This Temple is a typical replica of the Thanjavur Periya Kovil.  This Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram is also called as BrihadiswaraTemple.  This Temple is located in Ariyalur District close to Thanjavur City in Tamil Nadu and it is known for its structural and building wonder. The Presiding Deity is known as Brihadeeswara and He is in the form of a Shiva Lingam.  His Consort here is known as Periyanayaki. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was founded by King Rajendra Chola. He made this as the Chola Capital and it went on to serve as a Capital for the next 250 years. The Shivalingam here is one of the Biggest in South India.  This Temple is built by King Rajendra Chola has another feather on its cap since the Nandhi installed in this Temple is the biggest Nandhi in the entire South India. This Nandhi is placed and sculpted in such a way that it reflects the sunlight on it to the Sanctum Sanctorum. This Temple boasts of a huge 9 storey Vimanam of roughly 185 feet and is East facing and the Idols and Carvings found in this Temple are simply mind blowing.  There are various versions of inscriptions found in this Temple and from these we could infer that this Temple was built in the year 1035 AD.  The Temple's sculptural engineering is a real wonder and it is by far much superior when compared to the designs and structures of other Temples built during this period.  King Rajendra Chola took great care with utmost dedication and chose this place which was sloghtly elevated to build the Temple.  It is astonishing to see the etched figures decorate the dividers and roofing of this Temple.  The Dancing Nataraja and Goddess Sarawathi Idols when seen take us to the similar Temples built by the Chola kings elsewhere.  The Idols of Shiva, Parvathi, Ganesha and Arthanareeswara are so eye captivating.  It is said that there is a Tunnel here which leads us to the nearby Royal Palace which existed then.  It is a well known fact that almost all the Chola Kings were great Patrons of Art and Architecture and hence it is no wonder that King Rajendra Chola son of the Great Raja Raja Chola evinced so much interest in building this Temple much to the astonishment of all others.  This Temple is recognised as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and looked after and maintained by them in an immaculate way.  it is no wonder that this Temple is so much appreciated sky high in Kalingathubarani.  Maha Shivarathiri, Pradhosham, Aipasi Annabishekam and Thiru Karthigai are he festivals celebrated in a grand manner.

Temple Timings: 6 AM to 12 Noon and  4 PM to 8 PM

Contact Details: 97513-41108

Distance from Chennai to Gangaikoda Cholapuram is 296 Kms

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