The Great Living Chola Temples are an architectural marvel and a testament to the rich cultural heritage of India. Located in Thanjavur, India, this ancient site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

Overview

The Great Living Chola Temples consist of three magnificent structures: the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram, and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. These temples showcase the brilliant achievements of the Chola Empire in architecture, sculpture, painting, and bronze casting.

History

According to UNESCO, the three Great Chola Temples are an exceptional and outstanding testimony to the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the Tamil civilization in Southern India. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram was completed in 1035 by Rajendra I, while the Airavatesvara temple complex at Darasuram was built by Rajaraja II.

Architecture

The temples feature a unique blend of architectural styles, with recessed corners and graceful upward curving movements in some structures. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur features a straight and severe tower, contrasting with the more elegant 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) of the Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram.

Location

The Great Living Chola Temples are located in Thanjavur, India. The exact coordinates of the site are 10.783861, 79.131583.

Religious Significance

Unfortunately, no specific details about the religious significance of the temples are available.

Notable Artworks and Features

The Airavatesvara temple complex at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram is notable for its recessed corners and graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur.

Heritage Status

Listed on the National Register of Monuments in India since 1991, the Great Living Chola Temples were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. The site meets the criteria of (ii)(iii) for cultural heritage significance.

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no specific details about visiting information are available. However, according to UNESCO, visitors can explore the temples and learn about their rich history and cultural significance through guided tours and interpretive exhibits.