India - Great Living Chola Temples

"The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of south India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: 
= Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, 
= Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram (missing)
= Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram (missing)

 The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting." 

 Source: UNESCO World Heritage

Postcard 1 - Thanjavur
Brihadeshwara Temple of Tanjore, South India is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva dating back the the 11th century. Beautiful stamps used. Thanks to Sita of India.






 Postcard 2 - Thanjavur
Another postcard Sri Brihadeesarar Temple at Thanjavur, Tamilnadu. Thanks to Michael of Germany who visiting India.



1 comment:

  1. christie!September 14, 2009 at 10:37 AM

    Those stamps are really cool! I'm going to go to India in January so I was really interested in this one :)

    ReplyDelete

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