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History Of The Great Living Chola Temples
The temptation of history is strong. It instructs us on the culture, people, and customs of a bygone era. For centuries, the Chola Empire dominated the southern sections of the country. They left us a large chunk of history in the form of some of the most majestic temples ever built. Between the 11th and 12th centuries, the Chola Temples were built. The three temples built by the Chola dynasty are listed as "Great Living Chola Temples" on the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are - The Brihadesvara Temple (Thanjavur), Brihadisvara Temple (Gangaikondacholisvaram) and Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram).
1. The Brihadesvara Temple (Thanjavur)
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Brihadisvara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was established between 1003 and 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I. It is located 350 kilometers southwest of Chennai and is one of the largest temples in South India. The location is well-served by bus and train services. The nearest airport, Tiruchirappalli International Airport, is 55 kilometers distant if you wish to fly for a quick weekend vacation.
This Chola Temple, which is almost 1000 years old, is the magnificent masterpiece of architect Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perumthachan. The big temple's building is based on symmetrical geometry principles. The massive temple structure is divided into five components. Sri vimana is the name of the high tower where the sanctuary is located, and the Nandi hall or Nandi-mandapam is positioned in front of the complex. The Mahamandapam, a large gathering hall, and the Mukhamandapam, a community service hall, are located between these two structures. There is also a pavilion that serves as a link between the sanctum and the Ardhamandapam, or gathering hall. The exquisite carvings and paintings on the walls of these structures tell loudly about the talented artists of the time.
Interesting Fact: While visiting Sri Lanka, Raja Raja Chola had a dream that led to the construction of the Great Living Chola Temple.
2. Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Brihadisvara Temple)
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Another of the Great Living Chola Temples, Gangaikonda Cholapuram (Brihadisvara Temple), is located in the peaceful district of Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu. The temple is located 280 kilometers from Chennai and is easily accessible by bus and train.
Rajendra Chola I built the majestic temple in the year 1035 AD. He was given the epithet Gangaikonda Chola, the conqueror of the Ganges, after conquering the Ganges in the northern section of the nation. He established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as his kingdom's capital and declared it to be so. It was the capital of the country for 250 years. Although Shiva is the principal deity in the temple, other deities such as Durga, Surya, and Vishnu, to name a few, are also prayed to.
The Brihadisvara Temple's architecture style is a square design plan, which depicts the infamous Dravidian architectural style. All of the monuments on the grounds of this magnificent Chola temple are square in design. Two square structures that are built adjacent to each other cover the main courtyard. Squarish structures include the major sanctum, Garbha Griha, the mandapas, and the Upapitham. The bronze figures at the temple represent the traditional artistry of the Chola kingdom in the 11th century.
Interesting Fact: Annaabishegam, a big festival held once a year, is a fantastic occasion to visit the ancient place. Lingam, the principal god, is covered in rice from top to bottom. A total of 75 bags of rice are required to cover it due to its gigantic size.
3. Airavatesvara Temple (Darasuram)
Darasuram, in Tamil Nadu, is home to Airavatesvara Temple, which is located near Kumbakonam. It is devoted to Shiva, like are other Chola temples. Rajaraja Chola II constructed it in the 12th century.
The magnificent temple is an architectural masterpiece, with meticulous carving and sculpture done by skilled artisans on the chariot structure. The temple is modeled after a chariot drawn by a horse and an elephant. All of the great living Chola temples have the same architectural style, with square structures. At the entrance to the temple complex, there is a 212-foot Vimana, a Lingam, a giant Goddess Periyanayagi statue, and a massive Nandhi. The paintings and epigraphs depict the Chola dynasty's history. The ceiling carving of Shiva and Parvati seated on the inner side of a blossoming lotus is a magnificent sight.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Inside the Chola temples' major shrines, photography is prohibited.
- Dress accordingly, keeping the cultural sensitivities in mind.
- Visit these wonderful live Chola temples with a tour guide who will explain the architectural and religious significance of everything in great detail. The tour guides are fluent in English and Hindi. They can also communicate in Tamil.
The Great Living Chola Temples' distinctive architecture captivates visitors. These are considered watershed moments in the growth of Southern Indian architecture. The inscriptions on the temple walls are beautifully depicted historical narratives. During the Chola kingdom's reign, the beautifully sculpted pillars demonstrate the Chola kingdom's design intelligence. If you haven't already planned a trip to these stone-carved wonders, now is the time.
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