Brihadeeshwarar Temple

Brihadeeswara temple is one of the largest temple in South India located in Tanjore,Tamil Nadu.It was founded by emperor Rajaraja Chola I.This temple is also known as Peruvudaiyar temple,Raja rajeswara temple and Big temple.It was built in 1010AD.The style used was Dravidian architecture.It is considered as one of the UNESCO world heritage site.

ARCHITECTURE

The chief architect was Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan.It took 12 years for construction.The temple is most famous due to its uniqueness as among great glories of Indian architecture.This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva of 12ft high.The temple was built in a courtyard measuring 240x120m in the ratio of 1:2.The entire temple is built with well dressed Granite.For the construction of the temple more than 1,30,000 tonnes of granites were bought from the place that was loacted 50miles away from Brihadeeswara temple.Over 1000 elephants were working everyday to carry the granites from one place to another.Series of holes are created in the granite and wooden sticks are inserted in that hole.After a period of time,the rocks will break by itself.The unique feature of the temple is that the tower(Gopuram)shawdow does not appear on the ground at noon.

PLANNING
The temple planning is axial and symmetrical geometry.It is surrounded by 2 walled precincts.The first one measures 270x140m consisting of high wall running along the banks of river Kaveri.The second wall consists of a portico with a double row of pillars,measures 150x75m.The perimeter wall forms a rectangular cloister which could be divided into 2 squares.The center of the first square contains the Nandi pavilion and the second contains the cella. The main elements of the temple are Garbhagriha,Mandapa,Shikhara or Vimana,Amalaka,Kalasha,Antarala (vestibule),Jagati,Vahana.

VIMANA

The main vimana is a huge solid block.The magnificiant vimana stands to the height of 66m.The hollow interior of the vimana can be viewed from below.Built of interlocking stones without any binding material.It has not developed any cracks despite of six earthquates.The height of the vimana is exactly twice the width of the outer base of the plinth.A single stone cap weighs of 80 tons is rested on top of the 16 storey vimana and it is made out of a single granite.

ARCHITECTURAL TREATMENT
The wall is divided into 2 stories by the means of the overhanging cornice which is the only horizontal member.It contains pilasters and niches with sculptures.The entire periphery of the temple base consists of miniature lion statues.The striking feature of the temple is colours.The Fresco painting can be seen in the ceilings of the corridors.They are an invention of the Cholas and the paintings,which are about 1000 years old are still brightfull till date.

TEMPLE FESTIVALS AND TIMING
From 14th April(Chithirai)-18 days festival-on the day the diety is bathed with the water soaked with the fragrant Champaka flower,From 18thOctober(Aipasi) -Raja Raja Cholan birthday function

Timings-6.00am-12.00pm,4.00pm-8.30pm.