Great Living Chola Temple # 3

 

Three temples in Tanjavur District are collectively called as “Great Living Chozhan Temples”. These three temples are - The Big temple at Tanjavur built by Rajaraja Chozhan I (985-1014 CE), Gangaikonda Chozhapuram Temple build by Rajendra Chozhan I (1012-1044 CE) who was the son and successor of Rajaraja Chozhan I and Airavatesvarar Temple at Dharasuram by Rajaraja Chozhan II (1146-1173 CE)

 

 

 I have already seen the Big temple or Brihadiswara Temple at Tanjavur and Airavatesvara temple at Dharasuram. Last month when I was in Tanjvur District I made it a point to visit Gangaikonda Chozhapuram and complete seeing all the three temples.

 

 

The Brihadiswarar temple was declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987; the temple at Gangaikondachozhavaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram were added as extensions to the site in 2004.

Darasuram temple is the smallest but the most exquisite! Probably because this temple was built later!  Gangaikonda Chozhapuram temple is built almost like the Big temple. There are many similarities between them. Even the sculptures in this temple are like that of the ones we see in Big Temple.

 

I think Rajendra Chozhan I could have built this temple totally different from that of Big Temple. Definitely the grandest of all is the BIG Temple!When we compare Gangaikondachozhapuram with other two temples I will not rate it best basing on any parameter!