Rājarājīśvaram – Epitome of Architecture
by P.S.Sriraman
Rājarājīśvaram, or Bṛihadīśvara, is a temple magnificent in its conception, design and form, and is extraordinarily perfect in execution. The architects of Tamiḻnāḍu scaled the pinnacle of their craft through the rising vimāna of the Bṛihadīśvara. The vast temple-complexes with several enclosures with lofty gōpuras built over the gateways cannot by any means stand anywhere in comparison to the magnificence and perfection of this temple, even though in effect they are more massive and voluminous in dimensions.
Significant design features of the garbhagṛiha
The sculptural exhibitionism in the temple
The Implied suggestion of the Dvarapala images
The philosophical significance
The logistical and technical achievement
Book Release – Chola Murals (the Murals of Rajarajesvaram) by P.S. Sriraman
The book (258 pages full colour orinted on imported art paper) is priced Rs.800/-. It is available for sale at The ASI, Chennai Circle office (Clive Building 044 25670397/0396)and the Publication Counter ASI Janpath New Delhi
Chennai’s Tribute to Raja Raja Chola on Millennium Year of the Big Temple by Krishna Gnana Sabha on 23rd Jan 2011
Krishna Gnana Sabha organized a one day program on Chennai’s Tribute to Raja Raja Chola on Millennium Year of the Big Temple on 23rd Jan 2011. Please find the attached invitation which details the events.
There will be a traditional bronze casting demonstration at the premises as well.
Update: The photos of the event available here https://picasaweb.google.com/udhayan.chn/1000
Please attend the function and show our support.
The Brahadiswara Temple
by Sivapathasekaran
(Source : Dr. R. Nagaswamy, Concepts of Space)
We are aware that there are ancient Siva Temples for the Five Elements.
- Prithvi/Earth : Ekambareswarar –Kanchi, Thiageswarar- Thiruvarur & Thiruvottriyur.
- Akasa/Space : The Temple, Chidambaram
- Agni/Fire : Annamalayar, Thiruvannamalai
- Jala/Water : Jambukeswaram, Thiruvanaikka, Trichy.
- Vaayu/Air : Sri Kalahasthi.
1000 Rupees Stamp Released on April 1st 1954
₹1000 Stamp Released on April 1st 1954
Documentation of Chola Paintings at Brihadisvara temple – My experience and enjoyment
by P.S.Sriraman
My initiation into Chola history, like many who read the Tamil novels, was obviously through the great novel by Kalki’s Ponniyin Selvan. I still remember those young days, when I was a child trying to read any novels, hiding it from my father. Reading novels was permitted only during holidays. Very often, it was a luxury as I had to borrow the books from the neighbours due to difficult situations. Comics of the Irumbukkai Mayavi genere and Phantom were the special attractions. As I grew up, there was little to spare, mostly generated from recycling old paper, to the local lending library. Elder’s in my house recommended Kalki’s works, Sivakamiyin Sabadam and Ponniyin Selvan. I obtained the volumes, as it appeared as a serial in Kalki magazine and the pages were torn and bound together. More >
Rajarajisvaram – Certain Revelations
by Dr. R.Kalaikkovan
Raja Rajisvaram, popularly known as the Big Temple of Thanjavur has attracted many scholars to work on its art and architecture in detail. When I went through all the available literature and the research works about the temple, I was rudely shocked to understand that there was not a single good book in Tamil which contains all the salient features of this temple.
Hence I decided to take up this temple for research study. More >
