The Brihadishwara Temple or Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Perambalur district about 70 kilometers to the Southwest in Thanjavur. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and completed in 1035 AD by the Rajendra Chola – I as a part of his new Capital.
The Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur and the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple have the same name but this one is of smaller size. Both temples bear the Dravidian architecture. The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple has sculptures of exceptional quality. The bronzes of Bhogasakthi and Subrahmanya are masterpieces of Chola metal icons. The Saura Peettha (Solar altar), the Lotus Altar with eight deities, is considered auspicious.
Read more about Gangaikonda Cholapuram and the temple here
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO
