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== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250 UNESCO's World Heritage Site]
* [http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250 UNESCO's World Heritage Site]
*[http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/2008-01/india-ancient-art/interactive-map.html National Geographic Interactive Map including Brihadeeswara Temple]
* [http://www.world-heritage-tour.org/asia/in/cholaTemple/brihadisvara/nandi.html Panoramic 360 degree views of the Temple]
* [http://www.world-heritage-tour.org/asia/in/cholaTemple/brihadisvara/nandi.html Panoramic 360 degree views of the Temple]
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5096103596865842301 TLC: Mysteries of India: Lost South Indian Temples (via Google Video)]
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5096103596865842301 TLC: Mysteries of India: Lost South Indian Temples (via Google Video)]

Revision as of 03:44, 24 December 2007

10°47′N 79°08′E / 10.783°N 79.133°E / 10.783; 79.133

Brihadisvara Temple
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
Location
LocationThanjavur
Architecture
TypeSouth Indian, Kovil
CreatorRaja Raja Chola

This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. It depicts the amazing and outstanding efforts of the Dravidians. The building that carries the main sanctum is known as the 'Periya Kovil'. This stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The 'Vimana' of the temple is about 70 meters and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The 'Shikharam' (crown) of Brihadeswara temple is itself very large and heavy (81.25 tons) and has been carved out of a single stone.


The Brihadeeswarar temple (Tamil: பெருவுடையார் கோவில்; Peruvudaiyar Koil[1][2]) is an ancient Hindu temple located at Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and dates to the Chola dynasty rule in the 11th century CE.

The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples".

History

The temple was built by Chola king Rajaraja Chola I. Construction was completed in 1009-10 CE.

Architecture

This temple is a prime example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture The central temple known as the Periya Kovil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls were later additions built during the 16th century. The name periya kovil came from its original name "periya aavudayar kovil" (aavudayar being a local name of Lord Shiva). The vimana (main tower) of the temple is approximately 65 m (215 ft) high and is the tallest in the world.[citation needed] It was so designed that the vimana never casts a shadow at noon during any period of the year and also the tower of this temple is build by single rock.[citation needed]

More details on this temple can be found at http://www.templepages.com

  • The Big Temple
    The Big Temple
  • A rear view of the main gopura of the Big Temple
    A rear view of the main gopura of the Big Temple
  • Entrance to Dakshinamoorthi temple
    Entrance to Dakshinamoorthi temple
  • View from the rear right
    View from the rear right
  • View from the front left
    View from the front left
  • Rajagopuram (main tower) of the temple
    Rajagopuram (main tower) of the temple
  • An ornamented pillar in the temple courtyard
    An ornamented pillar in the temple courtyard
  • The Nandi, with the [vimana] in the background
    The Nandi, with the [vimana] in the background
  • Frescoes on the enclosure roof
    Frescoes on the enclosure roof
  • Entrance to the Brihadeeswarar Temple
    Entrance to the Brihadeeswarar Temple
  • Detail of Gopuram
    Detail of Gopuram
  • The Shrine of Sri Subramanya
    The Shrine of Sri Subramanya
  • Detail of steps of the Shrine of Sri Subramanya
    Detail of steps of the Shrine of Sri Subramanya
  • One of many bronze deities found in the pillared cloister surrounding the courtyard
    One of many bronze deities found in the pillared cloister surrounding the courtyard
  • Several of the Lingam found in the pillared cloister
    Several of the Lingam found in the pillared cloister
  • Example of the many frescos found in the pillared cloister
    Example of the many frescos found in the pillared cloister
  • Nandi, looking peaceful.
    Nandi, looking peaceful.

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brihadeeswarar Temple.
  1. ^ "Bragatheeswarar Temple, The Big Temple". thanjavur.com. Retrieved 2007/09/29. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  2. ^ Brihadeeswarar is also spelled Brihadeshvara, Birhadeeshwara or Bragatheeswarar
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