The epic Brihadeeswarar Temple lies in the heart of Thanjavur city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. . The city attained prominence under the Cholas, who used it as one of their principal capitals in 10th–12th centuries. Thanjavur appears to have been the preferred residence of Rajaraja I (985-1012 CE), who is considered one of the greatest of the Chola monarchs. . The temple stands in the middle of a spacious rectangular court, which is entered through two gateways to the east. These are hugely impressive structures in themselves, dominated by vaulted roofs adorned with plaster sculptures, a later addition. Outsized guardian figures protect the east doorway to the inner gate, with smaller carvings on the basement illustrating Shiva legends. . A 16 columned pavilion in front of the main temple shelters a monolithic Nandi dating to the late 16th century. . The main temple itself consists of a square linga sanctuary adjoining an anti-chamber and a long columned hall to the east. Unfortunately photography was not allowed inside, but the whole space was so congested with visitors and devotees that quite frankly it wasn’t a viable thing to attempt to photograph anyway ! ㅤ Back outside, the steeply pyramidal tower rises to a height of 66m, with 13 diminishing levels with plastered walls. This ascends dramatically to an octagonal domical roof, with Rajaraja’s original gilded finial pot still in situ. . Around the perimeter wall of the temple complex are a number of interesting shrines, paintings, and items used during festival times. It’s well worth taking time out away from the crowds to explore these lesser visited areas of the temple complex. . Subsidiary buildings dating from the chola era stand freely in the temple enclosure. The south-facing Chandeshvara Shrine imitates details of the main temple but on a much smaller scale. Additions of the Nayaka and Maratha periods include the intricately worked Subrahmanya Shrine, assigned to the period of Raghunatha Nayaka. . #Brihadeeswarar #Brihadeeswarartemple #tamilnadutemples #thanjavur #templearchitecture #discovertamilnadu @kevinstandage1