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| Brihadeeswarar, Thanjavur, TN (1010 CE) realindia.in/realblog |
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| Entrance towers and fortified wall, Big temple realindia.in/realblog |
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| One of the largest stone bull-Mandi, Big temple, TN divineinfoguru.com |
Architectural Brilliance
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| Thanjavur Big temple, stone inscription. Alamy.com |
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| Big temple main tower and inner hollow core, sinking squares to reduce weight steemit.com |
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| Anachronic European head, Big temple realindia.in/realblog |
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| Big temple with 80 ton Cupola at top realindia.in |
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| Subramanyar shrine, Big temple, TN. holes through which broom stick;ll pass realindia.in |
Standing at 212 feet tall, the temple dominates the skyline of Thanjavur, making it a marvel of ancient Indian architecture. Built entirely from intricately carved granite stones, Brihadeeswarar Temple is a testament to the skill and dedication of its architects, as well as the devotion of a king committed to honoring Lord Shiva. The temple’s massive vimana (tower) and finely detailed sculptures showcase the pinnacle of Chola architectural achievement.
However, despite being over 1,000 years old, Brihadeeswarar Temple has not received the global recognition it deserves. Other Indian landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri often take the spotlight, leaving this architectural gem in relative obscurity. Its location in Tamil Nadu, far from popular tourist circuits like Delhi and Mumbai, has contributed to this lack of international attention.
The Temple’s Lost Wealth
In its heyday, the temple was not only a center of worship but also a symbol of the Chola dynasty's wealth and power. Gold-plated gopurams (entrance towers) once glittered in the sun, and the temple was richly endowed with lands, jewelry, and other treasures. Donations from Raja Raja Chola’s relatives, ministers, and devotees filled its coffers, cementing its place as a significant socio-cultural hub.
But over time, greed and mismanagement took their toll. The temple's treasures were plundered, and today it stands devoid of its former wealth. An ancient proverb aptly states, "Greed is like filling a cup with a hole at the bottom—it will never be full." This truth resonates with Brihadeeswarar Temple’s history, where much of its wealth was lost to human greed.
One particularly painful loss was the disappearance of two priceless 11th-century bronze idols of King Raja Raja Chola and his queen, Lokamadevi. After five decades of fruitless searches, these statues were finally recovered from the Calico Mills Museum in Ahmedabad in 2018.
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| Sculptured Yali and elephant, big temple.s3.amazonaws.com |
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| Dwarapalas, Big temple, Thanjavur realindia.in |
Despite the loss of its material wealth, the Brihadeeswarar Temple’s spiritual and cultural significance remains intact. It stands as a powerful symbol of the Chola dynasty’s architectural brilliance and their devotion to Lord Shiva. While it may not yet have gained the global recognition it deserves, the temple continues to inspire awe and reverence in all who visit, serving as a beacon of India’s rich heritage.. Photo credit: http://realindia.in/realblog
https://www.navrangindia.in/2021/11/big-temple-thanjavur-lost-all-its_15.html
https://wsimag.com/travel/22719-big-temple-at-thanjavur
https://www.navrangindia.in/2022/07/brihadeshwara-temple-thanjavur.html
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