Today Fact Finder: Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur
The Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur is a marvel of ancient Indian architecture with many fascinating aspects:
- The temple is known to not cast a shadow on the ground at noon during any time of the year, a testament to the architectural genius of its builders.
- Remarkably, no binding agents like cement or soil were used in its construction. The structure stands through the interlocking of stones.
- The vibrant paintings within the temple are made using natural colors derived from flowers, spices, and leaves.
- This temple has several names, each reflecting different aspects of its grandeur and history.
- Its longevity, standing strong for over a thousand years, is attributed to its foundation filled with sand and built on a moving raft to absorb seismic shocks.
- During the Maratha rule, it served a dual purpose as a temple and a fort, with slots in its walls that could hold cannons.
- The temple walls are adorned with carvings depicting “81 postures of Bharatnatyam”, the lingam inside is one of the largest in India, and it has a dome made of granite weighing 80 tons, among other unique features.
