Brihadeeshwara Temples History

The Brihadeeshwara Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built during the reign of the Chola dynasty king Rajaraja I in the 11th century.

Construction of the temple began in 1003 AD and was completed in 1010 AD. It was designed and built by the renowned architect and sculptor Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan. The temple is one of the largest South Indian temples and is famous for its architectural beauty and intricate carvings.

The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and is primarily made of granite. The main temple tower, also known as the Vimana, is 216 feet (66 meters) tall and is one of the tallest temple towers in India. The temple also has a massive stone bull, known as Nandi, which is 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall and 19 feet (5.8 meters) long.

The Brihadeeshwara Temple has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola dynasty. The temple is also a popular pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees every year.

Overall, the Brihadeeshwara Temple is a testament to the Chola dynasty's love for art, architecture, and religion. It remains a marvel of engineering and is a living symbol of the rich cultural heritage of South India.