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Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Chola dynastyDravidaHindu (Shaiva)UNESCOAI Compiled
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadisvara Temple, Tamil Nadu, India, Tourism ... — tripinvites.comAll copyright belongs to the original artist.
About
The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was built by Rajendra Chola I around 1035 CE to commemorate his campaigns northward to the River Ganges. It forms part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples' UNESCO World Heritage cluster.
The vimana stands 53 metres high with a graceful concave profile that distinguishes it from the straighter tower at Thanjavur. Exquisite bronze sculptures and stone carvings — particularly the semi-circular stucco panels of Chola kings — adorn the interior.
Though less visited than Thanjavur's Big Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is prized by art historians for its sculptural sophistication, including one of the finest dancing Shiva (Nataraja) bronzes in situ.