Brihadishvara Temple,and known locally as Thanjai Periya Kovil.Built by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage .The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.and this temple doesn’t cast a shadow on the ground Rather it is the genius of the engineers who built this temple. Because the way the stones cascade in the structure of this temple,When the temple was completed, the King Raja Raja Chola asked the architect if this temple was ever going to fall down. The reply from the master craftsman was “ Even its shadow will not fall Raja!!”No cement, soil or any other binding agent is used in the structure of Brihadeeshwara Temple !! Another genius of the architecture of Brihadeeshwara Temple. So, you might be thinking how does the massive structure of this temple stand. Well, the whole temple is built with strong interlocking stones. Without the use of any binding agents!This is a composition of two Sanskrit words – “Brihat” meaning “large, massive, huge, lofty or vast” and “Ishwara” means “Lord, God”. This is actually, the most modern name of the temple. And it was given by the Marathas.And the entire structure is built on a moving raft. Which helps absorb frictions of the ground, even massive earthquakes! And one more intresting matter is The shivan lingam was placed first and then they built the temple. Vereh feel when you enter the temple ! THIS TEMPLE IS PURE ART ❤️ #tanjaiperiyakovil #rajarajacholan #cholanempire #shivantemple - @kaybeatzz23