THE THREE GREAT CHOLA TEMPLES

Last updated on August 30th, 2019 at 09:40 am

Chola Temples – the three great Chola temples in India. Do you know the temples? Or the Architect that build the temples. Well you are in the right place to figure out. However, you will know everything about each Of them.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur

The granite tower of Brihadeeswarar Temple. Which lies in Thanjavur was completed in 1010 CE by Raja Raja Chola I. Although, one can also call Him Emperor Arulmozhivarman. This temple is build in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu in India. However, by Tamil architecture. The temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Some locals prefer to call the temple other names like the big temple. And also they call it Rajarajeswaram, and Peruvudaiyaar Kovil.

It is 66 meters tall in height. However, it is the second tallest Vimanam temple. And the 7th largest temple currently in India. Although, there is also Jagannath temple in Puri. which is also 216 feet. Brihadeeswarar was the first tallest temple in the world before. But now there are temples like Baalbek(62 feet), Angkor Wat Temple (213), and Tikal (temple iv 230 feet). Others, are Temple of Saint Sava (269), temple of Christ the savior(344 feet), and Jetavanaramaya (400 feet). Which are taller that it.

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History of Brihadeeswarar Temple

The temple was built in 10th century AD. This Chola temple will be 1009 years old in September 2019. Although, we will not update it year anymore. It is also part of the UNESCO world Heritage Site. That is the “Great Living Chola Temples”. That was awarded in 2004. But was first designated in 1987.

Also, the temple attract more visitors. In the state of Tamil Nadu. However, the construction of this temple is from a command giving to the Late Emperor in the dream. However, this temple serves as the inauguration or royal ceremonies of the Emperor. And also it is use to carry out ritual activity. The temple is a center for social, economic and political activities.

On 29 April 2015, the Temple car was lunch with the deity’s idols on it. This is the first procession that has taken place in the past years. The Karuvarai which is translate “womb chamber”. Or sanctum sanctorum in English is the inner temple. Where Shiva deity is kept. Only the priests go into the womb chamber.

HOW THE CHOLA TEMPLES ARE CONSTRUCTED

The temple construction is in layers. It takes less space and less effort comparing to other methods. It was said that a ramp was used to roll stones upwards. With the support of an elephant placing the stone on wooden logs. This temple survives 6 times earthquake hazard.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

This temple is also a Hindu temple. Which is in Gangaikonda Cholapuram of Ariyalur District. In Tamil Nadu, south India. That is build by Rajendra Chola I, the son of Rajaraja in 1012-1044 CE. But a friend I interview said it 1035 AD through Dravidian Architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva too. Sometimes the people call it Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

The Vimanam temple is 55m (180 ft) high. And some of the features in this temple are also present in that of Thanjavur. The sanctum guards are the Dvarapalas guardian deities. A stone is kept in the sanctum called Chandrakanta. Which makes the sanctum cool during summer and warm during winter. The temple is also a center for social, economic and political activities. The name Gangaikonda Cholan means the conqueror the Ganges. So He went on to build the same temple; His father built showing His victory over the Ganges. The temple was later renovated by Kulottunga Chola III.

SIMILARITIES BETWEEN THE TWO BRIHADISVARA CHOLA TEMPLES

The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur was inaugurated by King Rajaraja I. in 985-1010 CE. While the Brihadisvara temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram was by Rajendra Chola I. The son of Rajaraja in 1012-1044 CE.
It is Vimanam meaning temple tower.
It is 3m (9.8 ft) smaller than the Thanjavur temple.
The Thanjavur temple has straight contours. While the Gangaikonda Cholapuram has concave contour.
The temple is smaller than the Thanjavur temple. This is because of the father to son hereditary.
The millennium celebrations of the coronation of the Emperor. The Rajendra Chola was celebrated for two days in July 2014 at the temple. While the Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur was for two days on 26 September 2010.

DIGNITY OF THE CHOLA TEMPLES

Do you know that the Cholas build a three temple in the south Indian. During their reign just to appreciate their Gods. And to show gratitude towards their loyalness. Some of which were named after themselves.
The temples describe the outstanding power. The wealth, imperial domain and religious strength of the Chola Kingdom. Although, the reign of Rajendra Chola I reduce the influence of Thanjavur. This is because a new city was build. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram and its capital was move there.

AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE

This temple is a Hindu temple. It was design by Dravidian Architecture of Darasum. Which is close to Kumbakonam town. That is in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. It was build by an Indian Emperor. Whose name is Rajaraja Chola II. However, in the 12th century CE. The temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram was buid by Rajaraja II in 1143-1173 CE. It is much smaller in size than the two temples. It is 24 m (80 ft) high, and small compare to this days temple. So it a dwarf compare to Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir. Or the Rising Moon temple it new name, in Uttar Pradesh Mathura district. Let alone of Burj Khalifa tower with (2,722 ft). Or the new construction.

Airavatesvara Temple is highly spiritual. People who are sick come to bath in its sacre waters. The temple itself is a school of Art. With some exquisite stone carvings. The sanctum is in the form of a chariot. That is drawn by horses. Even the Pillars of the temple represent the socio-economic condition of the city. The temple is more pleasing, fine and exceptional. But it is smaller than the first two temple. It is use for a long lasting entertainment.

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