Periya Avudaiyar Temple, Gangai Konda Chola Puram, Tamil Nadu
A Symbol of Victory & Grand Edifice of Rajendra Chola I in his Capital City
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Royal symbol of power and influence
Crafted under Rajendra Chola's patronage, this resplendent edifice doesn't merely echo history; it pulsates as a vivid embodiment of Chola excellence. Honored on UNESCO's roster of 'Great Living Chola Temples', it symbolizes profound historical and cultural value.
Brihadeesvara Temple: General View of the TempleFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Historical Insights
The capital's name, 'Gangai Konda Cholan', honors Rajendra Chola's illustrious title earned by defeating Bengal's King Mahipala and expanding around the Ganges. Rajendra established Gangai Konda Cholapuram, designating it his capital—a living legacy to his great leadership.
Brihadeesvara Temple: Overview of the Temple ComplexFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
The temple vividly portray Rajendra Chola's victories with sculptures from Andhra, Karnataka, and Bengal. Inside, a mesmerizing sight awaits: a sculpture of majestic horses pulling a chariot—a testament to Chola triumphs and the rich history enshrined here.
This temple, akin to Thanjavur's Brihadeeswarar Temple, has remnants such as the Rajagopuram and pavilion, providing a glimpse of its original grandeur. These ruins are like pieces of a puzzle, revealing the historical significance and former magnificence.
Brihadeesvara Temple: Overview of the VimanaFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Temple's Grandeur
Approaching from the east, the temple's grandeur emerges. Despite the Rajagopuram's ruins, guardian dwarapalas and a sturdy outer wall endure. Passing through, the dwajastamba, balipeeta, and a majestic Nandi set the stage for the awe-inspiring vimana beyond.
Ascending the grand stairs, encounter the ever-vigilant dwarapalas at the vimana entrance. Three welcoming doorways lead east, north, and south. Pass through Mukhamandapa, Ardha Mandapa, Anthrala—each significant. Reach the heart: garbagriha, home to a colossal Sivalinga.
Brihadeesvara Temple: InscriptionsFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Incredible Inscriptions
The temple's inscriptions echo ancient stories of generosity and history, honoring contributors' names. The oldest, a detailed 216-line narrative from Virarajendra's time, stands out. They unveil insights into taxes, land measures, offering a historical window to region's past.
One of the key inscriptions unveils Chola administrative intricacies, introducing the intriguing figure "Tirumandhira Olai Nayakar." Delving deeper reveals inscriptions from Kulothunga I and III's reigns, timeless capsules preserving ancient wisdom for curious minds.
Enigmatic Lion Well
The temple holds the enigmatic "Lion Well" or Simha Teertham. Its charm lies in a cleverly concealed entrance within a lion sculpture, accessed via steps. Beyond a mere well, it provides sacred water crucial for rituals, adding mystique to the temple's allure.
Graceful Alingana Moorthy
The temple's devakoshta holds divine sculptures like Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Nataraja, Alingana Moorty, Arthanatheeshwarar, Pichandavar, and more. Intricate bas reliefs surrounding the koshtam form visual narratives, depicting stories linked to the sculptures.
Brihadeesvara Temple: View of ShrinesFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
View of Shrines
Within this temple complex, apart from the main vimana, it houses shrines for Dakshinamurthy and Mahishasuramardini, each with unique significance. Explore further, and you may encounter an empty mandapa and ruins of two storied pavilion around.
Crowning Glory - Chandikesa Anugrahamurti
On the south of the Vimana, this outstanding sculpture of Chandikesa graced by Lord Siva's divine flower garland. The reliefs around intricately depicts his story of cows rearing, milking- the anointing of the Sivalinga with milk - and the beheading of his father with an axe.
Remnants of Paintings
As you explore the shrines surrounding the Vimana, keep an eye out for intriguing traces of fresco paintings and faint outlines of drawings. These artistic remnants are like whispers from the past, revealing that the temple evolved over time, with additions made in later period.
Brihadeesvara Temple: Overview of the Temple ComplexFriends of Heritage Sites, Tamil Nadu
Since 1946, the Temple has been entrusted to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This dedicated protection ensures the preservation and continued appreciation of this historical and architectural marvel for generations to come.
Magnificent Sculptures adorning the devakoshta
Akshatha A - Text & Images
Sharmila Devadoss - Editing & Images
Muthurajan S - Images
Chitra Gopinath - Images
Sivakumar S - Tech Support
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