Why Tanjore temple shadow does not fall?

And interestingly, the temple tower or the Gopuram or the Vimana is constructed in such a manner that its shadow disappears at noon. This happens because the base of the Vimana is bigger than its pinnacle. Hence at noon, the shadow of the temple tower gets merged on itself and not on the ground.

What is so unique about the Vimana of the Brihadeshwara temple?

The towering vimana also known as Dakshina Meru. Over the garbhagriha is the most striking feature of the Brihadeswara Temple, the vimana. Over 200 feet high with thirteen stories, this gigantic vimana is called the Dakshina Meru named after the abode of Lord Shiva, the Mount Kailasa.

Who built Vimana of Brihadisvara temple?

Raja Raja Chola I

Which temple shadow does not fall on the ground?

Myth: The shadow of the main vimana does not fall on the ground. Fact: It is not true as many researchers have pointed it out. Myth: Thirumandirakkal , the main granite kumbam atop the vimana that steeples to 216 feet above the sanctum sanctorum attributing it to a single stone structure.

How Brihadeeswarar temple has no shadow?

Another interesting fact about its architecture is that the vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) of the temple does not cast a shadow at noon! The temple is fully made of granite and has Chola frescoes on its walls, portraying various facets of Lord Shiva.

What is vimana in temple?

Vimana is the structure over the garbhagriha or inner sanctum in the Hindu temples of South India and Odisha in East India. In typical temples of Odisha using the Kalinga style of architecture, the vimana is the tallest structure of the temple, as it is in the shikhara towers of temples in West and North India.

What are the special features of Thanjavur Big temple?

The temple has the world’s tallest vimanam (temple tower) and its Kumbam (the structure on the top) weighs approximately 80 tons. The temple has a huge statue of Nandi (sacred bull) at the entrance. The statue is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 20 tons. The Lingam inside the temple is 3.7 meters tall.

What is the meaning of Thanjavur?

Freebase. Thanjavur. Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore, is a city which is the headquarters of the Thanjavur District in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Scholars believe the name Thanjavur is derived from Tanjan, a legendary demon in Hindu mythology.

What is Thanjavur famous for?

Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city.

What are some of the mysteries of Thanjavur (Tanjore) big temple?

Some of the mysteries of the Thanjavur (Tanjore) big temple are: Underground passages in Thanjavur (Tanjore) 216 feet Temple Huge cap stone at the top of Thanjavur (Tanjore) Shiv Temple Painting in Thanjavur (Tanjore) Big temple Granite stones used for the Mandir construction Cutting and carving of Granite stones for Building Shiv Temple

What is the shikhara temple of Thanjavur?

The temple is a 13 storey tower made out of granite. Shikhara (dome) alone is believed to weigh almost 80 tonnes. No matter wherever you are in the city of Thanjavur (Tanjore) you can see this Big Temple. It is a great point of reference if you get lost.

How many underground passages are there in Brihadisvara Thanjavur?

Underground passages in Brihadisvara Thanjavur (Tanjore) 216 feet Temple The Tanjore big temple contains more than 100 underground passages to various places. The underground channels also contain some secret paths that lead to various places like the Palace of RajaRaja Chola and also to other important destinations.

What are the top places to visit in Thanjavur?

Located in the ancient town of Thanjavur (also, called Tanjore), the Brihadeeswarar Temple is indeed a sight to behold. The temple is more than just a religious stop. It is a destination of mysteries and spellbinding architecture, making it the topmost among the places to visit in Thanjavur.