A Marvel of Chola Architechture
The magnificent & the elegant temple of Lord Siva at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was erected by the Chola King Rajendra Chola I during the 11th Century.It is a replica of the Brihadeeswara temple at Thanjavur built by his father Raja Raja Chola.
For about 250 years, Chola clan ruled over a large part of South India. In those times, the Chola dynasty was at its apex and conquered many a parts of the northern territory. The wealth was brimming due to the outcome of their booming war operations. On one of the expeditions, Rajendra Chola brought Ganga water in a golden pot and consecrated the reservoir “Ponneri or Cholaganga”. Consequently, Rajendra was titled as “Gangaikondan” (the one who brought the Ganges). The king wanted to erect a “larger than life” temple correspondent to the Brihadeeswara Temple. During 1020 – 29 AD, Gangaikondacholapuram saw its construction.
This imposing monument is now declared an UN World Heritage site.
