Page 604 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

602  SOUTH INDIA

Thanjavur: Brihadishvara Temple

This monumental granite temple, the finest example
of Chola architecture, is now a UNESCO World Heritage
Site. Completed in AD 1010 and dedicated to Shiva, it
was built by Rajaraja Chola I (see pp50–51) as a symbol
of the unrivalled power and might of the Cholas.
The temple basement is covered with inscriptions
that give details of the temple’s administration and
revenue, and provide valuable historical information
on Chola society and government.

. Vimana
The 66-m (217-ft) high
pyramid-shaped vimana, over
the sanctum, is a 13-storeyed
structure. Its gilded finial was
presented by the king.

. Dvarapala
Two gigantic
dvarapalas, or
doorkeepers, at the
eastern entrance,
direct devotees to the
sanctum with their
pointed fingers.
KEY
1 Linga shrine
2 The passageway is
circumambulatory and built on two
levels, owing to the colossal height Frescoes
of the 4-m (13-ft) linga. Chola frescoes adorn
the passage around
3 An octagonal cupola, beautifully the sanctum. They were
carved out of a massive block of discovered when the
granite weighing 80 tonnes, 17-century Maratha
crowns the vimana. paintings covering them
began to disintegrate.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp702–703 and pp717–18

602-603_EW_India.indd 602 26/04/17 11:49 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm