SHIVA - THE COSMIC DANCER

  BRIHADEESHWARA TEMPLE - GANGAI KONDA CHOLAPURAM - RAJENDRA CHOLA 1.1000 YEARS Brihadeesvara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a temple dedicated to Shiva. Completed in 1035 AD by Rajendra Chola I as a central theme of his new capital, Gangaikondacholeeswaram. This Chola dynasty era temple is similar in design, and has a similar name, as the older 11th century, Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur. The Temple is smaller yet more refined than the Thanjavur Temple. Both are among the largest temples in South India and examples of Dravidian style temples. The main temple dedicated to Shiva is based on a square plan, but it reverentially displays other Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Durga, Surya, Harihara, Ardhanarishvara, and others. The temple is famed for its bronze sculptures, artwork on its walls, the depiction of Nandi and the scale of its tower. As well as its notability for having been built by Rajendra I.The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple remains an active temple. Prominent feature

VATAMOOLANATHAR – ALANTHURAIYAR TEMPLE – KEEZHPAZHUVUR – ARIYALUR – TAMILNADU. Mahadev as Sundara the Householder was living happily with his consort Parvathi and his Ganas in Kailash. One day in a play full mood, Parvathi covered both the eyes of Shiva with her hands from his back. The world descended into darkness. The Rishis and Devas, worried for the solution to this problem and prayed to Shiva. Mahadev opened up his third eye and brought light to the world. CREDIT ACK In order to absolve Parvathi, of the sin of bringing darkness to the world, Shiva admonished her to be born on earth and pray to him to attain moksha He also promised her to join her in the Yogavanam made out of Banyan trees. (Pazhu – Alamaram - Vata = Tamil) hence the place is called Kizhpazhuvur.  Five tiered Rajagopuram The temple is also renowned for Lord Parashuram praying here to Mahadev in repentance of the sin of killing his own mother Renuka as ordered by his father Sage Jamadag