Brihadisvara Temple

Current Context: The Prime Minister of India recently visited the Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and offered prayers during an official tour.

 ABOUT BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE (Peruvudaiyar Kovil)

• Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu – on the south bank of River Cauvery.
• Built By: Rajaraja Chola I (c. 1003–1010 CE) over 7 years.
• Architecture:
  • Dravidian style, built entirely in granite with zero tilt design.
  • Vimana (Tower): 216 ft tall — among the tallest stone towers globally.
  • Capstone (Shikhara): ~80-ton granite block, placed using ancient lifting techniques.
  • Shrine: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, features a 13-ft high Nandi carved from a single stone.
  • Inscriptions: Grantha & Tamil scripts detailing Chola administration and artistic legacy.
  • UNESCO Status: Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987 as part of the Great Living Chola Temples.