The Great Living Chola Temples – 3 UNESCO World Heritage Marvels of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu boasts some of India’s most iconic temple architecture, and among them the Great Living Chola Temples stand supreme. These three temples were collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their extraordinary achievement in Dravidian architecture, engineering, sculpture, and ritual traditions.
The temples included in this World Heritage ensemble are:
1. Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur
One of the largest and most magnificent temples in India, the Brihadisvara Temple (Thanjavur) was built by Rajaraja Chola I in the early 11th century CE. Also known as the Big Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a shining example of Chola temple architecture.
Highlights
Monumental Vimana: Towering over 216 feet, it is one of the tallest in South India.
Entirely Granite: Despite no local granite sources, the temple was built with massive blocks carried from afar.
Bronze Sculpture Legacy: The temple played a key role in the development of the famous Chola bronzes.
Active Worship Site: Daily rituals continue, blending ancient tradition with living culture.
2. Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Built by Rajendra Chola I, son of Rajaraja Chola, this temple celebrates the Chola conquest up to the Ganges. Located in Gangaikondacholapuram, it shares many stylistic elements with the Thanjavur Big Temple but is noted for its refined proportions and sculptural finesse.
Highlights
Celebrates Chola Prestige: Constructed to commemorate Rajendra’s victories.
Architectural Refinement: Slightly smaller than Thanjavur’s temple, yet more elegant in form.
Harmonious Design: Emphasis on balance between vertical and horizontal planes.
Living Rituals: The temple remains an active site of Shaivite worship.
3. Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram was built by Rajendra Chola II in the 12th century CE. Though smaller than the first two, this temple is renowned for its intimate scale, exquisite carvings, and symbolic iconography.
Highlights
Sculptural Mastery: Detailed miniature motifs, narrative panels, and musical steps.
Airavata Shrine: Named for the celestial elephant Airavata, associated with Lord Indra.
Narrative Artistry: Walls filled with scenes from mythologies and everyday life.
Pillared Halls: Finely etched inscriptions and reliefs throughout.
Why These Temples are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Exemplary Dravidian temple architecture
Advanced engineering & stone construction techniques
Living traditions of Shaivism, rituals, and festivals
Outstanding sculptural and artistic excellence
Historic legacy of the Chola dynasty
Best Time to Visit
October to March – Pleasant weather for temple exploration
Festival periods like Mahashivaratri and Pradosham add spiritual vibrancy
Explore the Great Living Chola Temples with SouthGuru Holidays
At SouthGuru Holidays, we curate heritage & pilgrimage tours across Tamil Nadu, including guided circuits covering Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Darasuram with comfortable transport, expert insights, and seamless planning.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
