Brihadeeswarar, Thanjavur
Built by Rajaraja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE, its 66-metre vimana was among the tallest in the world. It is part of UNESCO's Great Living Chola Temples.
Documented history
[Archaeological evidence]
Inscriptions on the temple record Rajaraja Chola I's gifts and the names of the dancers, musicians and craftsmen who served it. UNESCO inscribed it in 1987 and extended the listing in 2004 to include Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram.
Engineering
The vimana rises in granite, a material not found nearby; the great capstone is often said to weigh around 80 tonnes.
The journey continues for members
- Inside
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre — Great Living Chola Temples
- South Indian Inscriptions, vol. 2