The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu recently held its consecration, or Kumbhabhishekam ceremony after a period of 23 years. This significant event was conducted following a resolution by the Madras High Court to settle a long-standing disagreement about the ritual. The controversy was rooted in the age-old tussle for dominance between Sanskrit and Tamil traditions. The court’s decree permitted the consecration to be executed in both Tamil and Sanskrit, opining that no canonical texts (Agamas) or religious script prohibit the use of Tamil mantras in temples.
About the Brihadisvara Temple
Also known as the Raja Rajeswara Temple, the Brihadisvara temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Thanjavur, situated in the delta region of the Cauvery River. Built by Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 AD and 1010 AD, this temple stands as one of the finest instances of Dravidian style temple architecture which evolved and thrived from around the 8th century to the 13th-14th century AD.
Featuring a pyramidal spire adorned with sculptures and paintings both inside and out, the temple earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is collectively declared a part of the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ along with the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram.
The Great Living Chola Temples
The Brihadisvara Temple of Gangaikondacholapuram in Tamil Nadu was constructed in honor of Shiva by Rajendra I during 1014-1044 CE. This temple is renowned for its high-quality sculptures. In particular, the bronze sculptures of Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are considered masterpieces of Chola metal icons.
Meanwhile, the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram was built by the Chola king, Rajaraja II between 1144 and 1173 CE. Although smaller in size than the Brihadisvara temples at Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, this temple is unique owing to its sanctum without a circumambulatory path and axial mandapas. Its front mandapa is distinguished for its design, conceptualized as a chariot with wheels.
Unfolding the Mystery of the Brihadisvara Temple
The Brihadisvara Temple continues to intrigue many with its exceptional architecture and construction. Considered one of the tallest temples in India, it stands as an enigma to engineers and archaeologists due to its entire structure made of granite. It remains unknown how the builders managed to transport such immense pieces of granite to construct this towering monument.
Particularly noteworthy is the apex structure atop the temple, believed to be crafted from a single stone carving. So skilled was the design that the Vimana (the structure over the inner sanctum or garbhagriha) does not cast a shadow at noon throughout the year. Vimana, a feature of Hindu temples in South India and Odisha, is akin to a stepped pyramid rising geometrically, unlike the curving Shikhara seen in North Indian temples.
