| TANJAVUR BRIHADEESWAR TEMPLE | PERIYA COVIL| THE TALLEST TEMPLE TOWER നിഴലുകൾ വീഴാത്ത ക്ഷേത്രം|

The Thanjavur Periya Kovil, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple, is a magnificent architectural marvel built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the greatest examples of Dravidian architecture, featuring intricate carvings, grand pillars, and a towering vimana that stands at 216 feet (66 meters). Remarkably, the shadow of this massive tower does not fall on the ground at noon. Constructed entirely from granite, despite the absence of large granite sources nearby, the temple showcases the engineering brilliance of the Chola dynasty. At the entrance stands a massive Nandi (sacred bull) statue, carved from a single rock, measuring 16 feet long and 13 feet tall. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with a colossal Shiva Lingam enshrined in the sanctum. It also houses extensive inscriptions about Raja Raja Chola’s reign, along with stunning murals and frescoes depicting mythological stories.