Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

Also known as: Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu

11th Century CE

Built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious march to the Ganges, this temple is modelled after the Thanjavur Brihadisvara but with a more graceful curvilinear vimana. The city served as the Chola capital for over 250 years.

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 (Brihadisvara)
Languages: Tamil, Sanskrit
Scripts: Tamil, Grantha

Historical Significance

Commemorates Rajendra Chola I's northern campaign. Part of the Great Living Chola Temples UNESCO site. Features one of the finest Chola-era Nandi sculptures. Served as the imperial Chola capital

Architectural Features

Graceful curvilinear vimanaLion-base stairwayMassive Nandi statueElaborate dvarapala figuresChandikesvara shrine