About Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram or Gangaikonda Chozhapuram was constructed as the capital of the Chola Kingdom by King Rajendra Chola I, who reigned from 1014 to 1044 CE. He was the son and successor to Great Chola King Rajaraja Chola, who conquered a huge territory in South India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Sumatra, Kadaram (in Malaysia), Cambodia, and others towards the start of the eleventh century A.D.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple Entrance.
As the capital of the Cholas from about 1025 A.D. for approximately 250 years, this town managed the affairs of Tungabhadra in the Karnataka state to Sri Lanka and some of the other southeast Asian countries mentioned in the earlier paragraph.
The remains of this magnificent ancient city are presently seen as a tiny forlorn village in Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu, India. The great Gangaikondacholapuram temple remains can be seen at the Brihadeeswarar Temple there. From the remains, it is evident that this temple (and the city that existed) is next only to Thanjavur Brihadisvara temple in its monumental nature and outshines in its sculptural quality.
This temple is part of the three temples called Great Living Chola Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is the second temple built among the three, after the Brihadeeswarar temple.
Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma at Gangaikonda Sozhiswarar Temple
The Trimurti—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma—symbolize the cosmic functions of destruction, preservation, and creation. Shown in calm, frontal postures, the deities convey balance and harmony in the universe. At the Gangaikonda Sozhiswarar Temple, these figures together express the unity of divine roles within a single cosmic order.
Note: Youc an see the elaborately decorated Trimurtis at Hoysaleswara temple, Halebidu.
Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Thirukovil or Brihadisvara Temple -A Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Thirukovil, also known as the Brihadisvara Temple, was built by Rajendra Chola I. This majestic Shiva temple mirrors the grandeur of the Thanjavur Big Temple while featuring its own distinctive refinements. A proud UNESCO World Heritage Site, it stands as a remarkable showcase of exquisite Chola art and architecture.
Avinashi Lingaeshwar Temple alias Tiruppukkozhiyur
Avinashi Lingaeshwar temple, alias Tiruppukkozhiyur, is another ancient temple at Avinashi, also believed to have been built by the Cholas. Lord Shiva is work-shipped as Avinasiappar in this temple. The Madurai Nayak dynasty rulers built the present temple structure. Some other names for this temple are Karunaiyaaththaal Temple, Avinasilingeswarar Temple, and Avainasiappar Temple. Tiruppukkozhiyur temple is in Tiruppur district, near Coimbatore city in Tamilnadu.
How to Reach Gangaikonda Cholapuram?
Gangaikonda Cholapuram is near Ariyalur town in Tamil Nadu.
Ariyalur is the district headquarters with the same name and is well connected by roads to other parts of India. Ariyalur railway station is the nearest railway station to Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
Chennai city is at a distance of around 300 kilometers from Ariyalur.