The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is a beautiful example of diversity in India’s Chola architectural styles, culture, and traditions. The Temple has many exciting features, so it is famous nationwide. Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple timings are from 6 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
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Thanjavur is one of the most famous tourist destinations in South India, and it has various religions, architectural styles, artefacts, and more.
The various temples found here were built during the Chola dynasty, including the Great Living Chola Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple plays an essential role in this long list of temples and is very popular due to its architecture and serene atmosphere.
Chola temples commemorate the achievements and rich history of the Cholas, and their contribution to architecture and art is significant.
These donations were displayed in different parts of the Temple.
History of the Temple
For about 250 years, the Chola dynasty ruled most of southern India. During that period, the Chola dynasty was at its peak, and many parts of the northern territory were conquered. Wealth abounded as a result of their successful war operations.
Rajendra Chola brought Ganga water in a golden pot and established the ‘Ponneri or Cholaganga’ reservoir during a voyage. Consequently, Rajendra got the title of ‘Gangaikondan’ (the one who brought the Ganges).
The king wanted to set up a ‘Larger than Life’ Temple Correspondent for the Brihadeeswara Temple. During 1020 – 29 AD, Cholapuram saw its formation.
Architecture of the Temple
The magnificent architecture of the Temple consists of a 9-storey plane extending up to a height of 185 feet. Facing east, Gangai Hill Cholapuram is home to some of the most delicate sculptures and sculptures.
54.86 Not less than your height, the Temple’s structure follows the Brihadeeswara temple style. The entire Temple had developed with rich and intricate sculptures unique to the Chola art style. As it has a slightly northern style, the structure features intricate sculptures on the planes.
Architecture is a depiction of intricate carving on hard granite stones regardless of the general style of the Cholas.
The Cholapuram temple walls and ceilings were adorned with captivating sculptures. The creativity of the sculptors was reflected in the dancing Nataraja and the peaceful Saraswati dolls.
However, the sculptures erected here are as artistic as those in other Chola temples. The most interesting are Shiva-Parvati, Ardhanareshwar (male-female expression of Shiva) and Ganesha. These shrines also represent many important bronzes of the Chola period.
Interesting facts about the Temple
- The main deity here was Lord Shiva, and many sculptures and structures have been erected here for this deity.
- The first example is the Nandi idol, said to be Lord Shiva’s vehicle, seen from the entrance.
- The Shivalingam is the next largest of the Shivalingams in Tamil Nadu.
- Other examples of this deity found here include the Nataraja sculpture, which is said to be a dance form of Lord Shiva.
- Also, among the other deities found here is a sculpture of Goddess Saraswati. This religion was said to be the provider of music, wisdom and knowledge.
- The Temple follows a similar architectural style to the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur.
- The name Gangaikonda had derived from an exciting account of the Chola dynasty.
- The Chola kingdom was well known for its wealth and strength in their time.
- On one such voyage, Rajendra Chola, one of the great emperors of India, is said to have brought a pot filled with water from the river Ganga to consecrate a nearby reservoir.
- Hence, the name “Gangaikondan” for this emperor means “the one who brought the Ganges”. In later years, the Temple was built around his name in memory of his valuable donations.
Things to do
- The construction of this Temple is prevalent as it is an important historical monument dating back to the Chola dynasty.
- It made the Temple an essential destination for amateur architects and historians alike.
- The atmosphere around this Temple provides a serene and serene atmosphere for travellers to enjoy a peaceful weekend and quickly escape from their busy work schedules.
- The beautiful engravings, breathtaking exterior design, sculptures, and many other artefacts provide the perfect opportunity to create memorable moments with your friends and parents.
- Religious shrines, including the Shivalingam and idols of Nataraja and Saraswati, have made this Temple a popular religious destination.
The best time to visit Cholapuram Temple
The perfect time of the day to visit this Temple is in the morning or evening to enjoy the very cool weather and the surrounding landscape.
Also, the best time of year to visit this Temple is between September to March. During this time, the state experiences monsoons and winters.
Due to the festivals, the weather, the greenery, etc., it is a good idea to visit this Temple during this season.
Visitor Information
Popular: Tourism, Religious Tours, Photography & Study Admission
Fee: Admission is free.
Duration of visit: Visitors usually spend 30 minutes to 1 hour here.
Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Built by: Rajendra Chola
Built–in: 11th century
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva
Significance: Biggest Shivalingam in South India
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Timings
The temple timings are:
Day | Timings |
| Sunday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
|
Monday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
|
Wednesday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
|
Friday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–12 PM 4 PM –8 PM |
How to Reach
Air:
Nearest Airport: Trichy Airport. Ariyalur can be reached by bus or train from Trichy.
Train:
Chennai – Trichy Route, Stop: Ariyalur Railway Station
Road:
Ariyalur Bus Stand – Udaiyarpalayram – Jayankondam – Chidambaram Road ( ~45.0 km) Cholapuram Bus Stop.
Nearby Attractions
- Vinayagar Temple
- Sri Periyanayaki Amman Temple
- Veera Narayana Perumal Temple
- Sri Kaliamman Temple
- Pillayar Koil
- Kuruvalapar Kovil
- Angala Parameswari Temple
- Good Shepherd Mission Church
Nearby Restaurants
- Ravuthar Biriyani
- Wilson’s Cafe
- Apple Veg Restaurant
- Archana Restaurant
- Hotel Jeeva
- Sri Devi Coffee Bar & Hotel
Address
Tamil Nadu
Pin code 612901