Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur

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Brihadisvara temple illustration, Thanjavur ( UNESCO World heritage site)




In the Kaveri river valley, a powerful kingdom arose, known far and wide for its military prowess, feats of architecture, patronage to art, music and dance. 

They spread out into Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Lakshadweep and even far out Bali and Sumatra across the Indian ocean. Their most illustrious emperor - Raja Raja Chola the great.

The Cholas owed their glory to the gods and in honor of this, built several fantastic temples all over South India. The most magnificent of them all is in their former capital, Thanjavur - The Brihadeeswara temple, dedicated to Shiva. 

Its massive gopuram is the cynosure of all eyes, visible from miles ahead.It is built entirely from granite and is well restored, thanks to a very good job of conservation by the ASI. It is still a place of worship, perhaps that is the reason it managed to survive intact.  

The most popular icon in Indian classical dance - the image of Nataraja, the present form of Shiva worshipped before a Bharatanatyam recital, was a gift from the Cholas. Their Cast bronze sculpture, helped preserve the image as we know it today. Though the image of Shiva probably had a long history of evolution ever since the Indus Valley Civilization. 
Location: Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007, India

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