A wonderful architecture can be seen at Tanjore or Tanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is an important example of Tamil architecture achieved during the Chola dynasty. It is also known as Periya Kovil, Brihadeshwara Temple, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajeswaram. it is regarded the finest and one of the India’s most prized architectural sites. Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.
Peruvudaiyaar Temple, also popularly known as the ‘Big Temple’, turned 1000 years old in 2010. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”
The vimanam (or temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kumbam (Kalasha or Shikharam, the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and it weighs around 80 tons. It is believed that the boulder of 80 tons, which could not be lifted by elephants or human beings was placed on the vimana by rolling over a temporary bridge of around 7 kilometres, 1005 years ago, which gives the account of Indian civil and architectural engineering knowledge.
The entire temple structure is made out of granite, we can reach the temple to experience the architecture in 6 hours from Chennai or in 1 hour from Tiruchirappalli, which is about 60 km to the west of Thanjavur.
AW: Kannamsai
