Gangai Konda Cholapuram, Chidambaram - Timings, History, Architecture, Best Time to Visit

About Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

At a distance of 42 km Chidambaram, 76 km from Thanjavur, and 110 km from Trichy, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a historical town situated near Chidambaram in the Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. It is home to the magnificent Brihadeeshwara Temple, one of the three living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu that were designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site, the other two being Brihadeeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, and Darasuram Temple. It is one of the popular heritage sites in Tamil Nadu. , and among the must visit places as part of Chidambaram tour packages.

History of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

Gangaikonda Cholapuram was established as the capital of the Chola dynasty during the rule of Rajendra Chola I in 1025 CE, remaining the Chola capital for approximately 250 years. This site, of significant historical importance, marked the beginning of one of the greatest reign in Southern Indian history. The town is notable for housing the esteemed Brihadeeswarar Temple, constructed by Rajendra Chola I, who was the son and successor of Rajaraja Chola. This temple was erected following Rajendra Chola I's remarkable victories in Northern India. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is often viewed as a replica of the Brihadeeshwara Temple located in Thanjavur. Rajendra I developed the entire capital, which included several temples dedicated to Dharma Sasta, Vishnu, and others. Unfortunately, most of these structures were destroyed in the late 13th and 14th centuries, with the exception of the Brihadishwara Temple. Approximately 20 inscriptions from the later Cholas, Pandyas, and the Vijayanagar Empire document various donations and endowments made to this temple. In 2017, the temple underwent re-consecration, which included the installation of a dwajasthambam and the performance of maha kumbhabhishekam.

Architecture of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

The Brihadeeshwara Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is situated at the heart of Gangai Konda Cholapuram, covering an area of approximately 6 acres. Constructed in the Dravidian architectural style with a square layout, the temple features two enclosures surrounding the vimana. Much of the original wall structure has been damaged, and granite stones from the temple were repurposed to build a dam during the British colonial period. The Archaeological Survey of India has undertaken the renovation and restoration of the vimana. Standing at 182 feet, the tower above the sanctum is the second tallest after that of the Tanjavur temple. The temple complex comprises several mandapas, including Nandi Mandapa, Alankar Mandapa, Maha Mandapa, Mukha Mandapa, and Ardha Mandapa.

The main temple is elevated, with a courtyard that measures 560 feet by 320 feet. Within the sanctum resides the principal deity, Lord Shiva, represented as a shiva lingam approximately 13.5 feet in height. Beneath the Linga lies a unique stone known as Chandrakanta stone, which possesses the unusual ability to keep the sanctum cool during summer and warm in winter. To ensure a private area for royal worship, the sanctum is enclosed by two walls. The grand entrance to the sanctum is embellished with a striking image of Goddess Saraswati. Additionally, the presence of the Suryapita icon, which symbolizes sun worship, along with the Navagrahas, reflects influences from the Chalukya dynasty.

There is an image of a seated Nandi bull in the courtyard, facing the sanctum. Surrounding the sanctum are five shrines, along with a Lion well that was constructed in the 19th century. The temple complex features a monolithic representation of Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities. Approximately fifty sculptural reliefs adorn the walls of the sanctum, with three notable figures: Nataraja, Saraswati, and Shiva, who is shown garlanding a devotee. Additionally, there is a shrine dedicated to the Shaiva saint and scholar Chandeshvara, one of the 63 Nayanars. Various niches around the temple walls illustrate different forms of Shiva, Durga, and Vishnu. The temple also houses numerous bronze statues that exemplify 11th-century Chola art, with the statue of Kartikeya being particularly distinguished.

Festivals of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

Maha Shivratri in February-March, full moon day in October-November, Panguni Utsav in March-April, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January, etc. are some of the festivals celebrated in Gangai Konda Cholapuram temple with great enthusiasm.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

There is no specific dress code but it is suggested to dress up modestly and avoid modern clothes like mini-skirts, low-waist jeans, shorts, and even sleeveless tops while visiting the temple premises.

Non-Hindus are allowed to visit the temple complex and admire the architecture but may not be permitted inside the sanctum sanctorum of Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple.

Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 8 PM

Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

The best time to visit the Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple is during the winter months from October to March, when the weather pleasant and more suitable for temple exploration. Additionally, the temple organizes a variety of festivals throughout the year, with the Maha Shivaratri festival standing out as one of the most significant occasions for a visit.

How to Reach Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

The closest airport to Gangai Konda Cholapuram is Thiruchirappalli International Airport, located approximately 114 kilometers away. The nearest railway station offering convenient access is Kutralam Junction, situated 19 kilometers from Gangai Konda Cholapuram. Travelers can reach Gangai Konda Cholapuram from these locations by utilizing public or private bus services or by hiring a taxi. Gangaikonda Cholapuram is positioned along NH 227, which connects Chidambaram to Trichy, and is well-served by bus routes to Thanjavur, Trichy, and Chidambaram.