Brihadeeswarar temple of Tanjavur, Tamizh Nadu has thousands of sculptures. There are hundreds of sculptures which one cannot miss in this temple. But there are hundreds more which
are small and tiny which can very easily be missed.
If I call it a Magnum opus of Chola Architecture it will only be an understatement. So far I would have visited this temple at least 8 times! Every time I go there I discover something new. This temple has so much to offer for those who love temple architecture! Sculptures in this temple vary in size from few inches to over six feet and more!
Particularly interesting place to look for these sculptures is the outer walls of the shrine of Subrahmanya. One can at least spot hundred interesting sculptures here.
Brihadeeswarar temple was built by the greatest Tamizh King Raja Raja Chozhan I between 1003 and 1010 CE. This temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples" along with the Chola dynasty era Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple.
In this post I have posted only those sculptures which anyone can miss! One need to go looking for it, otherwise it is very likely to be missed.
Since it is a World Heritage Site still photography is allowed! Although it is a protected monument there is no entrance fee for this temple. It is important to know that backpack is not allowed inside the premises. Carrying multiple lenses is a problem!
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