Brihadeshwara Temple (Big Temple) - Tanjore
The biggest and richest temple in Thanjavur is Brihadeshwara, monumental in design, concept and execution and the greatest architectural achievement of the Chola rulers. Built by the Chola King Rajaraja (985-1014), it is dedicated to lord Shiva as a temple fortress with a moat. A huge Nandi Bull guards the gopuram-its 'vimana' is 64 metres high.
The rich carvings of the temple are still fresh. There is also a portrait of the king with his Guru, Karur Thevar. There is a picture of royal visit to Chidambaram, and lord Shiva riding a chariot drawn by Brahma.
Off the inner courtyard of the temple is an Archaeological Museum. During its heydays, temple annual income included 250 kilograms of gold, 300 kilograms of silver and many precious stones. Revenue also came from hundreds of villages donated for the upkeep of the temple.
The tower over the inner sanctum rises to a height of 15 meters from a square of 18.8 meters and then tapers to a total height of 68.5 meters. A huge Shiva lingam is inside the sanctum. The monolithic Nandi 3.7m heigh, 6 meters long and 2.5 meters board.
In Thanjavur town, there are 70 more temples. If your curiosity is not satisfied with this magnificent temple, you can discover some more.
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