Vijayalaya Chola formed the medieval Chola dynasty. Vijayalaya Chola was feudatory with the Pallava dynasty. In 850 CE, he captured Thanjavur from Muttarayar and established the imperial line of the medieval Chola Dynasty. After Vijayalaya Chola, his successors, Aditya Chola and Parantaka Chola I extended the empire. The expansion of the Chola dynasty started during the reign of Parantaka Chola I. He expanded the empire in the Kaveri delta during his reign.
In the later years, many of his successors expanded the kingdom in almost all parts of India and Sri Lanka. There is also a saying that Karikala Chola has flagged the Chola flag on the Himalayas. It means, he expanded the empire to the Himalayas. Amongst all the Chola kings, Arunmozhivarman was the greatest king. Not only in the Chola dynasty but also in Indian history too. He ruled the Chola dynasty from 985 CE to 1014 CE. Arunmozhivarman was often described as the "Ponniyin Selvan."
About Raja Raja Chola
Ponniyin means Ponni (the name of the river in the Tamil Nadu region) and Selvan means son. It is said that Arunmozhivarman was saved by the Ponni river when he was 5 years old. Apart from this title, Arunmozhivarman has many titles such as "Raja Raja Chola," "Raja Raja Chozan" or "Raja Raja the Great." Raja Raja Chola is called the epitome of the Chola dynasty. He expanded the empire across all the borders. He occupied Sri Lanka, the Kaveri delta, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Kalinga, etc.
Raja Raja Cholan is well known for his administration. Many temples were built during his reign. His victories and important events are inscribed on stones. A new coin system is implemented during his reign. Many foreign traders from China, Indonesia, Arabs, etc., visited India to do business. Raja Raja Chola is also a patron of art. he built many beautiful temples that are still intact to date. One such temple is the famous Brihadeeswara temple.
In this article, we see the famous temples built by Raja Raja Chozhan during his reign. Also, many of these temples are called the Great Living Chola Temples.
Also read: Ram Setu: World's Largest Man-made Tombolo
Great Temples Built by Raja Raja Chola
Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur
Rajarajeshwaram temple is also famously known as Brihadeeswara temple. This temple is located in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. This famous temple was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola in the 11th century AD. The temple was built on the banks of the Kaveri river. The main idol in this temple is Lord Shiva. The Brihadeeswara temple is also a symbol of the power and wealth of Raja Raja Chola. This temple is an excellent example of Dravidian architecture. In the 11th century, the Brihadeeswara temple is the largest temple ever built in India.
Brihadeewara temple is renowned for its magnificent gopuram, or entrance tower. The height of the temple gopuram is 216 feet tall. It is one of the tallest gopurams in the world. This temple is the foundation stone for the grandiose design. They used over 1 lakh 30 thousand tons of granite to build the temple. The temple complex is spread over an area of 29 acres that includes many structures like a main temple, Nandi mandapam, a stone bull statue, and a large courtyard.
The main shrine of the temple has a massive lingam or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The height of the Shiva Lingam is 13 feet. In 1987, the Brihadeeswara temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is considered one of the finest examples of South Indian temple architecture. Also, it is a live example of the great art and architecture of the Chola dynasty.
Valisvara Temple, Tirunelveli
Valisvara temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the town of Thiruvalisvaram in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. The main idol in the Valisvara temple is Lord Shiva. Valisvara temple is considered one of the most important temples in the Tirunelveli region. The Valisvara temple is considered the best example of Chola architecture and Dravidian architecture. The main deity Lord Shiva is depicted sitting in a sukhasana pose. Lord Shiva is worshipped as Chandesanugrahamurthi.
Similar to the Brihadeewara temple, this temple also has a large gopuram. The gopuram is surrounded by a high compound wall. The inner sanctum of the temple houses the main deity. Locals believe that the Shiva Lingam is a Swayambhu. The best part is that this temple is famous for its annual festival known as 'Arudra Darshan.' This is celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December to January).
Devotees from all over the region visit the temple to offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva. Overall, the Valisvara temple is a must-visit Chola temple built by Raja Raja Chola.
Uttara Kailasa Temple, Tiruvaiyuru
Vada Kailasa temple is also known as the Uttara Kailasa temple. This temple is located in Tiruvaiyuru town in Tamil Nadu. The name Uttara Kailasa means the place of five rivers. Lord Shiva is the main idol in this temple.
Uttara Kailasa temple tells about the reign of Rajadhiraja I. All his victories were inscribed on the temple walls. The temple walls also have the political events that occurred during his time. The temple complex is the most different and unique. The main reason is its exquisite architecture and intricate carvings.
The temple has a large courtyard, a sanctum sanctorum, and a mandapam. The temple gopuram has multiple levels with colorful sculptures of deities and mythological creatures. After Valisvara temple, Uttara Kailasa temple is also famous for the Arudra Darshan festival.
Vaidyanath Temple, Tirumulavadi
Vaidyanath temple is a renowned ancient Hindu temple in Tirumalavadi. The temple is one of the great temples built by Raja Raja Chola. The main idol in the temple is Lord Shiva. He is worshipped as Vaidyanath (divine physician). The temple complex is quite large and has several shrines that include the main sanctum of Lord Vaidyanath.
The temple was built in the 10th century. The temple architecture is a mix of both the Dravidian and Vijayanagara styles. This temple has many inscriptions from the period of the imperial Chola dynasty and Vijayanagara dynasty. We can see the intricate carvings and stunning sculptures on the walls and pillars of the temple.
The inscriptions on the temple walls testify to the various modifications and enlargements that happen during those centuries. The temple complex faces east. The temple gopuram is 30 meters high and covered with Hindu divinities.
The Maha Shivaratri festival is celebrated very well in this temple. Also, many devotees visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva on that auspicious day. Locals believe that praying at this temple heals all ailments. Because of this, the temple became a popular destination for people seeking spiritual solace and physical well-being.
Airavateswara Temple, Kumbakonam
Airavateswara temple was built in the 12th century. This is an ancient temple brimming with a rich heritage and surprising artistic splendors. It is one of the ancient temples that are collectively called the "Great Living Chola Temples." Airavateswara temple is bestowed the UNESCO heritage tag.
The main deity in the temple is Lord Shiva. It is located in Kundandhai (currently Kumbakonam). The temple's name is derived from the white elephant of Lord Indra. Legend says that Airvata worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur
Gangaikonda Cholapuram has a prominent place in Indian history and at the same time in the life of Raja Raja Chola too. To commemorate his victory over the Ganga dynasty in northern India, Raja Raja Chola built this temple. This temple is located in Gangaikonda Cholapuram town in Tamil Nadu.
The main idol in the Gangaikonda Cholapuram is Lord Shiva. After the reign of Raja Raja Chozhan, his son Rajendra Chola made this town his capital. The town is known for its explicit architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. Gangaikonda Cholapuram means the town of the Chola who conquered the Ganges.
Today, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus and also a popular tourist destination.
Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
The Thillai Nataraja Temple is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the five elemental lingams, representing the element of space, and is considered one of the holiest shrines in Shaivism.
The temple complex covers an area of around 40 acres and comprises four main gateway towers, or gopurams, which are elaborately adorned with sculptures and carvings. The central sanctum of the temple is dedicated to Lord Nataraja, the cosmic dancer form of Lord Shiva, and features a grand silver chariot and a sacred pond called the Sivagangai Teertham.
The temple has a rich history dating back to the 6th century CE and has undergone several expansions and renovations over the centuries. It is renowned for its architecture, which features intricate stone carvings, murals, and sculptures that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.
The Thillai Nataraja Temple is also known for its vibrant annual festival, the Natyanjali Dance Festival, which celebrates the art of classical Indian dance and attracts performers and visitors from around the world.
