We reached Thanjavur at 9.am by car from Erode to Explore the Great Living Chola Temples.
Great Living Chola Temples is UNESCO world heritage site. It is located in TamilNadu stand testimony to the achievements of the royal Chola dynasty. Splendid in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting, the magnificent temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Dating back to the 11th and 12th century, these structures have withstood the ravages of time The Cholas were one of the longest ruling dynasty in Southern India. The rulers of a period of more than 200 years were not only proficient sovereigns, they were innovative builders.
The Great Living Chola Temples encompass of three temples;
1.The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur.
2.The Gangaikonda Choleswarar Temple at Gangaikondan.
3.The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
All these temples are about 70 kilometres (43 mi) and 40 kilometres (25 mi) to its northeast respectively from Thanjavur.
The patrons of Lord Shiva dedicated magnificent architectural splendours to their beloved God. The Chola style involves use of granite to create design consisting of deities, warriors, kings and dancers. The Dravidian structures reflect the property of the Chola Empire. The glories till live in wonderful temples.
We had breakfast at Hotel which is opposite to Thanjavur Bustand.This hotel is very affordable price with pure veg.we left and heads towards the Thanjai Periya Kovil(The Brihadisvara Temple).
The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur :
The actual name of this temple is Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Koyil.It is dedicated to Hindu god Lord Shiva it located in Thanjavur.It is one of the largest temple is south India was built by Raja Raja Chola I with Dravidian Architecture during the 1003 – 1010 AD.The chief architect and engineer of the temple was Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Rama Perunthachanas stated in engravings found at the temple.
It was the first built completed temple using 65tonnes of granite. But amazing part of this granite sources are not found around Thanjavur as per geographic survey’s this temple colour varies generation to generation since it was built using granite.
This temple is famous for Ancient Tamil Letter engravings in the walls of Temple. In this engravings they were descriptions found about architect, people who helped to create temple and method for creation etc.
The extensions of this temple was built by various chola kings during their kingdom.This temple has covered with 44.7 acres (23.7 is buffer zone).
We nearly spent two hours in the temple and museums inside the temple itself. This temple has appeared is various historic marks in many Tamil literature.
We had lunch in the same hotel where and left thanjavur .we heads towards to Gangakonda cholapuram Via Kumbakonam which is 80kms away from Thanjavur.
The Gangaikonda Choleswarar Temple at Gangaikondan : This temple is also called as Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple or Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple. It was built by Rajendra Cholan I who was a successor of Raja Raja Cholan I Chola dynasty in 1014 CE.He was one of the greatest king in Chola emperor.
This temple city was served as capital for chola kingdom for 200 years.It was built in Tamil Style of architecture with Square plan.In this temple Vimana structure was similar to Periyakovil.
Entrance Gopuram was half damaged some old people are claiming this was damaged by British East India(They ruled conquered india for 200 years until 1947) company to built some dam they used this stones before India Independence.
As i said earlier this temple was also completely built with granite.Since it was built using granite we have to definitely use mat to look around this temple.
We left Gangakonda cholapuram heads towards Kumbakonam to visist next chola temple.
The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram : This temple is located in Darasuram near kumbakonam.It was built by Raja Raja Cholan II during 12th century.This temple is small in size when compared to other chola temples.But this temple has many statues designed with almost every part of temple.Each statues are designed with based on some stories. Simply quote came in mind about this temple "Stones & Stories".
I have captured many pictures in this temple. I really become crazy on this temple architecture.
When i entered the temple, each and every pillar was designed with small small statues.
Symmetric structure is very common in architecture but this very special
This place definitely make your mind peaceful and makes you to think about history of architecture in chola kingdom.
I really captured many pictures but instead of enjoying this view in the photos.I suggest to explore this temples in real.
We left around 5.00pm from kumbakonam reached erode by 10.00pm
Journey of "Great Living Chola Temples" is completed
"Vacation is not meant for kids to spend times in holiday classes.But help them to explore historic heritage sites in our nation"
Please find transport option below Transport:
Nearest Airport : Tiruchirappalli International Airport (IATA: TRZ) about 55 kilometres away from Thanjavur.
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station
Stay: Prefer option Check in Hotel in Thanjavur.
Cab : Hire a Cab from Tiruchirappalli
Public Transport :
Bus from Tirchy to Tanjore - > Visit Brihadisvara Temple
Bus From Tanjore to Kumbakonam -> Visit Airavatesvara temple
Bus From Kumbakonam to Jayakondan connect Gangakondachola puram -> Visit Gangakonda Choleswara temple.
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