History:

is a Hindu temple located in the Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a town in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, India. The temple was built by the Chola king Rajendra Chola I between 1012 and 1040, in commemoration of his successful campaign to the Ganges river in northern India, which symbolizes the victory of the Chola empire. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Great Living Chola Temples. The temple is one of three which form the collection of living Chola temples made of granite, the other two being the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur and the Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram. In terms of architecture the temple is unique, as it is one of the few temples with two Shiva Lingams under one roof. The temple is part of a larger group of monuments, which includes the two other Shiva temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the temple at Darasuram. It is one of the best temple in TamilNadu which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Brihadisvara Temple, located in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest and most impressive Hindu temples in India. 2. It was constructed in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I, the great Chola king and his successor Rajaditya. 3. The main deity of the temple is Lord Shiva and is represented by the lingam. 4. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture and stands 40 meters tall (132 feet). 5. The temple is decorated with 1120 sculptures carved on granite. 6. The temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is also listed as a Great Living Chola Temple by UNESCO. 7. The temple has five enclosures and is surrounded by a moat. 8. There are several mandaps and shrines inside the temple, each dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses. Here are some facts about the TamilNadu temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in TamilNadu

Worship Method:

The Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu is a classic example of Chola Temple architecture. The temple follows the religious customs and rituals of the Hindu tradition and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and historical significance. The religious practices and rituals in the temple involve the worship of Lord Shiva as the main deity. Devotees offer poojas and other religious rituals to honour the presiding deity, including the staging of elaborate marriage ceremonies on certain auspicious days. The temple has a variety of festivals related to Lord Shiva's legend and lore, which are celebrated with much fanfare. On Mahashivratri, a procession of Lord Shiva from the nearby town of Thirubhuvanam is organised, where the villagers hail him as the destroyer of the devil. Other important festivals include Aadi Pooram and Madurai Thirukkalyanam. Sati pooja is also conducted in the Brihadisvara Temple on special days. On these days, devotees gather around the lingam and offer milk, flowers and other healing offerings. Apart from these festivals, many other auspicious rituals are also performed in the temple on special occasions. This most visited temple in TamilNadu

Opening Timing:

The temple is open every day from 6:00 AM until 1:00 PM and then again from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. top temples in TamilNadu

How to reach:

The nearest airport to Gangaikonda Cholapuram is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located about 80kms from the temple. The nearest railway station is the Kumbakonam Railway Station, located 25kms from the temple. The best way to visit the temple is to take a bus from any major city to Kumbakonam and then hire a taxi to the temple. famous temples in TamilNadu