This famous voluptuous temple stands next to the famous Brihadisvara temple at Tanjore. Gangaikonda Cholapuram has been regarded as the reproduction of Brihadisvara Temple that was been built by Rajaraja Chola, father of Rajendra Chola. Gangai Konda Cholapuram was erected to outshine the temple made by the father. The temple is renowned for having the biggest Shivalingam in the Southern part of India.The sanctum embraces the four meter high lingam (phallic form) of Lord Shiva. To especially provide a private worship area for the royal family, the sanctum is encircled with two walls. The stately entrance of the sanctum is adorned by the beautiful image of Goddess Saraswati. The influence of Chalukyas is also reflected from the icons of ‘Suryapita’ (Sun worship) and ‘Navagrahs’ (Nine planets).The meticulous accounts of the Cholas are inscribed on the copper plates and temple walls. Preferred place of crowned heads, such a beautiful exotic structure took approximately nine years to complete. Gangaikondacholapuram has been very much plundered for several times, but the architectural and sculptural wealth remained alive.It will not be an exaggeration to say that Gangikonda Cholapuram Temple is a Beautiful Place For Vacations. The temple was erected to extol the accomplishments of the combatant king. Gangaikondacholapuram is a tribute to the architects and artisans who had created this spectacular testament.Rajendra built a temple in Gangaikondacholapuram village which was dedicated to Lord Siva in the form of “Gangaikondachola Isvara” or “God of the Chola who conquered the Ganga”. There is a massive Nandi sculpture in front of the entrance. The temple has also been looted in many occasions, but the architectural and sculpting treasure can never be looted. This monument built to laud the achievements of a warrior king has stood the test of time and remains a standing accolade to the architects and the artists who have created this stunning monument.
History of the Temple
For about 250 years, the Chola clan had ruled over a large part of South India. In those times, the Chola dynasty was at its apex and conquered many a parts of the northern territory. The wealth was brimming due to the outcome of their booming war operations. On one of the expeditions, Rajendra Chola brought Ganga water in a golden pot and consecrated the reservoir ‘Ponneri or Cholaganga’. Consequently, Rajendra was been titled as ‘Gangaikondan’ (the one who brought the Ganges). The king wanted to erect a ‘larger than life’ temple corresponding to the Brihadeeswara Temple. During 1020 – 29 AD, Gangaikondacholapuram had seen its construction.
Architecture of Temple
The temple has superb architecture which boasts of a 9 storey vimanam that extends to a height of 185 feet. Facing the east direction, Gangai Konda Cholapuram embraces incredible sculptures and carvings. Not less than 54.86m in height, the temple structure follows the style of Brihadisvara Temple. The whole temple is thrived with rich and intricate carvings that are exclusive to Chola style of artistry. Known to comprise a little northern style, the structure embraces intricate carvings in the Vimanams.The architecture is a portrayal of complex carvings on the hard granite stones, irrespective of the simple style of Cholas. Mind-blowing sculptures can be viewed to adorn the walls and ceilings of Gangaikondacholapuram. The creativity of sculptors is reflected in the figures of dancing Nataraja and peaceful Saraswati Tamil Nadu travel destinations. However, the sculptures erected here are as artistic as found in any other temples of Cholas. The most interesting are of Shiva-Parvati, Ardhanareshwar (the man-woman manifestation of Lord Shiva) and Ganesha. The colossal shrine also addresses several significant bronzes of the Chola age.Gangaikondacholapuram is a historical village of South India which is situated 36 km north of Kumbakonam. The village lies on the northern bank of the famous river Kollidani in Tamil Nadu. Rajendra Chola I, who was in rule from 1012 to 1044 A.D constructed Gangaikondacholapuram and its temple.