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|location = [[Thanjavur]]
|location = [[Thanjavur]]
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This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. It depicts the amazing and outstanding efforts of the ancient Indians.
⚫
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 language|Tamil]]: {{lang|ta|பெருவுடையார் கோவில்}}; '''Peruvudaiyar Koil'''<ref>{{cite web| title= Bragatheeswarar Temple, The Big Temple|url=http://www.thanjavur.com/bragathe.htm|publisher=thanjavur.com| accessdate=2007/09/29}}</ref><ref>Brihadeeswarar is also spelled ''Brihadeshvara'', ''Birhadeeshwara'' or ''Bragatheeswarar''</ref>) is an ancient [[Hinduism|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]] [[Common Era|CE]].
The '''Brihadeeswarar temple''' ([[Tamil language|Tamil]]: {{lang|ta|பெருவுடையார் கோவில்}}; '''Peruvudaiyar Koil'''<ref>{{cite web| title= Bragatheeswarar Temple, The Big Temple|url=http://www.thanjavur.com/bragathe.htm|publisher=thanjavur.com| accessdate=2007/09/29}}</ref><ref>Brihadeeswarar is also spelled ''Brihadeshvara'', ''Birhadeeshwara'' or ''Bragatheeswarar''</ref>) is an ancient [[Hinduism|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]] [[Common Era|CE]].


The temple is part of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] "[[Great Living Chola Temples]]".
The temple is part of the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] "[[Great Living Chola Temples]]". This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. It depicts the amazing and outstanding efforts of the ancient Indians.
⚫
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.


==History==
==History==

Revision as of 06:49, 28 January 2008

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

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". This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. It depicts the amazing and outstanding efforts of the ancient Indians. 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.

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 thanjai periya kovil came from its original name "thanjai 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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