Great Living Temples – II

Wholesome in size & architecture the Brihadiswara Temple built at Gangaikondachalam by the Chola King Rajendra in the 11th century was meant to upstage the Brihadiswara Temple built by his father Raja Raj II at Thanjavur. The temple is noteworthy for the design of its 185 feet recessed tower with an upward curving movement as compared to straight & severe tower at Thanjavur. The main sanctum contains a four meter high phallic form of Lord Shiva with the assembly hall filled with noteworthy carvings on its walls & ceilings: Ardhinareshwar (half man - half woman), dancing Nataraja & the calm & serene Saraswati, icons of Sun Worship & Nine Planets.

Note to be missed is the large & miniature Nandi Bull at the entrance to this complex. The tradition of temple worship and rituals established and practiced over a thousand years ago, based on still older Agamic texts, continues daily, weekly and annually, as an inseparable part of life of the local people.