kim, USA said...

That is beautiful!

MYM

Ramakrishnan said...

Legacy of Rajendra Chola son of Raja Raja Chola. He wanted to build a monument surpassing the beauty & grandeur of the Big Temple in Thanjavur. Some how this did not happen.
Yet to visit this place but is part of my future itinerary.

George said...

The details on the temple are amazing.

Jessica said...

beautiful place to visit :-) visiting from MYM, hope that you can return the visit too.

http://www.adventurousjessy.com/2012/02/chuck-e-cheese-air-walker-three3-feet-balloon.html

Teamgsquare said...

Awesome piece of Architecture .

Liz said...

Amazing architecture. Have a fabulous week.

Liz @ MLC

R Niranjan Das said...

Nice post.

http://rajniranjandas.blogspot.in/2012/02/do-not-disturb.html

Meeha Meeha said...

great captures! I just got here from mellow yellow :)

Travel France Online said...

It is architecture marvel, you are right!

Jeevan said...

Wonderful capture Rajesh! Wishing to check this place.

RIZALENIO said...

Looks majestic as always...and the craftsmanship is great.

Lowell said...

I think most all of the magnificent temples you show us are architectural marvels! And they have lasted forever...

joo said...

Another lovely place!

Maude Lynn said...

Amazing! Beautiful shots!

Ruby said...

Beautiful gopuras!

abhinavr said...

Nice place - Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Carver said...

I am always amazed by how many incredible places there are for you to show us in your country. The artwork that goes into this ancient temples is astonishing.

Reader Wil said...

You have so many beautiful buildings and in such good repair! All these buildings are architecural marvels!
Have a great week!

Sylvia K said...

Another magnificent place with so much beauty and history! Marvelous captures and post for the day, Rajesh! Have a wonderful week!

Sylvia

Unknown said...

Another grand tour!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Sallie (FullTime-Life.com said...

So interesting that it was an entire city -- it certainly IS an architectural marvel.

Indrani said...

Great place to be.

joshi daniel said...

nice structure!

Rakesh Vanamali said...

Marvelous pictures. Thank you so much for sharing!

Ebie said...

You should write a book about your travels. Your blog had taught me a lot of your history and architecture and especially your culture.

Andrea said...

The old temples are really amazing in terms of intricate details and its awesome strength to surpass long civilizations. Looking at them reminds me of Angkor Wat temples in Cambodia, Borobudur and Prambanan in Indonesia and those in Thailand too. I wish they can still withstand the pressures of time.

Leovi said...

Glad to see these wonderful works of art, are represented so awesome.

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

are there lions in India?

LifeRamblings said...

such beautiful structure with a great sense of history.

anthonynorth said...

Magnificent buildings.

photowannabe said...

I always marvel at the size and intricate design of the temples and buildings. Thank you for sharing.

Chubskulit Rose said...

Gorgeous structure.


Rose, ABC Wednesday Team.

Roger Owen Green said...

gorgeous
ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Annie said...

What an incredible temple. The decoration is just amazing. thanks for sharing!

MaR said...

Impressive!! as always, happy ABC

G is for...

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

Incredible, beautiful and sacred architecture!
So much culture and history all wrapped up in it.

On behalf of the ABC Weds team, thank you for your participation this week!

Paula
ABC Weds. Team

Al said...

That is a great temple, wonderful shots.

Rajesh said...

I am glad you all liked this place. We will see more of it very soon.

YOSEE said...

This place ( also called Jeyamkondan)is a stunner and everytime I visit, I discover something new there to marvel at .

Jessica said...

beautiful building :-) Returning the visit from MYM.

http://www.adventurousjessy.com/2012/02/chuck-e-cheese-air-walker-three3-feet-balloon.html

Sushma Harish said...

great one on the theme- India history is truly treasure

Deli said...

I've never been to India. Very interesting shots.

http://www.stepsonair.info/the-hill-of-our-past/

Mel_Cole said...

wow, that last photo is very stunning. it looks like in the movies. Hope you could visit My ABC Wednesday entry. Thanks!