The Peruvudaiyar Kovil

HISTORY

The Peruvudaiyar Kovil ( In Tamil: தஞ்சைப் பெருவுடையார் கோயில்) commonly know as "the big temple" turned 1000 years old in 2010.

It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the city of Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is an important example of Tamil architecture achieved during the Chola dynasty. It is one of the most important temples of India.

It was built in 1010 A.D. to grace the throne of the Chola empire by the Tamil emperor Arulmozhivarman,  in compliance to a command given to him in a dream. The steemed architect of this temple was Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perunthachan as stated in inscriptions found at the temple. It was built to express the wealth power and artistic epertise of the Chola Empire. The temple "testifies to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting."

THE TEMPLE

The temple complex sits on the banks of a river that was channelled to make a moat around the complex's outer walls (like a fortress). The complex is made up of many structures that are aligned axially. The complex can be entered either on one axis through a five-story tower or with a second access directly to the huge
main square. The massive size of the main Vimanam (rising tower that in Indian mythology appeared in the sky) is of 61 meters high, with 16 elaborately articulated stories.



MY OPINION

I have chosen this  emblematic monument because the Chola dynasty was a very important period in Indian history. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples" and participated in the votings to become one of the 7 wonders in the world.