Tanjore Temple
The Tanjore temple, also known as the Brihadeeswara temple, is a Hindu temple located in the city of Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore) in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was built during the Chola dynasty, one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South India, in the early 11th century AD. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is considered to be one of the most significant architectural achievements of the Chola period. Its towering vimana (tower) is one of the tallest in South India and is a symbol of the power and artistic ability of the Chola empire.
Origins of the Chola Dynasty
The Chola dynasty was one of the longest-ruling dynasties in South India, and it lasted for over four centuries from the 9th to the 13th century AD. The Chola kingdom was centered in the fertile Kaveri delta region of Tamil Nadu, and it extended its control over a vast area of South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia.
The origin of the Chola dynasty is shrouded in legend, but it is generally believed that they were a Tamil-speaking people who migrated from the north into the Kaveri delta region. The Cholas were initially a minor dynasty, but they gained prominence during the 9th century under the leadership of Vijayalaya Chola, who established the Chola capital at Thanjavur.
The Early History of the Brihadeeswara Temple
The Brihadeeswara temple was built during the reign of Rajaraja Chola, who ruled from 985 to 1014 AD. Rajaraja Chola was one of the greatest rulers of the Chola dynasty, and he expanded the Chola empire to its greatest extent. He was also a patron of the arts and architecture, and he is credited with commissioning the Brihadeeswara temple.
The construction of the temple was supervised by the Chola architect, Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan. The temple was built using granite, and it took around seven years to complete. The construction of the temple was a massive undertaking, and it required the labor of thousands of workers. The Cholas were known for their engineering prowess, and they developed sophisticated techniques for quarrying, transporting, and carving granite.
Architecture and Layout of the Brihadeeswara Temple
The Brihadeeswara temple is a masterpiece of South Indian temple architecture, and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple is built on a rectangular platform, and it is surrounded by a moat. The entrance to the temple is through a gopuram (tower) that is 30 meters high. The gopuram is covered with intricate carvings and sculptures of gods and goddesses.
The temple complex consists of several structures, including a main shrine, a mandapam (hall), and several smaller shrines. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it contains a massive lingam (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva) that is 3.7 meters high. The lingam is carved from a single block of granite and is one of the largest in India.
The vimana (tower) of the Brihadeeswara temple is one of its most impressive features. The vimana is 66 meters high and is topped by a massive kalasham (pot) that weighs around 80 tons. The kalasham is made of a single piece of granite and is one of the largest in the world. The vimana is decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from Hindu mythology
