- Built by
- Rajendra Chola I
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (Great Living Chola Temples)
- Timings
- 6 am–12 noon, 4–8 pm
- Nearest railway station
- Kumbakonam (about 34 km)
- Nearest airport
- Trichy (about 115 km)
- Distance from Chennai
- About 250 km
History
Rajendra I ruled for over thirty years in the early eleventh century and extended Chola power north to Bengal and across the sea. He modelled his temple on his father's Brihadisvara at Thanjavur but gave it a gentler, curving profile. The palace city around it has almost vanished, leaving the temple standing among open fields.
What to see
The vimana over the sanctum rises to about 55 metres. Inside is one of the largest Lingas in Tamil Nadu, about 13 feet tall, and facing it is a large Nandi, believed to be carved from a single stone. The walls carry fine sculptures, including the well-known panel of Shiva garlanding the devotee Chandesa. Near the entrance, look for the lion figure over a well, the Simha Kinaru, with steps leading down inside; it was reputedly used by the royal women and is invisible from outside.
- The vimana and sculpted walls
- The giant Linga and monolithic Nandi
- Chandesanugrahamurti panel
- Simha Kinaru (lion well)
- Temple gardens at dusk
Timings and festivals
Darshan is from 6 am to 12 noon and from 4 pm to 8 pm. The main festival is Aadi Thiruvathirai in July–August, marking Rajendra's birth star. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is expected. The lawns are pleasant in the evening, when the lamps are lit.
How to reach
Kumbakonam railway station is about 34 km away and Trichy airport about 115 km. Buses and taxis run from Kumbakonam, Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Jayankondam and Ariyalur. Chennai is roughly 250 km by road. It is an easy half-day outing from our base in Virudhachalam, and pairs well with Chidambaram and the Pichavaram mangroves.
Also nearby
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