10 Fascinating Facts About the Tanjore Temple

1.Architectural Marvel

Built during the Chola dynasty in the 11th century, the Tanjore Temple is renowned for its architectural grandeur. It is considered one of the most magnificent examples of Dravidian temple architecture, characterized by its towering vimana (tower) and intricate sculptural details. It's still considered as Architectural Marvel even today.

2.World's First Granite Temple

What sets the Tanjore Temple apart from others is that it is primarily constructed using granite. This makes it the world's first complete granite temple, a testament to the Chola dynasty's engineering and architectural prowess. The Granites were arranged one after another with any cement. They are arranged using inter-locking technology. They were carried by elephants. The use of granite, a dense and extremely hard rock, for the construction of the temple symbolizes the Chola dynasty's commitment to building structures that would stand the test of time.

3.Gigantic Shiva Lingam

The main attraction of the temple is the massive Shiva Lingam, which is approximately 12 feet in height and is housed in the sanctum sanctorum. This colossal lingam is a symbol of Lord Shiva's grandeur and power.

4.Architect Raja Raja Chola

The temple was built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I, who is often referred to as "Raja Raja the Great." He was a patron of art, culture, and architecture, and his reign witnessed the construction of many magnificent temples, including the Tanjore Temple. He also constructed many engineering marvels including Kallanai.

5.UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1987, the Brihadeeswarar Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its historical and cultural significance. It is considered a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and a pivotal site for understanding India's rich past.

6.Mysterious Shadow

One of the most astonishing features of the Tanjore Temple is its shadow. The vimana (tower) of the temple never casts a shadow on the ground, regardless of the time of day. This architectural marvel has baffled experts for centuries. The top of the vimana is build using a single granite.

7.Frescoes and Inscriptions

The temple walls are adorned with intricate frescoes and inscriptions that depict various mythological stories and events from the Chola dynasty's history. These paintings provide valuable insights into the art and culture of the time. It have cravings of the Great Raja Raja Chola. The frescoes and inscriptions adorning the walls of the Tanjore Temple are a rich source of historical, cultural, and artistic significance. The frescoes on the temple walls depict a wide array of mythological narratives, including stories from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

8.Grand Nandi Statue

At the entrance of the temple, you'll find a colossal Nandi (the sacred bull of Lord Shiva) statue, carved from a single piece of granite. This Nandi statue is one of the largest in India, measuring about 13 feet in length and 16 feet in height. It is a belief that the Nandi grows in size. It's been worshipped specially on special occasions.

9.Musical Pillars

The temple boasts an intriguing feature known as the "musical pillars." When tapped gently, these stone pillars produce musical notes. This unique architectural innovation showcases the advanced engineering skills of the Chola dynasty. The musical pillars of the Tanjore Temple are a unique and fascinating feature. The musical pillars are not only known for their melodic quality but also for their intricate carvings.

10.Continuous Worship

Despite being a historic monument, the Tanjore Temple is not just a tourist attraction. It remains a living place of worship where rituals and pujas (prayers) are conducted regularly. The temple continues to play an essential role in the spiritual life of the local community.