Gangaikondaan Cholapuram is 70 kms from Thanjavur and 50 kms from
Chdambaram. Rajendra Chola I the mighty king of Chola Dynasty established his new
capital and built this magnificent temple for Lord Siva, equaled with that of Big
Temple of Thanjavur. Rajendra Chola I during his campaign to the north, fetched
water from river Ganga in Golden Pot and sanctified the
water body. He was called as 'Gangaikondan' (the one who
brought the Ganges). The entire region is filled with refreshing landscapes, River
and Green fields for miles around.
The temple is noted for its massive and richly carved scultprues. A big
Nandi , a Lion Head
Well with a flight of steps and Gigantic Statues
of Dwarapalakas [ entrance guards] are other special features of this temple.
UNESCO declared Mahabalipuram as World Heritage Site in
the year 2004.
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