If there is one place that speaks, feels, smells and breathes of art, it is Gangai Konda Chozhapuram.
One absolutely cannot stop gaping with mouth wide open from the moment our eyes get the first glimpse of the fortress.
8 Kms from the town of Jayamkondam, this megastructure is located right on the NH81, and very difficult to miss. Ample parking space is available at the site. Footwear is not allowed inside.
The dismantled entrance leading to the golden dhvaja stamba and the brilliant nandi in the background of the temple gopuram provides an enchanting view
Gangaikondachozhapuram was built as a replica of the big Shiva temple at Tanjavur. It was to commemorate the victory and expansion of the Chozha kingdom till the Ganges in the north by Rajendra Chola I. Thus the name “Gangai Konda Chozha puram”. And this temple too is known as Brihadeeshwara temple.
As you enter the fortress, a shining golden dhvaja stands tall. We are next greeted by a yellow Nandi that draws us to it. We are instantly compelled to touch it and take pictures with it.
The lush green lawn surrounding the temple is very well maintained. The green lawns, tall brown gopuram and the blue sky enchant our eyes.
The life size sculptures and tall gopuram of the main complex is mesmerizing. One would want to dance or just sing all the way around here.
A huge platform on the right side of the temple invites one to break into Bharatanatyam. It also provides a picturesque view for a photo session.
There are many small sannithis around the main Siva temple that too are a pleasure for the eyes.
Outside the vicinity on the right side of the temple is a small museum that provides the details on the temple, the Chola kings, their dynasty, the temples they build, tools used etc.
If I need to compare this temple to the Tanjavur temple, i would still love this one for the mere fact that this looks pristine. The rush of the crowd and the bustling of the people takes away the charm while the concrete flooring ruins the beauty of the magnificent Brihadeeshwara at Tanjavur.
In contract, Gangaikondachozhapuram - with less crowd, and colorful surroundings, are a treat to the eyes.
A must go place for the art lovers!
One absolutely cannot stop gaping with mouth wide open from the moment our eyes get the first glimpse of the fortress.
8 Kms from the town of Jayamkondam, this megastructure is located right on the NH81, and very difficult to miss. Ample parking space is available at the site. Footwear is not allowed inside.
The dismantled entrance leading to the golden dhvaja stamba and the brilliant nandi in the background of the temple gopuram provides an enchanting view
Gangaikondachozhapuram was built as a replica of the big Shiva temple at Tanjavur. It was to commemorate the victory and expansion of the Chozha kingdom till the Ganges in the north by Rajendra Chola I. Thus the name “Gangai Konda Chozha puram”. And this temple too is known as Brihadeeshwara temple.
As you enter the fortress, a shining golden dhvaja stands tall. We are next greeted by a yellow Nandi that draws us to it. We are instantly compelled to touch it and take pictures with it.
The lush green lawn surrounding the temple is very well maintained. The green lawns, tall brown gopuram and the blue sky enchant our eyes.
The life size sculptures and tall gopuram of the main complex is mesmerizing. One would want to dance or just sing all the way around here.
A huge platform on the right side of the temple invites one to break into Bharatanatyam. It also provides a picturesque view for a photo session.
There are many small sannithis around the main Siva temple that too are a pleasure for the eyes.
Outside the vicinity on the right side of the temple is a small museum that provides the details on the temple, the Chola kings, their dynasty, the temples they build, tools used etc.
If I need to compare this temple to the Tanjavur temple, i would still love this one for the mere fact that this looks pristine. The rush of the crowd and the bustling of the people takes away the charm while the concrete flooring ruins the beauty of the magnificent Brihadeeshwara at Tanjavur.
In contract, Gangaikondachozhapuram - with less crowd, and colorful surroundings, are a treat to the eyes.
A must go place for the art lovers!
A good coverage of a historic temple. It is tempting to add this place to my wish list.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff. Interestingly, I must have been to that place at least half a dozen times (along with Darasuram). Each time, I come back with something new discovered or learnt not necessarily from the temple per se, but the people around too! This writing transports me back to GKC(not SKC!).
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