Brihadeeshwara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil), is located in Thanjavur, Tamilnadu.
Built by Emperor Rajaraja Cholan between 1003 and 1010 CE, it’s one of the largest temples in India, exemplary with its architecture and grandeur!
The temple has the tallest Vimana (the tower above Garbhagriha) that’s 216 feet in height, one of the largest Shivalinga that’s 29 feet in height, one of the largest monolith Nandi (Bull) and a massive prakara all around!
The Shikhara Kumbam at the top of the Vimana (at 216 feet height) carved out of a single piece of Granite weighs 81 Tons!
130,000 ton of granite was used to build the Mandir, the nearest source of which is 55km away!
Extensive mural paintings using natural pigments on the walls and ceilings of the Temple occupy more than 7,200 sq ft in area!
With more than 100 inscriptions, it gives a detailed account of happenings for the past 1000+ years! For example, an inscription on the north wall of the Temple dated 1011 CE gives a detailed account of people employed in the temple, giving their names, roles and wages!
The complex has Brihan Nayaki temple (built by Pandyas), Subrahmanya Temple (built by Vijayanagara Kings), Vinayaka Temple (built by Maratha Rulers).
An absolute architectural marvel! An amazing, out-of-the-world structure! Built 1000+ years ago!
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YJwAQzmh7G1Rgbkz5
#drive #nature #heritage
