Brihdeshwara temple / Raj Rajeshwara Temple

Brihdeshwara temple , also known as Raj Rajeshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Thanjavur ( Tamil Nadu).

                            It is one of best examples of the Dravidian style of temple architecture built by Chola emperor Raja Raja chola 1 between 1003 AD and 1010 AD.

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Architecture of temple : 

1.  The temple got status of UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. 

2. It is a part of 'Great living Chola Temples ' along with the Brihdeshwara temple , Gangaikonda cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram.

3. Brihdeshwara temple is first among all buildings which make use of granite fully ( what's interesting is- granite is not found around 100miles of temple).

4. The temple consists of a pyramidal spire and is adorned with sculptures, bronze sculpture and paintings inside as well as outside.

5. The temple features a massive stone cap weighing around 80,000 kg . ( It remains a mystery how such enormous weight placed at height of 216ft.).

6. The main tower of temple called Shikhara , is an impressive 16 story structure ; 13 of these structure consist of tapering squares adorned with inscriptions about lord Shiva and depiction of various dance poses like of Bharatnatyam etc.

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7. One of the gopuram , called Rajarajan Tiruvasal at the Brihdeshwara temple. It is very intricately carved with sculptures.

8. Another significant sculpture is a Nandi Shrine .

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9. The two continuous extensive Mandapas , an Antarala and a Vimana with a high tower , all in line on the east - West axis. 

10. There are several musical pillars, which make different sounds when taped, at the temple.

11. There are several shrines added to the temple by most of the following rulers such as the Pandyas , the Vijayanagara rulers and the Marathas too.

 Some interesting facts about architecture of temple: 

               The architecture of the temple is done so cleverly that the temple casts no shadow on the ground when the sun is at its peak. This is a phenomenon that attracts thousands of tourists and architectural enthusiasts from across the world to unravel the architectural mystery of the temple .

                Upon visiting, anyone can understand that the temple is a brilliant testimonial of the opulence of grand South Indian architecture. One must visit to see the grandeur of the temple .