Sunday, January 3, 2016

Brihadeeswarar Temple – Keralaanthagan Gopuram

Brihadeeswarar Temple – Keralaanthagan Gopuram
Rajaraja Chola assumed the title of Keralaanthagan meaning Destroyer of Kerala (Chera's) after his victory over Kerala king Baskararavivarma. This gopuram is named after this title. 



This is a five stage gopuram. In the front side of the gopuram one can see various forms of Shiva - Rudhrathandava pose (a fierce Shiva in dancing form), Shiva with Parvathi, Bikshadanar (Shiva as beggar).



In the rear side of the gopuram one can see Krishna Leela, Mahavishnu in the first stage, Narasimha combating with Hiranyakasipu in one side and Hiranya Samkara on the other side. On the top stage Shiva and Vishnu idols are seen. 





The Keralaanthagan gopuram is constructed on the same architectural concept of the Srivimana. Firstly, the load is distributed on two huge granite walls and the walls are merged into single structure as it approaches the height. Secondly, the Ball and Lock of the huge granites locks themselves with the neighboring rock, one can see the small projections evenly distributed on the base of the structure. Thirdly, the huge base platform distributes the load to the ground with the minimum foundation depth.