Brihadeshwar Temple -It Is The First Complete Granite Temple In The World

 BRIHADESHWAR TEMPLE

AT

THANJAVUR
 

The original name of the deity was Rajarajeshwar. It was the Marathas who gave it the name Brihadeeshwara or the Great Ishwara. The main temple is entirely built of granite. More than 130,000 tons of granite is said to have been used to build it.

 A long associated myth with this temple temple is that the shadow of the main structure does not fall on the ground. However, this has been proven wrong by scientists. The statue of Nandi at the entrance of the temple is carved out of a single stone.

 The main Vimanam, which is at about 200 feet is often called Dakshin Meru or Southern Meru. The inspiration to build the temple came to Raja Raja Cholan during his visit to Sri Lanka and is a result of a dream he had.

 The temple has a portrait of Raja Raja Cholan paying obeisance to Lord Natarajar. This is undoubtedly, the first ever instance of a royal portrait.
 Inscriptions in the temple point towards Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan as the chief architect of the temple. His successors survive to this day and practice the art of Vastu or Vastu Shastra.

 Depictions of nartakis or dancers showing eighty one of hundred and eight karanas (synchronised movements of hands and feet) in Bharata Natyam are carved here. These karanas are a part of karanas mentioned in the Natya Shastra of Bharata Muni or Sage Bharata. There is also evidence that the temple was a platform for talented dancers to showcase their talent. These depictions are first of their kind.

 The inscriptions also mention the different kinds of jewels used in the period. Each of these jewels are mentioned in detail. A total of twenty three different types of pearls, eleven varieties of diamonds and rubies are mentioned in these inscriptions.

Dravidian architecture was a style of architecture that came into view 1000 of years ago in South India that is usually made from stone. These temples consists mostly of pyramid shaped gopurams, which are large towers over the entrances; a vimana, which is the tower over the sanctum (the Deities); and large pillared halls and corridors.

Kumbam which is the topmost structure of the temple is also carved out of a single granite stone, weighing about 60 tons. This temple can be approached from the eastern side through two gateways which are termed as “Gopuras”. 

There are two guardian statues beside the gateways made by the Shaiva legends. Hundreds of sculptures decorate the exterior of the temple, whereas inside the temple there is a huge idol of Lord Shiva with three eyes.

 108 karmas have been sculpted on the inner walls performed by Lord Shiva. Once more extraordinary for this temple is shadow of the tower over the gateway of the temple never falls on the ground.

              

There is a Nandi (sacred bull) which is too big and at measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. It is carved out of a single rock also this is the second biggest Nandi in the world.

By Air

If you want to reach this city of Thanjavur through Airways, then it is possible as nearest airport from Thanjavur is located at Trichy, which is 65 kilometers away.

By Train

One of most convenient and affordable means to reach Thanjavur is through Railways. As this city has its own railway station, connected well with Chennai, Madurai and Trichy.

By Bus

City of Thanjavur connects through Roadways with all major cities and towns in state of Tamil Nadu along with Ernakulam, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram cities in state of Kerala and Bangalore city in Karnataka.