Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Brihadeeshwara temple, Tamilnadu

Brihadeeshwara temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is yet another contribution to the world from the Chola kings. One can say, it is a smaller version of Brihadeeshwara temple at Tanjore; a marvel that remains unparalleled even after thousands of years.

Gangaikonda cholapuram temple, was built by King Rajendra Chola, son of Rajaraja Chola  to commemorate his war victory over Pala dynasty.
The temple main gate faces East and has a big Nandi facing the sanctum. The Brihadeeshwara Lingam is also  very tall.
The ornate spire above the sanctum  though a little shorter than the Tanjore temple is  beauty to behold.
Shiva's consort  Periyanayagi is in a shrine outside the main temple. There also shrines for Ganesha, Durga .

Outside walls and corridor are in a ruined state and so are many sculptures.
The town of Gangaikondapuram was destroyed but the main temple has remained intact.

There is a big well on the right side of the temple and a sculpture of lion near it.
The well was dug during Rajendra Chola's reign and he got pots of water from Ganges to be poured in the well. After conquering the  cities along the river Ganges in North, He came to be known as Gangaikondan., the Chola who conquered the Ganges.

 The temple is a world Heritage site and is maintained beautifully with green lawn and flowering trees. 
Best time to visit is from  November to February. It is difficult to walk up to the temple as the walkway to the temple gets heated up during other months.

Otherwise make the visit before 9 Am.
More details about the temple.

This temple is just 70 Kms from the Tanjore temple and midway one can visit the Darasuram temple too , yet another amazing contribution from the Cholas.

                                   
                                         Nagalinga tree,Cannon ball tree in the temple

Vaidya Veeraraghava Perumal temple- Tiruvallur,Chennai

 Veeraraghava Perumal temple , one among the 108 Tirupatis of Lord Vishnu is situated at Tiruvallur, a suburban town of Chennai city.

The temple has  Veeraraghava Perumal- Evvulukidandan  in sanctum reclining on His Ananta and Utsavar, a resplendent idol flanked by His  consorts.

The  God here is believed to be a physician hence the name Vaidya. Childless couples and  those who want relief from various ailments pay obeisance to Perumal here and get blessed.

The Huge crowd of devotees waiting patiently in temple queue is  ample proof of the faith they have in almighty.

In the outer circumambulatory path there are shrines dedicated to Kankavalli Thayar  and Andal., Lord's consorts

There are also shrines for Rama and Krishna.

The great devotees of Vishnu ; Alwars have sung mangalasanams ( hymns) in praise of Lord here.

The huge mandapams in front of the temple serve as venues for multiple weddings which are conducted  simultaneously.

How to reach- From Chennai many suburban trains are available. It would take just about an hour and about 15 minutes to reach Tiruvallur.

From Tiruvallur one can get share auto rickshaws which would drop one near the temple.