" Cholas Architecture
Cholas Architecture
Temples Cholas Architecture
Tanjore BigTemple
Thanjavur

The greatest of Chola emperors Rajaraja-I (985 A.D - 1012 A.D) the son of Sundara Chola (Parantakaa-II) and Vanavanmahadevi built this magnificent temple named Brihadisvaram at Tanjore - the capital of Chola dynasty. In later period Maratta and Nayaks rulers constructed various shrines and gopurams of the temple.From the epigraphical evidence it is known about Rajaraja-I started building this temple on his 19th year and completed on 275th day of his 25th year. It took just 6 years to complete this work on 1010 A.D. Rajaraja-I named this temple as Rajarajesvaram and the deity Shiva in Linga form as Peruvudaiyar, the temple is also known in the deity's name as Peruvudaiyarkovil (in Tamil language). In later period when the Sanskrit language was more popular during the Maratta rule the temple was named in Sanskrit as Brihadisvaram and the deity as Brihadisvara. Now-a-days it is also known as Thanjai Periyakovil (Tanjore Big temple). Read More >>


Darsuram Airadheeswarar Temple
Darasuram

Palaiyarai is ancient temple city and the Capital of the Cholas. King Raja Kambeera Mamannan, Raja Raja Chola II (1146 A.D. to 1172 A.D) changed his capital from Gangaikonda Cholapuram to Palaiyarai and renamed it as Raja Raja Puram (at present it is Darasuram). There were 1000 Thaligal (temples) in palaiyarai .There were 4 padai veedus (Military Camps) on al the four directions of the Capital. Thalicherippendirgal were appointed by the king to develop fine arts especially music and dance in the temple during festival occasions. King Raja Raja II constructed in his name a beautiful temple called Raja Rajechuram (at present Airavatheeswara) in1160 A.D. to 1162 A.D. This Raja Rajechuram (Raja Rajeschuram – Tharechuram – Darachuram -Darasurm) became Darasuram at present. It is a world heritage monument protected by UNESCO. Read More >>


Gangaikondasozhapuram
Gangai kondachozhapuram

Rajendra Chola-I (1012-1044 A.D) son of the Great Rajaraja-I, established this temple after his great victorious march to river Gangeson Northern India.Rajendra Chola-I (1012-1044 A.D) son .of the Great Rajaraja-I,established this temple after his great victorious march to river Ganges on Northern India. He was originally called Madurantakan. He assumed the title of Rajendra during his coronation and continued to rule along with his father Rajaraja-I for a while. He achieved the supreme title of Cholas called Parakesari . Read More >>


Thirubhuvanam

Kambaharesvarar Temple was built by the king Kulothunga III (1179 AD - 1216 AD). chera chola pandya - completion of temple. There are two gopurams and two praharam. the karpagraham, artha mandapam, maha mandapam and muha mandapam and Somaskandar mandapam.The Karpagraham is the shape of square. It's both sides having Karnathuvara steps. Dhakshinamoorthy, Lingothbhavar and Bramma reside on the wall of Sri vimana. There are six base of Srivimana. One can see sculptures of the scenes of Puranas on the wall of Srivimana. Some of other shrines are in the temple. Read More >>


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