The Gangaikondacholapuram Temple was built in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses one of the largest Shivalingams in South India. The temple was built to rival and outshine the nearby Brihadisvara Temple constructed by Rajendra Chola's father. The temple features intricate stone carvings and sculptures throughout its tall gopurams and walls.

1. Gangaikondacholapuram Temple

2. Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Built by: Rajendra Chola
Built in: 11th century
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Significance: Biggest Shivalingam in
South India

3.  Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is an
architectural work of genius.
 Located at Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil
Nadu, Gangaikondacholapuram can be
reached easily through regular buses that are
available from the main towns and cities of
Tamil Nadu.
 In the early 11th century, the temple got built
by Rajendra Chola, who was the son and
successor of Rajaraja Chola.

4.  The voluptuous temple stands next to the famous
Brihadisvara temple at Tanjore.
 Gangaikonda Cholapuram is regarded as the
reproduction of Brihadisvara Temple that was built
by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola.
 Gangai Konda Cholapuram was erected to
outshine the temple made by the father.
 The temple is renowned for having the biggest
Shivalingam in the Southern part of India.

5.  The sanctum sanctorum embraces the four
meter high lingam (phallic form) of Lord
Shiva.
 To provide a private worship area for the royal
family, the sanctum is encircled with two
walls.
 The stately entrance of the sanctum is
adorned by the beautiful image of Goddess
Saraswati.

6. The meticulous accounts of the Cholas are
inscribed on the copper plates and temple
walls.
The influence of Chalukyas is also
reflected from the icons of 'Suryapita' (Sun
worship) and 'Navagrahs' (Nine planets).

7. History
For about 250 years, Chola clan ruled over a
large part of South India.
 In those times, the Chola dynasty was at its
apex and conquered many a parts of the
northern territory.
 The wealth was brimming due to the outcome
of their booming war operations.

8.  On one of the expeditions, Rajendra Chola brought
Ganga water in a golden pot and consecrated the
reservoir 'Ponneri or Cholaganga'.
 Consequently, Rajendra was titled as 'Gangaikondan'
(the one who brought the Ganges).
 The king wanted to erect a 'larger than life' temple
correspondent to the Brihadeeswara Temple.
 During 1020 - 29 AD, Gangaikondacholapuram saw its
construction.

9. Architecture
The superb architecture of the temple boasts of a 9
storey vimanam that extends to the height of 185
feet.
 Facing the east direction, Gangai Konda
Cholapuram embraces incredible sculptures and
carvings.
 Not less than 54.86m in height, the temple
structure follows the style of Brihadisvara Temple.

10.  The architecture is a portrayal of complex carvings on
the hard granite stones, irrespective of the simple style
of Cholas.
 Mind-blowing sculptures adorn the walls and ceilings
of Gangaikondacholapuram.
 The whole temple is thrived with rich and intricate
carvings that are exclusive to Chola style of artistry.
 Known to comprise a little northern style, the structure
embraces intricate carvings in the Vimanams

11.  The creativity of sculptors is reflected in the figures of
dancing Nataraja and peaceful Saraswati
 However, the sculptures erected here are as artistic as
found in any other temples of Cholas.
 The most interesting are of Shiva-Parvati,
Ardhanareshwar (the man-woman manifestation of
Lord Shiva) and Ganesha.
 The colossal shrine also addresses several significant
bronzes of the Chola age.

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