The much celebrated 'Ponnambalam' (temple with golden roof) at Thillai (Chidambaram) was just a few hours of journey away. Thiruvarur, the most important 'Sapta Vitanka Sthalam’, which had the patronage of the Cholas right from the days of Manuneedhi Cholan and Musukuntha Cholan, was also nearby. So were numerous temples referred to as 'paadal Petra Sthalangals' - temples where the Saivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandhar and Manickavasagar had sung Thevaram hymns (religious hymns praising the deeds of Lord Shiva). Then, what made Rajaraja Cholan build a massive temple in his capital city?
Few centuries back, the Pallavas had given a new dimension to art and architecture. Under their patronage rose the majestic Rathas, Shore Temple and Yali Caves at Mamallapuram. Rajasimha Pallavan built two splendid temples in Kanchipuram 'Paramesvara Vinnagaram' and 'Kailasanathar Kovil'. The latter, dedicated to Lord Siva, held Rajaraja Cholan's attention. He called it 'kachchipettu Periya Thali' (The Big Temple of Kanchipuram). Rajaraja Cholan's dreams and aspirations were always huge. The visionary he was in all matters, there is no wonder that he envisaged a huge temple to celebrate the power of divinity.
Many a people, have wondered why he chose to build an imposing monument. Did he want to showcase the power and might of his empire by building something colossal? Did he want to stamp his authority and tell the world, 'Look what I have accomplished?' Did he want to get rid of sins wrought by years of warfare or get a magical cure to a disease of unknown origin, as some people claim? May be the reason was simple. He wanted to show the whole world the towering presence of God that is everlasting against human life that is highly evanescent.
The Chola Dynasty ruler Rajaraja I (r. 985–1014) built the Brihadeeswarar Temple in the southeast of the new capital Thanjavur, in the Kaveri (Cauvery) River valley, perhaps before 1010. In honor of the king, it has also been referred to as Rajarajesvara Temple. Along with the Rajendra-Cholisvara Temple, which his successor Rajendra I built in Gangaikondacholapuram, the next new capital, it is one of the two greatest temples from the Chola Dynasty. Those buildings were magnificent national undertakings that demonstrated the Chola Empire's dominance over south India. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is reported to have been built in about seven years. There are cloisters all around its boundaries, measuring 120 x 240 meters.Raja Raja Perunthachan and Raja Raja Cholan were the architects. Dravidian architecture is the architectural style Temple of Thanjavur Constructed in 1010 AD Festivals held at Thanjavur Temple: Sadhaya Vizha, Shivaratri Function, and Chithirai Brahmotsavam 55 km away from Trichy; one hour's travel time Trichy is the closest airport. UNLISTED globe WONDER: The Thanjavur Big Temple, also known as the Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, is one of the lesser-known marvels of the globe. Its numerous undiscovered architectural secrets have kept people enthralled for a millennium. The Thanjavur Temple is home to countless wonders that will undoubtedly realign the list of world wonders in the days to come. One of Tamil Nadu's most popular tourist destinations, it introduces visitors from different nations to the Chola Kingdom and their sophisticated architectural style. The most unexpected.
