Brihadisvara Temple, Hindu temple in Thanjavur, India.
Brihadisvara is a monumental Hindu temple in Thanjavur built entirely from granite blocks without mortar or cement. The central tower rises 66 meters (216 feet) high and is surrounded by courtyards, smaller shrines, and colossal stone statues, including a monolithic Nandi bull near the entrance.
Raja Raja Chola I commissioned this temple in 1003 and completed it by 1010 as a demonstration of the Chola Empire's architectural mastery. The structure marked the peak of Chola power and set new standards for temple construction in southern India.
Daily worship rituals continue to draw devotees who bring flowers, coconuts, and incense as offerings to Shiva. On festival days, the entire compound transforms into a lively space of religious ceremony, with drums and chants filling the air.
Visitors can access the compound through two main entrance gates that lead to a spacious courtyard surrounding the central shrine. The best light for photographs appears in the early morning hours, and appropriate clothing is expected when entering the inner areas.
The temple dome, weighing 80 tons, was transported to its position using a 6.5-kilometer (4-mile) earthen ramp during construction. All sculptures and reliefs are arranged so the shadow of the main tower never falls on the ground at midday.
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