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| caption      = Scenes from the three temples
| caption      = Scenes from the three temples
| location      = [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| location      = [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]]
| includes      = {{flatlist|
| includes      = [[Brihadisvara Temple|The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Thanjavur]]<br/>[[Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram|The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Gangaikondacholapuram]]<br/>[[Airavatesvara Temple|The Airavatesvara Temple Complex, Darasuram]]
#[[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Thanjavur]]
#[[Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram|The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Gangaikondacholapuram]]
#[[Airavatesvara Temple|The Airavatesvara Temple Complex, Darasuram]]
}}
| criteria      = {{UNESCO WHS type|(ii), (iii)}}(ii), (iii)
| ID            = 250bis
| ID            = 250bis
| coordinates  = {{coord|10|46|59|N|79|07|57|E|region:IN|display=title, inline|format=dms}}
| coordinates  = {{coord|10|46|59|N|79|07|57|E|region:IN|display=title, inline|format=dms}}
| year          = 1987
| year          = 1986
| extension    = 2004
| extension    = 2004
| area          = {{convert|21.88|ha|acre|abbr=on}}
| area          = {{convert|21.88|ha|acre|abbr=on}}
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| locmapin      = India#Tamil Nadu
| locmapin      = India#Tamil Nadu
| map_caption  =  
| map_caption  =  
| WHS = Great Living Chola Temples
| Criteria = {{UNESCO WHS type|(i), (ii), (iii), (iv)}}(i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
}}
}}
The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' is a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] designation for a group of [[Chola dynasty]] era [[Hindu temple]]s in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250|title=Great Living Chola Temples|access-date=6 November 2010|publisher=World Heritage: Unesco.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/945rev.pdf|format=pdf|title= Great Living Chola Temples|access-date=6 November 2010|publisher=Unesco}}</ref> Completed between early 11th and the 12th century CE, the monuments include:
The '''Great Living Chola Temples''' is a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] designation for a group of three [[Chola dynasty]] era [[Hindu temple]]s in the Indian state of [[Tamil Nadu]]. The temple at [[Thanjavur]] was added in the list in 1987, while the other two temples were added in 2004.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250 |title=Great Living Chola Temples |access-date=6 November 2010 |publisher=World Heritage: Unesco.org}}</ref>
* [[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur]]
* [[Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram|Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]
* [[Airavatesvara Temple]] at [[Darasuram]].


==World Heritage Site recognition==
Completed between early 11th and the 12th century CE, the monuments include:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/945rev.pdf |title=Great Living Chola Temples |access-date=6 November 2010 |publisher=[[UNESCO]]}}</ref>
 
* [[Brihadisvara Temple]] at [[Thanjavur]], built by [[Rajaraja I]].
* [[Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram|Brihadisvara Temple]] at [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]], built by [[Rajendra Chola I]].
* [[Airavatesvara Temple]] at [[Darasuram]], built by [[Rajaraja II]].
 
== World Heritage Site recognition ==
The Temple Complex at [[Thanjavur]] was recognised in 1987. The Temple Complex at [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]] and the Airavatesvara Temple Complex were added as extensions to the site in 2004. The criteria for inclusion in the "Great Living Chola Temples" site are:
The Temple Complex at [[Thanjavur]] was recognised in 1987. The Temple Complex at [[Gangaikonda Cholapuram]] and the Airavatesvara Temple Complex were added as extensions to the site in 2004. The criteria for inclusion in the "Great Living Chola Temples" site are:
*Criterion (i): The three [[Chola]] temples of Southern India represent an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravidan type of temple.
* Criterion (i): The three [[Chola]] temples of Southern India represent an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravidan type of temple.
*Criterion (ii): The [[Brihadisvara Temple]] at Thanjavur became the first great example of the Chola temples, followed by a development of which the other two properties also bear witness.  
* Criterion (ii): The [[Brihadisvara Temple]] at Thanjavur became the first great example of the Chola temples, followed by a development of which the other two properties also bear witness.  
*Criterion (iii): The three Great Chola Temples are an exceptional and the most outstanding testimony to the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the [[Tamil civilization]] in Southern India.  
* Criterion (iii): The three Great Chola Temples are an exceptional and the most outstanding testimony to the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the [[Tamil civilization]] in Southern India.  
*Criterion (iv): The Great Chola temples at Thanjavur, at Gangaikondacholapuram and [[Darasuram]] are outstanding examples of the architecture and the representation of the Chola ideology.
* Criterion (iv): The Great Chola temples at Thanjavur, at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram are outstanding examples of the architecture and the representation of the Chola ideology.
 
== Temples ==
Thanjavur is about {{convert|340|km}} southwest of [[Chennai]]. Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram are respectively about {{convert|70|km}} and about {{convert|40|km}} to its northeast.


==Temples==
Thanjavur is about {{convert|350|km}} southwest of [[Chennai]]. Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram are respectively about {{convert|70|km}} and about {{convert|40|km}} to its northeast.
{{Location map+ | Tamil Nadu
{{Location map+ | Tamil Nadu
| width = 300
| width = 300
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}}
}}


===Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur===
=== Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur ===
{{main|Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur}}
{{main|Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur}}
The [[Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur|Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur]] is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Shiva]].<ref name=britbrihadthanj>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Thanjavur-India Thanjavur], Encyclopaedia Britannica</ref><ref name=asibrihadthanj/> It is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of fully realized [[Tamil architecture]].<ref>{{cite book | first= John| last= Keay | author-link= John Keay| year=2000 | title= India, a History | publisher= Harper Collins Publishers | location= New York, United States| isbn= 0-00-638784-5 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3aeQqmcXBhoC | pages = xix}}</ref> Built by [[Raja Raja Chola&nbsp;I]] between 1003 and 1010 AD. The original monuments of this 11th century temple were built around a moat. It included gopura, the main temple, its massive tower, inscriptions, frescoes and sculptures predominantly related to [[Shaivism]], but also of [[Vaishnvaism]] and [[Shaktism]] traditions of [[Hinduism]]. The temple was damaged in its history and some artwork is now missing. Additional mandapam and monuments were added in centuries that followed. The temple now stands amidst fortified walls that were added after the 16th century.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=1-21}}<ref name=michell16>George Michell (2008), Architecture and art of Southern India, Cambridge University Press, pages 16-21, 89-91</ref>  
[[File:Brihadisvara Temple - Thanjavur peruvudaiyar kovil ttkcvrvb122k23iph (588).jpg|thumb|Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur]]
The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur is a [[Hindu temple]] dedicated to [[Shiva]].<ref name=britbrihadthanj>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Thanjavur-India Thanjavur], Encyclopaedia Britannica</ref><ref name=asibrihadthanj/> It is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of fully realized [[Tamil architecture]].<ref>{{cite book |first=John |last=Keay |author-link=John Keay |year=2000 |title=India, a History |publisher=[[Harper Collins Publishers]] |location=New York, United States |isbn=0-00-638784-5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3aeQqmcXBhoC |pages=xix}}</ref> Built by [[Raja Raja Chola&nbsp;I]] between 1003 and 1010 AD. The original monuments of this 11th century temple were built around a moat. It included gopura, the main temple, its massive tower, inscriptions, frescoes and sculptures predominantly related to [[Shaivism]], but also of [[Vaishnvaism]] and [[Shaktism]] traditions of [[Hinduism]]. The temple was damaged in its history and some artwork is now missing. Additional mandapam and monuments were added in centuries that followed. The temple now stands amidst fortified walls that were added after the 16th century.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=1-21}}<ref name=michell16>{{cite book|first=George |last=Michell |date=2008 |title=Architecture and art of Southern India |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |pages=16–21, 89–91}}</ref>
 
Built out of granite, the [[vimana (architectural feature)|vimanam]] tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India.<ref name=asibrihadthanj>{{cite web|title=The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) |url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_cholabt.asp}}</ref> The temple has a massive colonnaded prakara (corridor) and one of the largest Shiva linga in India.<ref name=asibrihadthanj/>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=20-21}} It is also famed for the quality of its sculpture, as well as being the location that commissioned the brass [[Nataraja]] – Shiva as the lord of dance, in 11th century. The complex includes shrines for [[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]], Amman, Subrahmanyar, Ganesha, Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandesrvarar, Varahi and others.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=1-26}} The temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Gopal 1990 185">{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/185 185]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>
 
=== Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram ===
{{main|Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram}}
[[File:Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu.jpg|thumb|Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram]]
The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a Hindu temple located at Gangaikonda Cholapuram about {{convert|70|km}} from the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple. This temple was completed in 1035 AD by [[Rajendra Chola I]] as a part of his new capital, this Chola dynasty era temple is similar in design and has a similar name as the 11th century, and sometimes just called the Gangaikondacholapuram temple.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=241-245}}<ref name=asigcbt/>{{sfn|Michell|1988|p=4, 51-53, 145}}
 
It is dedicated to Shiva and based on a square plan, but the temple reverentially displays Vaishnavism, Shaktism and syncretic equivalence themes of Hinduism with statues of Vishnu, Durga, Surya, Harihara, Ardhanishvara, and others.<ref name=asigcbt>[http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_cholabt.asp Great Living Chola Temples], Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India</ref><ref name=ayyar291>PV Jagadisa Ayyar (1993), South Indian Shrines, Asian Educational Services, {{ISBN|81-206-0151-3}}, pages 291-295</ref>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=241-249}} In addition to the main shrine with linga, the temple complex has a number of smaller shrines, gopura, and other monuments, with some partially ruined or restored in later centuries. The temple is famed for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the Nandi and the scale of its curvilinear tower.<ref name=asigcbt/>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=243-249}}<ref name=unesco>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250/ |title=Great Living Chola Temples|publisher= UNESCO World Heritage Centre|year=2004}}</ref>
 
=== Airavatesvara Temple ===
{{main|Airavatesvara Temple}}
[[File:Airavatesvara Temple, Dharasuram, Kumbakonam ttkcvrvb122k23iph (586).jpg|thumb|Airavatesvara Temple]]
The Airavatesvara Temple is at [[Darasuram]], in the outskirt of the city of [[Kumbakonam]], completed in 1166 AD.<ref name=michell91>{{cite book|first=George |last=Michell |editor-first1=Julia A. B. |editor-last1=Hegewald |editor-first2=Subrata K. |editor-last2=Mitra |title=Re-Use-The Art and Politics of Integration and Anxiety |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2ZqHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA91 |year=2012 |publisher=SAGE Publications |isbn=978-81-321-0981-5 |pages=91–93}}</ref> It is one among a cluster of eighteen medieval era large Hindu temples in the [[Kumbakonam]] area.<ref>[[#Ayyar|Ayyar 1992]], pp. 349-350</ref> The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also reverentially displays Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism, along with the legends associated with sixty three [[Nayanars]] – the [[Bhakti movement]] saints of Shaivism.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1979|pp=225-245}}<ref name="Harle1994p318">{{cite book|first=James C. |last=Harle |title=The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent |url=https://archive.org/details/artarchitectureo00harl |url-access=registration |year=1994 |publisher=[[Yale University Press]] |isbn=978-0-300-06217-5 |page=[https://archive.org/details/artarchitectureo00harl/page/318 318]}}</ref><ref name="Dehejia2010p106">{{cite book|first=Vidya |last=Dehejia |title=Art of the Imperial Cholas |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=23F7vTn3hBMC |year=2010 |publisher=[[Columbia University Press]] |isbn=978-0-231-51524-5 |pages=106–115}}</ref>


Built out of granite, the [[vimana (architectural feature)|vimanam]] tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India.<ref name=asibrihadthanj>{{cite web|title=The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)|url=http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_cholabt.asp}}</ref> The temple has a massive colonnaded prakara (corridor) and one of the largest Shiva linga in India.<ref name=asibrihadthanj/>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=20-21}} It is also famed for the quality of its sculpture, as well as being the location that commissioned the brass [[Nataraja]] – Shiva as the lord of dance, in 11th century. The complex includes shrines for [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]], Amman, Subrahmanyar, Ganesha, Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandesrvarar, Varahi and others.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=1-26}} The temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in [[Tamil Nadu]].<ref name="Gopal 1990 185">{{cite book|title=India through the ages|url=https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada|last=Gopal|first=Madan|year= 1990| page= [https://archive.org/details/indiathroughages00mada/page/185 185]|editor=K.S. Gautam|publisher=Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India}}</ref>
Named after Airavata, Indra's white elephant, the Airavatesvara Temple is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a group of three major Chola-era temples in Tamil Nadu, India. It is the last of the three temples built under successive Chola rulers, beginning with Rajaraja I, and was constructed by Rajaraja II around c. 1150 CE. The temple is noted for the Rajagambhira Thirumandapam ("Royal Courtyard"), which features intricately carved pillars, long granite steps, and stone chariots drawn by horses. The site is located at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam.


<gallery mode=packed >
The stone temple incorporates a chariot structure, and includes major Vedic and Puranic deities such as Indra, [[Agni]], [[Varuna]], [[Vayu]], Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Saptamtrikas, Durga, Saraswati, Sri Devi (Lakshmi), Ganga, Yamuna, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, Kama, Rati and others.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1979|pp=225-234}} The temple was much larger and once had seven courtyards according to inscriptions. Only one courtyard survives; parts of the temple such as the gopuram are in ruins, and the main temple and the main temple and associated shrines stand alone.<ref name=ayyar351>[[#Ayyar|Ayyar 1993]], p. 351</ref> The temple continues to attract large gatherings of Hindu pilgrims every year.<ref>[[#Ayyar|Ayyar 1992]], pp. 350-351</ref>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1979|pp=225-234}}<ref>{{cite book|first1=Pratapaditya |last1=Pal |first2=Stephen P. |last2=Huyler |first3=John E. |last3=Cort |display-authors=etal |title=Puja and Piety: Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Art from the Indian Subcontinent |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NXolDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA65 |year=2016 |publisher=[[University of California Press]] |isbn=978-0-520-28847-8 |page=65}}</ref>
File:Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.jpg|Thanjavur temple
 
== Gallery ==
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180" caption="Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur">
File:Thanjavur, Brihadishwara Temple (7013915633).jpg|View of the [[vimana|Śrī Vimāna]] of the Thanjavur Temple
File:Thanjavur, Brihadishwara Temple (7013915633).jpg|View of the [[vimana|Śrī Vimāna]] of the Thanjavur Temple
File:Big Temple-Temple.jpg|The granite [[gopuram]] (tower) of the Thanjavur Temple
File:Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India (2016) 086.jpg|The granite [[gopuram]] (tower) of the Thanjavur Temple
File:MainGopuram-BrihadisvaraTemple-Thanjavur,India.jpg|Temple at Thanjavur
File:Thanjavur brihadeeswarar temple.jpg|Temple entrance gopurams at Thanjavur
File:Brihadeeswara Temple Entrance Gopurams, Thanjavur.JPG|Temple entrance gopurams at Thanjavur
File:An elephant relief on the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur.jpg|An elephant relief on the Thanjavur temple
File:An elephant relief on the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur.jpg|An elephant relief on the Thanjavur temple
File:Sanskrit written on the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur.jpg|Tamil written on the Thanjavur Temple
File:Sanskrit written on the Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur.jpg|Tamil written on the Thanjavur Temple
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180" caption="Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram">
{{main|Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram}}
File:Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple entrance.jpg|The entrance leads into a grand complex
The [[Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram|Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram]] is a Hindu temple located at Gangaikonda Cholapuram about {{convert|70|km}} from the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple. Completed in 1035 AD by [[Rajendra Chola I]] as a part of his new capital, this Chola dynasty era temple is similar in design and has a similar name as the 11th century, and sometimes just called the Gangaikondacholapuram temple.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=241-245}}<ref name=asigcbt/>{{sfn|Michell|1988|p=4, 51-53, 145}}
 
It is dedicated to Shiva and based on a square plan, but the temple reverentially displays Vaishnavism, Shaktism and syncretic equivalence themes of Hinduism with statues of Vishnu, Durga, Surya, Harihara, Ardhanishvara, and others.<ref name=asigcbt>[http://asi.nic.in/asi_monu_whs_cholabt.asp Great Living Chola Temples], Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India</ref><ref name=ayyar291>PV Jagadisa Ayyar (1993), South Indian Shrines, Asian Educational Services, {{ISBN|81-206-0151-3}}, pages 291-295</ref>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=241-249}} In addition to the main shrine with linga, the temple complex has a number of smaller shrines, gopura, and other monuments, with some partially ruined or restored in later centuries. The temple is famed for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the Nandi and the scale of its curvilinear tower.<ref name=asigcbt/>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1975|pp=243-249}}<ref name=unesco>{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250/ |title=Great Living Chola Temples|publisher= UNESCO World Heritage Centre|year=2004}}</ref>
 
<gallery mode=packed heights=175px>
File:"A low angle of Brihadisvara Temple of Gangaikonda Cholapuram ".JPG|A low angle of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
File:Back view of Raja gopuram.jpg|The pyramidal structure above the sanctum at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
File:Back view of Raja gopuram.jpg|The pyramidal structure above the sanctum at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
File:Gangaikonda Cholapuram-Temple-WUS02583.jpg|[[Nandi (Hinduism)|Nandi]]
File:Gangaikonda cholapuram sculptures 06.jpg|[[Ardhanarishvara]] (half Shiva, half Parvati): sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
File:Gangaikonda cholapuram sculptures 06.jpg|[[Ardhanarishvara]] (half Shiva, half Parvati): sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
File:Chola sculpture.jpg|Stone sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
File:Chola sculpture.jpg|Stone sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
</gallery>
</gallery>


===Airavatesvara Temple===
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180" caption="Airavatesvara Temple">
{{main|Airavatesvara Temple}}
The [[Airavatesvara Temple]] is in the town of Darasuram, near [[Kumbakonam]] South India completed in 1166 AD.<ref name=michell91>{{cite book|author=George Michell|editor=Julia A. B. Hegewald and Subrata K. Mitra|title=Re-Use-The Art and Politics of Integration and Anxiety|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2ZqHAwAAQBAJ&pg=PA91|year= 2012|publisher =SAGE Publications|isbn=978-81-321-0981-5|pages=91–93}}</ref> It is one among a cluster of eighteen medieval era large Hindu temples in the [[Kumbakonam]] area.<ref>[[#Ayyar|Ayyar 1992]], pp. 349-350</ref> The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also reverentially displays Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism, along with the legends associated with sixty three [[Nayanars]] – the [[Bhakti movement]] saints of Shaivism.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1979|pp=225-245}}<ref name="Harle1994p318">{{cite book|author=James C. Harle|title=The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent|url=https://archive.org/details/artarchitectureo00harl |url-access=registration|year=1994|publisher=Yale University Press|isbn=978-0-300-06217-5|page=[https://archive.org/details/artarchitectureo00harl/page/318 318]}}</ref><ref name="Dehejia2010p106">{{cite book|author=Vidya Dehejia|title=Art of the Imperial Cholas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=23F7vTn3hBMC |year=2010|publisher=Columbia University Press|isbn=978-0-231-51524-5|pages=106–115}}</ref>
 
Named after the White Elephant of Indra, this temple is a testimony to the grand temple architecture of the Cholan Empire. It is the last of the three great Cholan temples built by successive generations of kings starting from Rajaraja I. Airavateswara temple was built by Rajaraja II around 1150 AD. One of the striking features of this temple is Rajagambhira Thirumandapam - Royal Courtyard, with intricately carved pillars, long steps made of granite stones and elegant chariots drawn by horse - again hewn out of stone. You will see finer workmanship in this temple than the earlier temples. Darasuram is literally a stone's throw away from Kumbakonam.
 
The stone temple incorporates a chariot structure, and includes major Vedic and Puranic deities such as Indra, [[Agni]], [[Varuna]], [[Vayu]], Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Saptamtrikas, Durga, Saraswati, Sri Devi (Lakshmi), Ganga, Yamuna, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, Kama, Rati and others.{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1979|pp=225-234}} The temple was much larger and once had seven courtyards according to inscriptions. Only one courtyard survives; parts of the temple such as the gopuram are in ruins, and the main temple and the main temple and associated shrines stand alone.<ref name=ayyar351>[[#Ayyar|Ayyar 1993]], p. 351</ref> The temple continues to attract large gatherings of Hindu pilgrims every year.<ref>[[#Ayyar|Ayyar 1992]], pp. 350-351</ref>{{sfn|S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|1979|pp=225-234}}<ref>{{cite book|author1=Pratapaditya Pal|author2=Stephen P. Huyler|author3=John E. Cort|display-authors=etal|title=Puja and Piety: Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Art from the Indian Subcontinent|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NXolDQAAQBAJ&pg=PA65|year=2016 |publisher=Univ of California Press |isbn=978-0-520-28847-8| page=65}}</ref>
 
<gallery mode=packed heights=150px >
File:A Dravidian architecture Pillar in Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram @ Thanjavur district..JPG|A pillar in Dravidian architectural-style in Airavatesvara Temple
File:A Dravidian architecture Pillar in Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram @ Thanjavur district..JPG|A pillar in Dravidian architectural-style in Airavatesvara Temple
File:Airavatesvara Temple Chariot.jpg|Airavatesvara Temple
File:Chariot detail, Airavatesvara, Tamil Nadu.jpg|Chariot detail of the Airavatesvara Temple
File:Chariot detail, Airavatesvara, Tamil Nadu.jpg|Chariot detail of the Airavatesvara Temple
File:Darasuram, Airavatesvara Temple, Mandapa at night, India.jpg|Altar
File:Darasuram, Airavatesvara Temple, Inner halls, India.jpg|Pillars
</gallery>
</gallery>


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{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


===Bibliography===
== Sources ==
* {{cite book |first= P.V. Jagadisa|last= Ayyar |title=South Indian Shrines |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |year=1993 |isbn=81-206-0151-3 |ref=Ayyar}}
* {{cite book |last=Ayyar |first= P.V. Jagadisa |title=South Indian Shrines |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |year=1993 |isbn=81-206-0151-3 |ref=Ayyar}}
* {{cite book |first= Krishna|last= Chaitanya |title=Arts of India |publisher=Abhinav Publications |year=1987 |ref=Chaitanya}}
* {{cite book |last=Chaitanya |first=Krishna |title=Arts of India |publisher=Abhinav Publications |year=1987 |ref=Chaitanya}}
* {{cite book |first=Richard |last=Davis |title=Lives of Indian images |publisher=Princeton University Press |location=Princeton, N.J |year=1997 |isbn=0-691-00520-6 |ref=Davis |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/livesofindianima0000davi }}
* {{cite book |last=Davis |first=Richard |title=Lives of Indian images |publisher=[[Princeton University Press]] |location=Princeton, N.J |year=1997 |isbn=0-691-00520-6 |ref=Davis |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/livesofindianima0000davi}}
* {{citation|author=S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|title = Later Chola Temples|publisher = Thomson Press| year=1979|oclc = 6921015}}
* {{cite book |author=S.R. Balasubrahmanyam |title=Later Chola Temples |publisher=Thomson Press |year=1979 |oclc=6921015}}
* {{citation|author=S.R. Balasubrahmanyam|title = Middle Chola Temples|publisher = Thomson Press| year=1975|isbn = 978-9060236079}}
* {{cite book |author=S.R. Balasubrahmanyam |title=Middle Chola Temples |publisher=Thomson Press |year=1975 |isbn=978-9060236079}}
* {{citation| last =Michell| first =George| title = The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms| publisher =University of Chicago Press| year =1988| location =Chicago| isbn = 0-226-53230-5}}
* {{cite book |last=Michell |first=George |title=The Hindu Temple: An Introduction to Its Meaning and Forms |publisher=[[University of Chicago Press]] |year=1988 |location=Chicago |isbn=0-226-53230-5}}


==External links==
== External links ==
* {{Commons category-inline|Great living Chola temples}}
* {{Commons category-inline|Great living Chola temples}}
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250 UNESCO's World Heritage Site] listing the Chola temples
* [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250 UNESCO's World Heritage Site] listing the Chola temples
* [http://www.come2india.org/chola-temples.html Chola Temple Architecture] at come2india.org


{{World Heritage Sites in India}}
{{World Heritage Sites in India}}
{{Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu}}


[[Category:World Heritage Sites in India]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in India]]

Latest revision as of 08:52, 19 January 2026

Great Living Chola Temples
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Scenes from the three temples
LocationTamil Nadu, India
IncludesThe Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Thanjavur
The Brihadisvara Temple Complex, Gangaikondacholapuram
The Airavatesvara Temple Complex, Darasuram
CriteriaCultural: (i), (ii), (iii), (iv)
Reference250bis
Inscription1986 (10th session)
Extensions2004
Area21.88 ha (54.1 acres)
Buffer zone16.715 ha (41.30 acres)
Coordinates10°46′59″N 79°07′57″E / 10.78306°N 79.13250°E / 10.78306; 79.13250
Great Living Chola Temples is located in India
Great Living Chola Temples
Location of Great Living Chola Temples in India
Great Living Chola Temples is located in Tamil Nadu
Great Living Chola Temples
Great Living Chola Temples (Tamil Nadu)

The Great Living Chola Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for a group of three Chola dynasty era Hindu temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple at Thanjavur was added in the list in 1987, while the other two temples were added in 2004.[1]

Completed between early 11th and the 12th century CE, the monuments include:[2]

World Heritage Site recognition[edit | edit source]

The Temple Complex at Thanjavur was recognised in 1987. The Temple Complex at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the Airavatesvara Temple Complex were added as extensions to the site in 2004. The criteria for inclusion in the "Great Living Chola Temples" site are:

  • Criterion (i): The three Chola temples of Southern India represent an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravidan type of temple.
  • Criterion (ii): The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur became the first great example of the Chola temples, followed by a development of which the other two properties also bear witness.
  • Criterion (iii): The three Great Chola Temples are an exceptional and the most outstanding testimony to the development of the architecture of the Chola Empire and the Tamil civilization in Southern India.
  • Criterion (iv): The Great Chola temples at Thanjavur, at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram are outstanding examples of the architecture and the representation of the Chola ideology.

Temples[edit | edit source]

Thanjavur is about 340 kilometres (210 mi) southwest of Chennai. Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram are respectively about 70 kilometres (43 mi) and about 40 kilometres (25 mi) to its northeast.

Great Living Chola Temples is located in Tamil Nadu
Thanjavur
Thanjavur
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Darasuram
Darasuram
Chennai
Chennai
Madurai
Madurai
Bengaluru
Bengaluru
Coimbatore
Coimbatore
Location of Chola temples in the UNESCO world heritage site.

Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur[edit | edit source]

Main article: Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur

The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva.[3][4] It is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of fully realized Tamil architecture.[5] Built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD. The original monuments of this 11th century temple were built around a moat. It included gopura, the main temple, its massive tower, inscriptions, frescoes and sculptures predominantly related to Shaivism, but also of Vaishnvaism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism. The temple was damaged in its history and some artwork is now missing. Additional mandapam and monuments were added in centuries that followed. The temple now stands amidst fortified walls that were added after the 16th century.[6][7]

Built out of granite, the vimanam tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India.[4] The temple has a massive colonnaded prakara (corridor) and one of the largest Shiva linga in India.[4][8] It is also famed for the quality of its sculpture, as well as being the location that commissioned the brass Nataraja – Shiva as the lord of dance, in 11th century. The complex includes shrines for Nandi, Amman, Subrahmanyar, Ganesha, Sabhapati, Dakshinamurti, Chandesrvarar, Varahi and others.[9] The temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.[10]

Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram[edit | edit source]

Main article: Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram

The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a Hindu temple located at Gangaikonda Cholapuram about 70 kilometres (43 mi) from the Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple. This temple was completed in 1035 AD by Rajendra Chola I as a part of his new capital, this Chola dynasty era temple is similar in design and has a similar name as the 11th century, and sometimes just called the Gangaikondacholapuram temple.[11][12][13]

It is dedicated to Shiva and based on a square plan, but the temple reverentially displays Vaishnavism, Shaktism and syncretic equivalence themes of Hinduism with statues of Vishnu, Durga, Surya, Harihara, Ardhanishvara, and others.[12][14][15] In addition to the main shrine with linga, the temple complex has a number of smaller shrines, gopura, and other monuments, with some partially ruined or restored in later centuries. The temple is famed for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the Nandi and the scale of its curvilinear tower.[12][16][17]

Airavatesvara Temple[edit | edit source]

Main article: Airavatesvara Temple
Airavatesvara Temple

The Airavatesvara Temple is at Darasuram, in the outskirt of the city of Kumbakonam, completed in 1166 AD.[18] It is one among a cluster of eighteen medieval era large Hindu temples in the Kumbakonam area.[19] The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also reverentially displays Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism, along with the legends associated with sixty three Nayanars – the Bhakti movement saints of Shaivism.[20][21][22]

Named after Airavata, Indra's white elephant, the Airavatesvara Temple is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a group of three major Chola-era temples in Tamil Nadu, India. It is the last of the three temples built under successive Chola rulers, beginning with Rajaraja I, and was constructed by Rajaraja II around c. 1150 CE. The temple is noted for the Rajagambhira Thirumandapam ("Royal Courtyard"), which features intricately carved pillars, long granite steps, and stone chariots drawn by horses. The site is located at Darasuram, near Kumbakonam.

The stone temple incorporates a chariot structure, and includes major Vedic and Puranic deities such as Indra, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Saptamtrikas, Durga, Saraswati, Sri Devi (Lakshmi), Ganga, Yamuna, Subrahmanya, Ganesha, Kama, Rati and others.[23] The temple was much larger and once had seven courtyards according to inscriptions. Only one courtyard survives; parts of the temple such as the gopuram are in ruins, and the main temple and the main temple and associated shrines stand alone.[24] The temple continues to attract large gatherings of Hindu pilgrims every year.[25][23][26]

Gallery[edit | edit source]

  • Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur
  • View of the Śrī Vimāna of the Thanjavur Temple
    View of the Śrī Vimāna of the Thanjavur Temple
  • The granite gopuram (tower) of the Thanjavur Temple
    The granite gopuram (tower) of the Thanjavur Temple
  • Temple entrance gopurams at Thanjavur
    Temple entrance gopurams at Thanjavur
  • An elephant relief on the Thanjavur temple
    An elephant relief on the Thanjavur temple
  • Tamil written on the Thanjavur Temple
    Tamil written on the Thanjavur Temple
  • Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram
  • The entrance leads into a grand complex
    The entrance leads into a grand complex
  • The pyramidal structure above the sanctum at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
    The pyramidal structure above the sanctum at the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
  • Nandi
    Nandi
  • Ardhanarishvara (half Shiva, half Parvati): sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
    Ardhanarishvara (half Shiva, half Parvati): sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
  • Stone sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
    Stone sculpture at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
  • Airavatesvara Temple
  • A pillar in Dravidian architectural-style in Airavatesvara Temple
    A pillar in Dravidian architectural-style in Airavatesvara Temple
  • Chariot detail of the Airavatesvara Temple
    Chariot detail of the Airavatesvara Temple
  • Altar
    Altar
  • Pillars
    Pillars

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Great Living Chola Temples". World Heritage: Unesco.org. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  2. ↑ "Great Living Chola Temples" (PDF). UNESCO. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  3. ↑ Thanjavur, Encyclopaedia Britannica
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)".
  5. ↑ Keay, John (2000). India, a History. New York, United States: Harper Collins Publishers. pp. xix. ISBN 0-00-638784-5.
  6. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1975, pp. 1-21.
  7. ↑ Michell, George (2008). Architecture and art of Southern India. Cambridge University Press. pp. 16–21, 89–91.
  8. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1975, pp. 20-21.
  9. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1975, pp. 1-26.
  10. ↑ Gopal, Madan (1990). K.S. Gautam (ed.). India through the ages. Publication Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. p. 185.
  11. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1975, pp. 241-245.
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Great Living Chola Temples, Archaeological Survey of India, Government of India
  13. ↑ Michell 1988, p. 4, 51-53, 145.
  14. ↑ PV Jagadisa Ayyar (1993), South Indian Shrines, Asian Educational Services, ISBN 81-206-0151-3, pages 291-295
  15. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1975, pp. 241-249.
  16. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1975, pp. 243-249.
  17. ↑ "Great Living Chola Temples". UNESCO World Heritage Centre. 2004.
  18. ↑ Michell, George (2012). Hegewald, Julia A. B.; Mitra, Subrata K. (eds.). Re-Use-The Art and Politics of Integration and Anxiety. SAGE Publications. pp. 91–93. ISBN 978-81-321-0981-5.
  19. ↑ Ayyar 1992, pp. 349-350
  20. ↑ S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1979, pp. 225-245.
  21. ↑ Harle, James C. (1994). The Art and Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent. Yale University Press. p. 318. ISBN 978-0-300-06217-5.
  22. ↑ Dehejia, Vidya (2010). Art of the Imperial Cholas. Columbia University Press. pp. 106–115. ISBN 978-0-231-51524-5.
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 S.R. Balasubrahmanyam 1979, pp. 225-234.
  24. ↑ Ayyar 1993, p. 351
  25. ↑ Ayyar 1992, pp. 350-351
  26. ↑ Pal, Pratapaditya; Huyler, Stephen P.; Cort, John E.; et al. (2016). Puja and Piety: Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist Art from the Indian Subcontinent. University of California Press. p. 65. ISBN 978-0-520-28847-8.

Sources[edit | edit source]

External links[edit | edit source]

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