The Peruvudaiyar Koyil also known as Brihadeeswarar Temple and Rajarajeswaram, at Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva and a brilliant example of
the major heights achieved by Cholas in Tamil architecture. It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its
patron Raja Raja Chola I. It remains India's largest temple and is one of the greatest
glories of Indian architecture. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola
Temples" This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. The
temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th
century. The vimana - or the temple tower — is 216 ft (66 m) high and is among the tallest
of its kind in the world. The Kumbam (or Kalash or Chikharam) (apex or the
bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single stone. There
is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock, at the entrance
measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The entire temple structure is
made out of hard granite stones, a material sparsely available in Thanjavur
area where the temple is. Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola in Thanjavur,
Brihadishwara Temple, also popularly known as the ‘Big Temple', turned 1000
years old in 2010.
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