I cannot find words to describe and to give a name to this topic. I am writing this post with unexplained experience about an UNESCO World Heritage site Brahadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur which is known as BIG TEMPLE.
As the name mentions this is a very very big Temple. You can see in tthe above picture, the tall Gopuram and Temple structure with me standing on steps, as a reference.
This Temple is the last stop of my Heritage Inspired Chola Tour and this post is the 7th part which contains first half of this Temple and next half part will continue as 8th part of this series. The links of the other 6 parts are as follows:
Part 1 - Ruins of the 10th century Chola Palace
Part 3 - History through Inscriptions
Part 5 - Secret Spot and the battlefield
7th part follows:
This Temple is an example of the Tamil verse “கல்லிலே கலைவண்ணம் கண்டான்” which means “Colors of Art HE found on ROCK”. I am going to give some unique details which I felt is very special.
As you enter the first thing you see is the outer wall and a canal around it, previously had lots of water with fierce crocodiles. This is now full of trees and without water. Below is the picture of the wall
Through the small holes , arrows will be flown by the warriors hiding behind the rocky wall, against the enemy. This Temple was first built to be a fort. Then changed in a wonderful Temple built by the king Raja Raja Cholan in the 10th century.
Exactly when I was in this place, Canva part II Meetup by @TravellerG , with our Cavassador @Tejal as the chief guest started. I joined 15 minutes earlier and showed this place to them before the meetup.
The next is the arch and the second thick wall built by the Marathas in the 16th century to withstand the beerangi (missiles from Moghal) attact.
The walls are very very thick and coarse, which helps to hold the heavy Gopuram. Below are the pictures of the thick wall and the heavy Gopuram the wall holds.
Another important feature is that no binding materials are used and it stands intact with uneven and small stones placed in between the gaps. Small stones increase the sustainability. A marvellous engineering. Given below is the picture of the wall.
The next arch or the entrance is known as Kerala Andhagan Thiruvasal or Raja Rajan Thiruvasal, below is the picture of the entrance. By this time it became dark, but shonè brightly in lights.
Inside wall, a Palace was built by the chief army officer which has many rooms and beautiful sculptures. Below is the picture of the wall.
When you enter through this entrance we could see the Big Nandi or the sacred bull. This bull is the vehicle of Lord Shiva. Below are the pictures taken during my previous visit in December 2018.
Till now I have shown the ourter part of this great Temple. In my next part, Inside the BIG TEMPLE (Greatest of Grandeurs) with more wonders about this Temple. Until then see you all.
Thanks for reading.
,I think Tamilnadu side we have beautiful temples.
