Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuramबृहदीश्वर मंदिर, गंगैकोंड चोलपुरम

About Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

The Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, is a vast Shiva temple built by the Chola emperor Rajendra I. Gangaikonda Cholapuram was the capital he founded, and today the temple stands almost alone where a royal city once stood. It is one of the three Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with the Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, and daily worship continues here.

Rajendra I, son of Rajaraja I, led a famous military campaign to the north that reached the river Ganga. To celebrate it he took the title Gangaikonda Chola, meaning the Chola who conquered the Ganga, and built a new capital and this temple, which was completed around 1035 CE. Tradition says that water from the Ganga was brought back and poured into a great reservoir nearby. The city remained the Chola capital for about two centuries, but it later declined and most of the palace area is now only ruins and excavated foundations.

The temple follows the plan of the Thanjavur temple built by Rajendra's father, but its vimana is slightly lower and has gently curving sides, which many find more graceful. The sanctum holds one of the largest lingas in South India. A large Nandi faces the shrine from the courtyard. The walls carry superb sculptures, including Shiva blessing the devotee Chandesha, Nataraja, Ardhanarishvara and Saraswati. A stepped well guarded by a lion figure, known as the Simha Kinaru, stands in the courtyard.

Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram timings & aarti

Usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.

Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.

How to reach Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Festivals at Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

• Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
• Aadi Thiruvathirai (Rajendra Chola's birth star)Jul/Aug
• AnnabhishekamOct/Nov
• Arudra DarshanDec/Jan

Visitor tips

Dress code

Traditional or modest clothing is recommended (dhoti or trousers for men, saree or churidar for women). Footwear must be left outside.

Entry

Free entry for darshan. The temple is protected by the ASI and is also a living temple.

• Visit early in the morning or late afternoon, when the light on the vimana is best and the stone is cooler.
• Walk around the outer walls to see the finest sculpture panels, especially Chandeshanugraha murti.
• Carry water; there are few shops right around the temple.
• Combine the visit with the Maligaimedu palace excavations and the Ponneri reservoir nearby.
• Respect worshippers at the sanctum while photographing in the courtyard.

Places to visit near Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

• MaligaimeduExcavated site of the Chola palace, about 2 km away
• Ponneri (Chola Gangam tank)Large historic reservoir linked with Rajendra Chola, about 5 km away
• KumbakonamTemple town with many famous shrines, about 35 km away
• Nataraja Temple, ChidambaramFamous temple of Shiva as the cosmic dancer, about 50 km away

Frequently asked questions