Brihadeeswarar Temple – Gopurams
The saint Karuvurar played a pivotal role in the
installation and consecration of the main Linga of the temple. The temple
complex is called ‘Rajarajesvaram’ after its founder, the great Chola monarch
Rajaraja I It is encompassed by the smaller fort called the Sivaganga fort
believed to have been built by Sevappa Nayaka.
There are three main Gopurams to the shrine called the Keralantakan,
Rajarajan and Tiruanukkam. All the three entrances are guarded by Dwarapalakas
or ferocious doorkeepers of huge proportions, all monoliths. The main Gopuram
called ‘Keralantakan’, so named to commemorate Rajaraja’s victory over the
Chera king, leads to a majestic gopura measuring 90 feet in height. This second
Gopuram, called ‘Rajarajan’ opens into a large central area housing the main
shrine and the unique sub-shrines built during various successive stages of
history. The outer part of the gopura contains the magnificent sculpture of
Shiva seated in sukhasana and many scenes from the Shivapurana. The northern
entrance to the temple complex is called ‘Tiruanukkam’.
Brief details about all the entrances are listed below;
Tiruanukkam
Gopuram:
The northern entrance to the temple complex is called
‘Tiruanukkam’. Though it does not have a gopura over it, some sculptures of
women holding auspicious objects such as kalasams etc. can be seen here. It is
thought to have been embellished in the Kerala style with wooden pavilions
overlaid with gold leaf in ancient times.
Rajarajan
Gopuram:
For brief details, Please refer;
Keralaanthagan
Gopuram:
For brief details, Please refer;