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:

  1. wonders!

    thank you-


    Aloha from Honolulu
    Comfort Spiral

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  2. 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 !

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

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

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  5. What a great place, wonderful ceiling and carvings!

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  6. It's such a beautiful place!

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  7. The ceiling art was mesmerizing to exist still! Wonderful details

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

    Sylvia

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  9. 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!

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

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  11. Beautiful temple.

    Regards and best wishes

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

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  13. Awesome! The craftsmanship is brilliant as always.

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

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

    Desert Sky

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  16. Anonymous09:48

    beautifully photographed...

    thanks for sharing info and photos...

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

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  18. Great shots! Love the ceiling.

    My Sky.

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  19. That blue starstudded ceiling was wonderful.
    Have a wonderful friday

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

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  21. Anonymous12:51

    That ceiling is gorgeous!

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

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

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  24. Anonymous21:41

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

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

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  26. 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.

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  27. That is beautiful!

    SWF

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

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  29. Amazing painting and carvings.

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  30. impressive artwork. Great shots.

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

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  32. AWESOME as always!

    Thanks so much Rajesh!!

    John

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  33. Absolutely impresive art of India.

    Love the structure.

    Happy SSS,

    Blessings,
    /CC

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

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  35. Anonymous13:24

    Beautiful pictures! Have a nice sunday!

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  36. Anonymous01:25

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

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  37. Beautiful pics! Have a fabulous week.

    Liz @ MLC

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  38. Thank you all for appreciating this sculptural marvel.

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

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  40. Thanks for appreciating this sculpture.

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