Do you know that India is home to a temple built in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, which holds a lot of mysteries in it?
You should then surely check out this glorious temple known by the name Brihadeeswarar Temple, which was built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD. Let’s talk about the mysteries or wonders of this temple.
Brihadeeswarar Temple
This temple has survived all natural calamities like winds, rains, storms, etc., over so many centuries with nothing happening to the structure of it.
- The biggest mystery is that, be it any season, the shadow of this grand temple will not fall anywhere on the ground.
- The temple has the tallest shivalinga in the world, which occupies almost two storeys in the garbhagraha.
- No binding materials were used to build this temple. Only interlocking stones were used to build this 216 ft tall temple.
- No cement or blocks were used.
- The entire temple is built out of granite, which is not even native to Thanjavur.
The architecture of the Brihadeeswarar Temple is a masterpiece that continues to leave scholars and engineers in awe. The temple’s construction techniques defy logic, as no modern technology or machinery was used to complete such a complex structure. Experts even find it puzzling how such massive granite stones were transported and assembled. What’s more remarkable is that the temple, even after all these years, remains stable and flawless in design. The fact that no binding agents were used to keep the stones together, yet the temple has stood the test of time, is nothing short of miraculous.
The temple’s intricately carved walls showcase scenes from various mythologies and offer a glimpse into the rich culture of the Chola dynasty. The detailed sculptures, carvings of deities, and majestic Nandi statue (standing 13 feet tall) are not only artistic but also tell the stories of ancient beliefs and religious practices. The grandeur of these sculptures continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
Brihadeeswarar Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple also houses a massive dome, the tallest of its kind, made of a single stone. This dome weighs around 80 tons and rests on top of the temple’s central sanctum. The engineering brilliance involved in lifting and positioning such a heavy stone at that height, without the aid of modern cranes, continues to be a subject of fascination.
Dravidian Art
Another fascinating aspect of the temple is the Nandi statue located at the entrance. This grand sculpture, carved from a single block of stone, stands as a perfect example of Dravidian art. The Nandi, which is the vehicle of Lord Shiva, is facing the sanctum where the main deity is enshrined, and its presence adds to the temple’s majestic aura.
Visiting this temple in person is an experience like no other. The sheer scale of the Brihadeeswarar Temple and the mysteries surrounding its construction make it a must-see destination. Standing beneath the towering structure, you can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and vision of those who built it. It’s not just a place of worship, but a true architectural marvel, a testament to the brilliance of the Dravidian civilization.
You should visit to see this marvel with your own eyes.
