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| Brihadeswara temple,Gangaikonda Cholapuram TN. ,upload.wikimedia. |
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| Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,TamilNadu upload.wikimedia |
Above image: 11th century Gangaikonda Cholapuram Shiva temple dedicated to god Brihadiswara, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur District, Tamil Nadu. Way back in 2017 the historic temple was re-consecrated with installation of a dwajasthambam (Flag-post)and performance of mahakum bhabhishekam upload.wikimedia. Image credit: S.sriram..........
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| Gangaikonda cholapuram temple dreamstime.com/ |
Above image: Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple Shikara and dome. The ornamentation and presence of pairs of Nandi atop Thanjavur temple differ from the temple built by Rajendra Chola I.
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| Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple,TN upload.wikimedia |
Above image: Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple (1024 to 1035) has around 20 inscriptions from later Cholas, Pandyas and Vijayanagar Empire indicating various gifts and grants to this temple. Image Credit: Supraja Kannan.
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| PMModiji showing Aarti, G K C Puram temple jantaserishta.com/ |
Above image: PM Modi offered prayers at the temple and took a tour of the complex, which is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Great Living Chola Temples".
Gangaikonda Cholapuram was the 'victory city' constructed by Rajendra Chola following his victorious maritime expedition to South East Asia about 1,000 years ago. The site was sanctified with Ganga waterby the Chola ruler —hence the name “Gangaikonda.” While inspired by the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple distinguishes itself with a broader and shorter vimana, finer carvings, and more delicate sculptural work, reflecting the evolution of Chola temple architecture.
The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as Gangaikondacholeswarar. It enshrines an enormous Shiva lingam, about 4 meters tall, signifying the spiritual power and devotion of the Chola kings. A marvel of Dravidian engineering, the temple was constructed using interlocking granite blocks without mortar. Its 55-meter-tall vimana stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty's architectural innovation and skill.
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| Lion-well, Gangaikonda Cholapuram,TN |
Above image: Lion-well (simhakeni) with a lion figure guarding its steps in Gangai Konda Cholapuram. A sacred tank named Simhakeni, believed to have been filled with water brought from the Ganges by Rajendra Chola. This symbolic act spiritually connects the temple with the holy river from the North.upload.wikimedi. Image credit: Kasi Arunachalam...........
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, admired globally for its architecture, spiritual significance, and the cultural richness of the Chola era that still endures today.
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| A nice sculpture Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, instagram.com |
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| .GangaikondaCholapuram trodly.com |
Gangaikonda Cholapuram served as the imperial capital of the Chola dynasty for over 250 years. This strategically planned city housed royal palaces, majestic temples, and advanced civic infrastructure, making it a major cultural and political hub of South India. PM Modi arrived at the temple to attend the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival.
The grand finale of the festival that commenced on July 23 was marked by celebrations today.
On the occasion, Gangaikonda Cholapuram was adorned with floral green arches leading up to the temple, while police took control of the entire area to manage the security arrangements.
Over two days during July 2014 the millennium celebration of the coronation of the Rajendra Chola was celebrated in the temple.
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Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, vimana
1. Vimana (Tower over Sanctum)
Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, vimana
thetempleguru.com
The vimana of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple stands at approximately 55 meters in height, slightly shorter but more graceful and curvilinear than the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple.
It follows a pyramidal shape with intricate carvings, culminating in a stupika (finial) made of stone and metalwork.
2. Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha)
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| Gangaikonda Cholapuram,Lingam, thetempleguru.com |
It is believed that water from the Ganges was poured into the sanctum during consecration, linking the temple to the emperor’s victorious expedition to North India.
3. Sculptural Excellence
The temple is adorned with high-relief sculptures that display Chola artistry at its peak:
Nataraja, Ardhanareeswara, Chandesanugrahamurti, and Dakshinamurti.
Graceful figures of celestial dancers, guardians, and mythical creatures.
These carvings exhibit a remarkable balance of beauty and spiritual symbolism.
4. Lion-Well and Chola Gangam Lake
A unique stone lion sculpture with a staircase opening into its mouth is believed to symbolize royal authority and may have had ritual significance.
Nearby, Rajendra Chola dug the Chola Gangam (Ponneri Lake), where he poured water brought from the Ganga, linking his military conquest to spiritual merit.
5. Mandapams and Layout
The temple features maha mandapam, ardha mandapam, and mukha mandapam, connected axially and richly ornamented.
The entire temple complex is laid out according to Agama shastra principles and built in granite.
6. Gopuram (Gateway Tower)
Unlike many South Indian temples, the gopuram (gateway tower) here is relatively modest compared to the towering vimana — a feature consistent with early Chola style.
7. Prakara and Circumambulatory Paths
The temple has multiple prakarams (enclosures), with pathways allowing circumambulation (pradakshina) of the sanctum, a feature central to temple ritual practice.
8. Inscriptions
Numerous Tamil inscriptions found in the temple and surrounding structures detail the donations by Rajendra Chola I, his titles, victories, and the socio-religious context of the time.
They provide critical insights into Chola administration, temple economy, and international relations.
9. Nandi Mandapam
In front of the temple stands a large monolithic Nandi (bull) statue, symbolizing devotion and Shiva’s vehicle. It faces the sanctum, as per tradition.
10. Cultural and Historical Significance
The temple reflects the imperial vision of Rajendra Chola, symbolizing not just devotion but military glory, political power, and artistic achievement.
It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site group under "Great Living Chola Temples", along with Thanjavur and Darasuram temples.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gangaikonda
