List of Temples Built During the Chola Period

The significant ruling and building dynasty of India Chola dynasty ruled for over 1500 years keeping temples as their centre of work. During their reign, they built many magnificent buildings and temples, now regarded as “Great living Chola temples.” Many splendid temples like the temple of gangaikonda cholapuram in south India and temples like the brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur were built and are still the centre of attraction for many tourists and the locals of the area.

The fabulous UNESCO recognizes it as a creative achievement in the old time and for being the attraction for the cultural, economic, and political hub of activities.  

Three temples are known as “Great Living Chola Temples”

Many majestic temples were built by the Chola dynasty and their rulers. However, only three are regarded as the “Great Living Chola Temples,” including the temple of gangaikonda cholapuram, the brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, and the airavatesvara temple at darasuram.

List of temples built in the Chola period

Let us take a look at the three great living Chola 

temples and the other nine that were built by the most excellent builders of Chola rulers.

• Vijaya cholesvara at narta malai by king vijayala

• Balasubramanya at kannur by king Aditya I

• Nageswara at kumbakonam by the king Aditya I

• Muvar Koil at Kodumbalur/Pudukkottai parantaka I by king king Bhuti vikamakeshri 

• Koran Ganatha at Srinivas Nallur by the king Parantaka I

• Tiruvalisvaram at Brahmadesam by king Rajaraja I

• Uttara Kailash Tiruvadi y the king Rajaraja I

• Vaidyanath at Tirumala Vadi by the king Rajaraja I

• Rajarajeshwar at Tanjore by the king Rajaraja I

• Airavatesvara at Darasuram by the king Rajaraja I

• Gangaikonda chola puram at gangaikonda chola puram by the king Rajendra I

• Kampahareswarar at tribhuvanam by the king kulothunga III

Creativeness of Chola Dynasty 

The creativeness of the Chola dynasty is and was recognized by everyone, and still, it was and is the centre of attraction for the world’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Built-in the southern states of Tamil Nadu in twelve centuries, Chola rulers and kings were the great patrons of art, scriptures, and their culture built the “Great Living Chola Temples.” 

Great Living Chola Temples

As discussed earlier, great builders and rulers of Chola were engaged in making magnificent buildings and cultural heritage for their country in the old time when it was not easy to do so. Through their craft and vision, India got its most prestigious cultural heritage, which has three the marvellous creations which are known as “Great Living Chola Temples,” including the temple of gangaikonda cholapuram, the brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, and the airavatesvara temple at darasuram which we will discuss one by one:

1. The Brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur: Built by the great Chola king Rajaraja in the south India district, Thanjavur is one of the marvels of the Great Living Chola Temples, whose designer and architect was the great Sama Verma. From 1000 A.D to 1003 A.D, he designed the temple with 13 storeys (shapes like a pyramid) known as Vimana and a 66-metre-tall building with a monolith shaped like a modern-day bulb. 

2. The temple of gangaikonda cholapuram: another marvel referred to as Great Living Chola Temples built by the great Chola ruler Rajendra I. Popularly famous for the feminine depiction of the brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur. It was made to represent feminine power and respect in south India. It shows and has a great value in today’s world.

3. The Airavatesvara temple at darasuram is an excellent dedication to the God of destruction known for his innocence ‘Lord Shiva.’ Rajaraja II made this third temple of the Great Living Chola Temples dedicated to lord shiva. A stone image of Lord Shiva and the entrance is guarded with six huge monoliths of dwarpalas. A great centre of attraction for the Hindu worshippers and the people who are indulged in spiritual activities, learning and exploration.

Conclusion

The Great Living Chola temples are the epitome of marvellous architecture worldwide. The great temples like the brihadisvara temple at Thanjavur, the temple of gangaikonda cholapuram, and The Airavatesvara temple at darasuram depict the tremendous cultural values of the people around the world. They have become the centre of attraction for tourists and locals. If we look at the great values of each of the temples in depth, we will understand the real meaning behind each temple.

With time, cultural heritages have increased prominently around the world. due to people forgetting about their own countries’ great marvels and culture, there is a complex need for the people to preserve it as much as we can.