About Brihadeeswarar Temple:
- It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
- It is also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram.
- It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period.
- It was built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.
- It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.
- Architecture:
- The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century.
- ‘The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world.
- The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.
- The temple complex spans over 40 acres and is decorated with masses of sculptures and inscriptions that spotlight the era's devotion and craftsmanship.
- There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance.
- The entire temple structure is made out of granite.
