Art & Architecture

School & Style

The Bṛhadīśvara Temple at Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Chōḷapuram is a masterpiece of Drāviḍa architecture, reflecting the grandeur of the Chōḷa dynasty. Its towering vimāna stands as a testament to the era’s architectural innovation and divine symbolism. The temple showcases intricately carved sculptures depicting deities and mythological narratives. Designed with precise alignment to cardinal directions, it creates a structured and symbolic spiritual journey for devotees. The grand layout and artistic brilliance exemplify the fusion of sacred geometry and Chōḷa craftsmanship.

Architecture

Sculptures

Bṛhadīśvara

The Gangaikonda Cōḷāpuram Temple is designed in the Drāviḍian architectural style with a square layout. The structural elements closely resemble those of the larger Bṛhadīśvara Temple in Taṉjāvūr.

The original courtyard consists of two stacked squares, and all architectural features, such as the mandapas, upapīṭham, shrine layouts, garbhagṛha (sanctum), and tower elements incorporating circles and geometric symmetry.

The Gangaikonda Cōḷāpuram Temple is primarily built using granite, a stone known for its strength and durability.

The Classical Cholas (3rd century BCE) were early trailblazers Fast forward to the Imperial Cholas(9th–13th centuries CE), and they became global influencers under kings like Raja Raja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I, conquering lands from Sri Lanka to Southeast Asia.

Layout

The Bṛhadīśvara Temple at Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Chōḷapuram stands at the center of a rectangular enclosure, accessed through a now-dilapidated eastern gateway.

The entrance sequence follows a linear arrangement:
Nandī statue at the forefront.
Mukhamandapa (rectangular hall).
Antarāla (vestibule).
Sanctum (garbhagriha).

The temple features a square sanctuary, surrounded by a hallway connecting to a transept with north and south entrances. Extending eastward is a long-columned mandapa, partially reconstructed.

Inside the prakāra (temple enclosure), there are additional shrines dedicated to:
Amman (Goddess shrine).
Caṇḍīkeśvara (guardian deity).
Mahīṣamardinī (form of Goddess Durgā).

Architectural Elements of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple

Main entrance and the Nandi Sculptures

The temple courtyard spans 560 ft (170 m) by 320 ft (98 m).

The sanctum (garbhagriha) measures 100 sq ft (9.3 m²) and is accessed through the Ardha Maṇḍapa.

The sanctum doorway is guarded by Dvārapālas, each standing 6 ft (1.8 m) tall.

At the heart of the sanctum stands the Bṛhadīśvara (Śiva) liṅga: Height: 4 m (13 ft) Base circumference: 18 m (59 ft)

Access & Entrances:

Two flights of steps from the north and south lead to the Ardha Maṇḍapa.
Dvārapālas flank the Mukha Maṇḍapa, with another pair guarding the eastern entrance to the main mandapa.
A final set of Dvārapālas stands at the sanctum entrance.

Vimāna Structure:

The vimāna at Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Cōḷapuram has 9 storeys, compared to 13 at Taṉjāvūr.

Each storey follows a square-circle-oblong pattern, shrinking rhythmically to form a parabolic shape.
The lower storeys shrink faster than the upper ones.

Crowning Elements:

The grīva (neck) faces the four cardinal directions, with Nandī bulls at each corner.
Above it sits a kīrtimukha, followed by an open lotus.
The kalasa, once gold-coated, crowns the vimāna.
Above the kalasa, a lotus bud reaches toward the sky.

Elements of the Śikhara

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Trivia

On World Post Day, the Indian Postal Department issued a special postal cover featuring the Brihadisvara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, honoring its architectural and historical significance.

Not to be missed

Ganesha Shrine

Kailāśanātha Shrine

Amman shrine

Chandikesvara Shrine

Mahīṣāsuramardinī Shrine

Lion Well

The North Gate

This shrine is situated in the southeastern corner of the complex.

The Ganeśa Shrine is aligned in an east-west orientation and comprises a Vimāna and Maṇḍapa.

Entry is from the east, and the temple houses a large image of Ganeśa.

The Kailāśanātha Shrine is situated on the southern side of the complex. It does not house a deity.

The structure comprises a Vimāna and a Maṇḍapa, along with an extended porch, whose roof has collapsed. Dvārapālas stand as sentinels at the entrance of the empty inner sanctum.

In South Indian Śiva temples, a shrine dedicated to Pārvatī, Śiva’s consort, is commonly present and is popularly referred to as the Amman shrine.

In the case of the Bṛhadīśvara Temple at Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Cōḷapuram, this shrine is located on the northern side.

This is the smallest temple in the complex and the only one that does not face east; instead, it faces south .

This shrine is located to the northeast of the Candikeśvara Shrine.

The small temple consists of a Vimāna and a Maṇḍapa, and it houses an image of Mahīṣāsuramardinī.

East of the Mahiṣāsuramardinī shrine stands a statue of a lion crafted from plastered brickwork.

A flight of stairs passes through the body of the lion statue and leads to a large well, known as Siṁhakīnara.

According to popular legend, it is said that Rājendra I poured Gaṅgā water into the well to ensure a perpetual supply of holy water for bathing the deity.

A portion of the two-tiered pillared gateway on the northern wall still stands.

On the western side of the gateway, several statues collected from the temple complex are housed.

Additionally, the cloister wall that once surrounded the complex is in a state of disrepair, with major sections of the roof having collapsed long ago.

Ganesha Shrine

Kailāśanātha Shrine

Amman shrine

Chandikeśvara Shrine

Mahīṣāsuramardinī Shrine

Lion Well

The North Gate

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Chola Sculptural Mastery

The Bṛhadīśvara Temple Complex at Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Cōḷapuram is adorned with exquisite sculptures, showcasing the Chola dynasty’s artistic brilliance. These intricate carvings embellish not only the walls of the main temple but also the subsidiary shrines, reflecting a seamless blend of divine symbolism, craftsmanship, and storytelling.

The Gangaikonda Temple features an extensive array of sculptural representations of deities, reflecting the rich religious heritage of the Chola dynasty.

These sculptures exemplify the intricate artistry of the period while depicting key figures from Hindu mythology.

Each carving embodies the devotion and cultural beliefs of the Chola rulers, emphasizing their patronage of temple art.

A special focus is placed on Lord Śiva in various forms, reinforcing the temple’s significance as a center of worship and artistic expression.

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Trivia

The song “Oh Vasantha Raaja” from the movie Neengal Kettavai was beautifully shot at the Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram. This temple, an architectural marvel of the Chola dynasty, serves as a stunning backdrop, highlighting the grandeur and intricate stone carvings of the historic site

Caṇḍeśānugraha Mūrti, a remarkable sculpture at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, is housed within a temple wall niche.

It portrays Lord Śiva garlanding Caṇḍeśa, a revered Nāyaṉār saint, with Goddess Pārvatī observing the divine act.

Caṇḍeśa, honored as a guardian of temples during the Chola period, holds a significant place in temple worship.

The sculpture is also seen as an imperial allegory, symbolizing Rājendra Chola’s coronation by Śiva, as Caṇḍeśa bears a striking resemblance to the ruler.

Caṇḍeśa, revered as a guardian
of temples, is believed to protect
sacred spaces from malevolent forces.
According to legend, his unwavering devotion
to Śiva was so profound that the deity himself
descended to personally garland him—a timeless
symbol of divine grace and favor.

The Bṛhadīśvara Temple Complex at Gaṅgaikoṇḍa Cōḷapuram features a rich collection of sculptures, including the dynamic Naṭarāja as the cosmic dancer, the ascetic Bhikṣāṭana depicting Śiva as a supreme mendicant, and Gajalakṣmī, symbolizing prosperity and fortune. These masterpieces reflect the temple’s spiritual and artistic grandeur.

Gajalakshmi

Ardhanarishwara

Bikshatanamurti

Gajalakshmi

Kalantaka

Madantaka

Nnataraja

❮❯

The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple features exquisite carvings of Bharatanatyam dancers in graceful poses, capturing the elegance of this classical art form.

Alongside them, musicians are depicted playing various instruments such as the veena, mridangam, flute, and cymbals, highlighting the rich musical heritage of the Chola period. These sculptures emphasize the temple’s role as a cultural hub, where dance and music were integral to religious and royal traditions.

Lion Base Pillar

Kārtikeya

Dancing Posture

Gymnasium - in action

Female Drummer

Śālabhañjikā

Nāṭya Gaṇeśa

The temple’s pillar carvings showcase dancers and musicians, reflecting the Chola period’s vibrant artistic culture.

Dynamic poses highlight the importance of music and dance in religious and royal ceremonies.

Both male and female performers are depicted, playing instruments like the veena, drums, and cymbals, or in expressive dance postures.

An intriguing feature of the iconography includes depictions of gymnasiums and wrestling scenes.

These diverse representations underscore the temple’s role as not just a religious hub, but also a center of cultural and social life during the Chola era.

Did you know that the Gangaikondacholapuram temple was once adorned with vibrant colors?

Though time has weathered much of the paint, fragments of these original murals still remain, offering a glimpse into the temple’s former splendor. These surviving remnants serve as silent witnesses to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty, telling stories of a rich artistic legacy that once breathed life into the stone walls.

The northern gate of the Brihadisvara Temple showcases numerous sculptures recovered from nearby ruins!

Photo OP

The giant statue of the Nandi Bull, facing the temple, serves as the perfect backdrop
for stunning photographs, making it a must-visit spot for every traveler.

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School & Style

Bṛhadīśvara

Layout

Not to be missed

Ganesha Shrine

Kailāśanātha Shrine

Amman shrine

Chandikesvara Shrine

Mahīṣāsuramardinī Shrine

Lion Well

The North Gate

Chola Sculptural Mastery

Gajalakshmi

Ardhanarishwara

Bikshatanamurti

Gajalakshmi

Kalantaka

Madantaka

Nnataraja

Photo OP

The giant statue of the Nandi Bull, facing the temple, serves as the perfect backdrop
for stunning photographs, making it a must-visit spot for every traveler.

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Contact Info

Address:
Malaxmi Couryard Survey No. 157, Khajaguda Village, Chitrapuri Colony Post, Hyderaba-500104

Email:
info@pleachindia.com

Phone:
+91 9959126475

Pleach India Foundation

Connecting the Roots

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Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

© 2025 All Rights Reserved by Pleach India Foundation

School & Style

Bṛhadīśvara

Layout

Not to be missed

Ganesha Shrine

Kailāśanātha Shrine

Amman shrine

Chandikesvara Shrine

Mahīṣāsuramardinī Shrine

Lion Well

The North Gate

Chola Sculptural Mastery

Gajalakshmi

Ardhanarishwara

Bikshatanamurti

Gajalakshmi

Kalantaka

Madantaka

Nnataraja

Photo OP

The giant statue of the Nandi Bull, facing the temple, serves as the perfect backdrop for stunning photographs, making it a must-visit spot for every traveler.

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest stories, insights, and updates from Pleach India."

Contact Info

Address: Malaxmi Couryard Survey No. 157, Khajaguda Village, Chitrapuri Colony Post, Hyderaba-500104

Email: info@pleachindia.com

Phone: +91 9959126475

Pleach India Foundation

Connecting the Roots

Coming Soon...

Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions

© 2025 All Rights Reserved by Pleach India Foundation

The giant statue of the Nandi Bull, facing the temple, serves as the perfect backdrop
for stunning photographs, making it a must-visit spot for every traveler.

Address:
Malaxmi Couryard Survey No. 157, Khajaguda Village, Chitrapuri Colony Post, Hyderaba-500104

Email:
info@pleachindia.com

Phone:
+91 9959126475