Gangaikondacholapuram Temple

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.

12. For plan refer this link :
http://www.kumbakonam.info/index.php?op
tion=com_content&view=article&id=104&It
emid=189