History:

is a 11th century Shiva temple located in Thanjavur district. It is a part of the Great Living Chola Temples. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important pilgrimage site in South India. This temple was built by Rajendra I, the Chola king who conquered a large area of land during his rule. This temple is known for its spectacular architecture and is the largest Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. It has a huge boundary wall and a beautiful inner shrine. The temple is also known for its 12-tiered tower, multi-tiered gopuram and gorgeous statues of Nataraja and other gods. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees every year. It is one of the best temple in TamilNadu which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a temple dedicated to Shiva located in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. 2. The temple is believed to have been built by Rajendra Chola between 1020 AD to 1050 AD. 3. It is one of the largest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu and a major tourist attraction. 4. It is a living testimony to the great Chola dynasty, the temple is listed as a Great Living Chola Temple by UNESCO. 5. The temple is renowned for its cultural and architectural excellence. 6. The temple is built in the unique Dravidian style of architecture and artworks. 7. The temple complex is made up of a series of gopurams, mandapams and sanctums dedicated to the Hindu gods Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha and Brahma, as well as a large Nandhi (bull) which is the primary vehicle of Shiva. 8. The temple complex also houses other shrines dedicated to goddesses such as Meenakshi and Tripurasundari. 9. Pilgrims and devotees from all over India flock to Gangaikonda Cholapuram to pay their respects to Shiva. 10. The temple is well-known for its lively festivals, events and other activities such as the Ajapa Dandam and Arulmigu Elumalai Vinayagar Chaturthi. 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 worship method of Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is based on the Vaikhanasa Agama, one of the oldest and most revered Hindu scripture. The sanctum sanctorum houses five main deities - Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Srinivasa, Lakshmi and Mahalakshmi. Worship of these deities in the temple follows conventions and rituals as prescribed by the Vaikhanasa Agama. A separate shrine for Lord Ganesha is also maintained here, making it a suitable place for performing poojas for the lord. Daily rituals include Abhishekam for all the five main deities in the morning and evening, along with other rituals such as Deeparadhana, Thalai Deepa Naivedhyam and Vastra Dharana. Special poojas and festivals are also held on special occasions. The temple also has an Aarogyadarsana Mandappam which is used to provide medical assistance to devotees. This mandappam has been constructed in the gateway of the temple for performing various special poojas and rituals. This most visited temple in TamilNadu

Opening Timing:

The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is open everyday from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. top temples in TamilNadu

How to reach:

The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is located in the Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is in Tiruchirappalli at a distance of around 75 km. The nearest railway station to the temple is the Kumbakonam Railway Station at about 10 km. Buses and taxis are available from the main town of Kumbakonam to reach the temple. famous temples in TamilNadu