B
UNESCO World Heritage
ASI Protected
Brihadisvara Temple (Gangaikonda)
Also known as: Big Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu
11th Century CE
While sharing the same name as the Thanjavur temple, this Brihadisvara at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was conceived by Rajendra Chola I as a rival to his father's creation. The vimana, though slightly shorter, is considered more elegant with its curved profile. The temple houses remarkable Chola bronze sculptures and stone carvings.
Source: Aitihasik heritage database. Use this as a field guide and verify sensitive historical claims before citation.
Details
- Dynasty
- Chola
- Style
- Dravidian
- Primary Deity
- Shiva
- Languages
- Tamil, Sanskrit
- Scripts
- Tamil, Grantha
Historical Significance
Rajendra Chola I's answer to his father's temple at Thanjavur. Features a more refined and elegant vimana profile. Houses important Chola-era bronze sculptures. Capital of the Chola Empire for over two centuries
Architectural Features
Elegant curvilinear vimana (more refined than Thanjavur)Chandikesvara shrine with exceptional bronzesSimhakinar (lion well)Large Nandi sculptureDetailed sculptural panels of Shiva legends