Known in the inscriptions as Rajendra Choliswaram, this Siva temple was built by Rajendra I (CE 1012 – 1044) of the Chola dynasty. It is a stone temple, oriented east, it consits of main temple, two sub-shrines and a stepped well called Simhakeni. The main temple consists of garbagriha, ardha mandapa, pillared maha mandapa and a detached nandi. The vimana comprises of nine talas with a height of 49 mts. The massive linga with a height of 3.96 mts. Is considered to be the biggest in south Indian temples. The sculptures here are master pieces of Chola art. It is interesting to note that the Saura pitha (Nava griha platform), designed as lotus pedestal is with carving of sun andeight other planet and, wheeled chariot drawn by seven horses. There is a massive bronze figure of Somaskanda and Kartikeyan. The simhakeni is said to contain holy water of ganga river mixed in it brought by the king Rajendra I after his Gangetic expedition. The temple is replete with Tamil inscriptions.
GALLERY
AERIAL VIEW
