Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
Description
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a large stone shrine in Udayarpalayam, India, built for worship of Shiva. The structure features a tall central tower decorated with detailed carvings of deities and mythological scenes across its walls.
History
The temple was built around 1035 under Rajendra I, a Chola king, to celebrate a victory over the Pala Dynasty. The surrounding city was established as a new capital and fortified with layered walls, though it was destroyed in the late 1200s during conflicts with rival kingdoms.
Culture
The temple's name stems from the legend that Shiva brought the sacred Ganges River to this place. Local worship remains active through festivals and rituals where pilgrims offer flowers and sing devotional songs to honor the deity.
Practical
The best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it is quieter. Respectful clothing is recommended, especially for those who wish to participate in prayers, and small shops nearby sell flowers and souvenirs.
Did you know?
After a military victory, the founder Rajendra I requested that defeated enemies bring water from the distant Ganges River to this shrine. This symbolic act linked the temple to a triumph that stretched across vast distances.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Udayarpalayam).
Tamil Nadu in the south of India has towns by the Indian Ocean, temples built between the 7th and 17th centuries, and landscapes that change from coast to mountains. This collection includes about thirty places that show what life is like in this state, where religion is still a big part of everyday...
Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple
22 m
Navagraha temples
19.8 km
Suryanar Kovil
19.9 km
Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur
23.6 km
Bhu Varaha Swamy temple
22.3 km
Kampaheswarar Temple, Thirubuvanam
23.6 km
Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur
16.5 km
Kathiramangalam Vana Durga Temple
17.1 km
Prananadeswarar Temple
20.4 km
Kola Valvill Ramar Temple, Tiruvelliyangudi
16.6 kmKalyanasundareswarar Temple, Thiruvelvikudi
18.7 km
Samadhi of Bodhendra Saraswathi
21.8 km
Thirukoteeswarar Temple
18.8 km
Kazheesirama Vinnagaram
10.9 km
Sivayoginathar Temple
23 kmWellington Lake
17.8 kmAmirthakadeswarar Temple
9.2 km
Muhyuddin Andavar Mosque
13.3 km
Veerateeswarar temple, Korukkai
18.7 km
Pasupatiswarar Temple
12.4 km
Narthana Vallabeswarar temple
23.5 km
Therazhundur Vedapureeswarar Temple
23.4 kmJain Statue Called Paluppar
9.1 kmJain Statue Built Of Granite
9.4 kmJanakar theatre
10.6 kmLakshmivilas Heritage
20 kmWork of art
76 mNew mosque
15.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes