Brihadeeswara
Address
Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007 Thanjavur Tamil Nadu, IndiaMap
Description
Brihadishvara Temple, called Rajarajesvaram by its builder, and known locally as Thanjai Periya Kovil and Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Shaivite Hindu temple built in a Chola architectural style located on the south bank of the Cauvery river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest Hindu temples and an exemplar of Tamil architecture. It is also called Dakshina Meru (Meru of the South). Built by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples"
Tales
According to legend, the Brihadeeswarar Temple was built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola in fulfillment of a dream he had. In the dream, Lord Shiva appeared to him and told him to build a grand temple in his honor. The king then embarked on a massive building project, which took seven years to complete. the Nandi (bull) statue located in front of the temple was once a demon named Basmasura. Basmasura had received a boon from Lord Shiva that he could turn anyone to ashes by placing his hand on their head. Basmasura tried to test the boon on Lord Shiva himself, but Shiva managed to evade him and hide in the form of a bull. Basmasura chased the bull, but eventually realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness. Lord Shiva then turned Basmasura into a statue of Nandi, which was later installed in front of the temple.
History
From the fifth through the ninth centuries, a spectrum of Hindu temple styles continued to emerge under the control of the Chalukyas, as indicated by the temples at Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal, and later under the rule of the Pallavas, as evidenced by the temples at Mamallapuram and other sites. Between 850 and 1280 CE, the Cholas rose to prominence as the ruling dynasty. Cholas placed a higher priority on maintaining their geopolitical borders during the early Chola period while placing less emphasis on building. In the tenth century, architectural characteristics such as multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals began to be developed within the Chola empire. The beginning of the new Chola style, according to George Michell, was signified by this event. The term “note” refers to the first letter of the word “note.” When it comes to grandeur and intricacy, the Brihadeeswara temple, erected between 1003 and 1010 by Chola monarch Rajaraja I, is the best example of this South Indian architecture.
Features
Deities:
Timings:
"Alll week :Morning 6.00 am to 12.30 pm Evening 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm"
Built:
1010 AD
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