Great Living Chola Temples : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Great Living Chola Temples is an ensemble of magnificent architecture and religious significance and a site where history comes to life. Located in the Thanjavur and Gangaikonda Cholapuram districts of Tamil Nadu, India, these temples were built by the rulers of the Chola Empire between the 9th and 13th centuries. These temples are a testimony to the wealth and power of the Chola Empire and are considered to be one of the best examples of Dravidian temple architecture. With its soaring towers, intricately carved statues and beautiful sculptures, these temples are a must-visit for anyone interested in history and art. In this blog, we will be exploring the interesting facts, information and travel guide to the Great Living Chola Temples. We will also be covering the importance of these temples, their history, as well as the rituals and festivals associated with them. So, let’s dive right in!

Interesting Facts About Great Living Chola Temples

1. Of the two major temples of the Great Living Chola Temples, the first one is Brihadisvara Temple, a World Heritage Site that was built by the Cholas around 1000CE. It is believed to be the most important and the biggest of the three major South Indian temples.

2. The second major temple is Airavatesvara. This temple is located in Kumbakonam and is considered to be the next step in the evolution of Dravidian architecture. It was built by the Chola King Rajaraja I in the 11th century CE.

3. Both of the main temples are constructed in such a way that the temple architecture is capable of delivering a constant sound of vibrations when the chime of the bards are played. This feature of the temple is also called as “Vastutantu”.

4. The two major temples of the Great Living Chola Temples also contain a variety of sculptures depicting characters from the Hindu mythology.

5. The temples also contain a number of pillars arranged in such a way that the light from the sun will be directed towards a particular point at a specific time of the day. This event is known as the “Aarruppattu”. This occurrence is considered to have a great significance and is believed to give divine blessings to those who witness it.

6. One of the unique features of the Great Living Chola Temples is that they contain many chambers, which were used for religious activities such as chanting of mantras and offering prayers to deities.

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History & Information About Great Living Chola Temples

The Great Living Chola Temples are a group of Hindu temples in South India built by the Chola dynasty during the 11th and 12th centuries AD. The sites included in the group are the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The temples are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are notable for their intricate sculptures and carvings which display the influence of Indian art at the time.

The temples were all constructed under the reign of Raja Raja Chola I (AD 985-1014), who is also known as “The Great Chola”. Raja Raja Chola I not only consolidated the Chola Empire from the Pallava kingdom, but also initiated a vibrant period of temple building activity. Many important temples were found in the capital city of Thanjavur, whose main temple, the Brihadisvara temple, became a representation of Tamil civilization and is a celebrated example of Chola architecture. Other important temples erected during his reign include Gangaikonda Cholisvaram in Thanjavur district, and the Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram. All three temples were built in the same style of architecture and benefited from Raja Raja Chola’s patronage.

The temples are known for their sublime architectural style. The Brihadisvara temple of Thanjavur exhibits the most important features of Chola architectural style. The spectacular Vimana (tower) is more than 85 meters tall, and the impressive entrances are adorned with elaborate sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Parts of the temple are decorated with immense sculptures of Nataraja, the dancing Siva. The other two temples also display similar features of Chola architecture. The Airavatesvara temple in Darasuram incorporates a highly decorative wall around the temple’s main body that is covered with sculptures depicting Hindu gods and symbols.

The Great Living Chola Temples are remarkable examples of Indian culture and art at the time. Their construction and decoration took place over a span of 200 hundred years and are unique as sites of Hindu worship. The temples have since been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remain living symbols of South India’s ancient and vibrant heritage.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Great Living Chola Temples

1. Brihadisvara Temple, Tanjore: This magnificent temple built by the Cholas in the 11th century is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent pieces of Chola architecture. The temple is a great example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture and features a stunning 65-meter-high Vimana (tower).

2. Kundavai Temple, Kumbakonam: Built in the 12th century, this is one of the greatest Chola temples to still stand and is made of cut stone. The temple is located close to the famous Mahamaham Temple and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is also known for its huge Nandi Bull idol.

3. Airavateswara Temple, Darasuram: A stunningly beautiful Chola temple in the Thanjavur district, Airavateswara Temple is constructed in the 12th century. It’s the only temple in India to be decorated with Chola frescoes and the carving of the chariot in the temple is particularly commendable and is considered as one of the finest sculptures of the Chola period.

4. Uthiramerur Temple: Located in Kanchipuram District, this temple is usually known for its inscription stone which is highly revered as it provides guidelines for the implementation of democratic principles in running the local village administration. The temple is built in the 9th-century and is considered as a fine example of Chola architecture.

5. Nageshwara Temple, Kumbakonam: This is one of the earliest Chola temples and is built in the 8th century. This is one of the most visited temples for Shiva worshipers and houses three graceful Shivalingas inside the temple. The temple architecture is a combination of Dravidian and Nagara styles and the tall vimana is worth mentioning.

6. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram: This is one of the oldest and most visited temples for Shiva worshipers. It is an important pilgrimage for Saivites and dates back to the Chola period in the 9th century. The temple is famous for its Chola architecture and is believed to have been built by the Cholas to commemorate a triumph over the Pallavas.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Great Living Chola Temples

Q: What is a great living Chola temple?

A: A great living Chola temple is any temple built during the Chola period in southern India, especially in the present-day states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The Chola period begins in the 9th century CE and is known for its ornate architecture and intricate sculptures.

Q: Where are Chola temples located?

A: Chola temples are located throughout southern India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The most famous Chola temples are located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

Q: How many Chola temples are there?

A: It is estimated that there are around 10,000 Chola temples still found throughout southern India.

Q: What is the architectural style of Chola Temples?

A: Chola temples are built in the Dravidian style of architecture and are highly ornate with detailed sculptures and majestic towers.

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