New Delhi: The Great Living Chola Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tamil Nadu that denotes the architectural brilliance prevalent in ancient and medieval India. The temples are Thanjavur’s Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram’s Brihadisvara Temple (both are of the same name) and Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple and they stand as hallmarks of engineering excellence of those times along with the culture and heritage of the land.
Know about Great Living Chola Temples
Thanjavur’s Brihadisvara Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is among the largest in South India. The legendary Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola I constructed an outstanding example of Tamil architecture between 1003 and 1010 AD. It was originally built around a moat and had a main temple, a massive tower, inscriptions, sculptures and frescoes about Shaivism. However, there are examples of Shaktism and Vaishnvaism as well in the temple. Due to some damage rendered to the temple, certain artworks are missing and in the subsequent centuries, more monuments were added. In the 16th century, fortified walls were constructed around the temple.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram’s Brihadisvara Temple
This temple is located about 70 kilometres from the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur. Gangaikonda Cholapuram’s Brihadisvara Temple was constructed by Chola Emperor Rajendra Chola I in 1035 AD. Since its name is similar to the temple in Thanjavur, it is also known as the Gangaikondacholapuram Temple. It is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its exemplary architecture, its bronze sculptures, and the artwork on the walls.
Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple
Located at Darasuram in Kumbakonam city’s outskirts, the construction of this temple was completed in 1166 AD and is among a cluster of 18 large Hindu temples belonging to the medieval era in that region. Built by Chola emperor Rajaraja II in the 12th century, this temple, like the other two is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and has marks of Shaktism and Vaishnavism along with the Bhakti movement saints. The Rajagambhira Thirumandapam, a royal courtyard decorated with intricately carved pillars is an outstanding feature of this temple. It is said that originally, the size of the temple was much bigger and had seven courtyards. Today, only one of them exists and parts of the temple are in a ruinous condition.
The temples are Thanjavur’s Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram’s Brihadisvara Temple and Darasuram’s Airavatesvara Temple and they denote the architectural brilliance prevalent in ancient and medieval India. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
