The first Hindu temple built in South India is believed to be the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It was built during the 11th century by the Chola dynasty ruler, King Raja Raja I.
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The first Hindu temple built in South India is believed to be the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This magnificent temple stands as a remarkable symbol of architectural brilliance and cultural heritage. It was constructed during the 11th century by the pioneering Chola dynasty ruler, King Raja Raja I.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and showcases the grandeur of Dravidian architecture. Its construction was a remarkable feat, reflecting the superior engineering and architectural skills of the Chola dynasty. The temple is renowned for its magnificent Vimana, a towering structure that stands at an impressive height of 66 meters and is adorned with intricate carvings.
According to tradition, the temple was built to display the power and prosperity of the Chola dynasty and to honor Lord Shiva. It served not only as a place of worship but also as a center for cultural and social gatherings. The Brihadeeswarar Temple stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of ancient South India.
Interesting facts about the Brihadeeswarar Temple include:
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The temple was constructed entirely out of granite, with no use of binding materials like cement or mortar. The massive stone blocks were carefully interlocked using precise engineering techniques.
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The temple complex covers an area of around 2.8 hectares and includes various structures like the main temple, a Nandi statue, several mandapams (pillared halls), and a large courtyard.
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The temple is adorned with intricate sculptures and carvings, depicting various mythological stories, deities, and celestial beings. These carvings showcase the craftsmanship and artistic prowess of the time.
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The Brihadeeswarar Temple is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and continues to attract millions of visitors every year.
Renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright once said, “The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul of our own civilization.” This quote emphasizes the importance of architectural achievements like the Brihadeeswarar Temple in preserving the cultural identity and heritage of a civilization.
Table:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, South India |
| Temple Name | Brihadeeswarar Temple / Peruvudaiyar Kovil |
| Dynasty | Chola dynasty |
| Builder | King Raja Raja I |
| Architecture Style | Dravidian |
| Main Structure | Vimana (tower) |
| Height of Vimana | 66 meters |
| Construction Material | Granite |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes |
| Famous Features | Intricate carvings, Nandi statue, Mandapams, Courtyard |
The Brihadeeswarar Temple stands as a mesmerizing testament to the architectural prowess and cultural richness of ancient South India, attracting visitors with its grandeur and historical significance.
Video answer to “Who built first Hindu temple south India?”
In this YouTube video, the YouTuber visits a Hindu temple in Bangalore, India. They learn about the temple’s history and remove their shoes and socks before entering. Inside, they observe the significance of Shiva in Hinduism and the coexistence of Islamic and Hindu cultures in India. The YouTuber expresses interest in visiting other impressive temples and notes the destruction of numerous Hindu temples over the years. They conclude the video by signing off.
Here are some more answers to your question
the Palava kingsMahabalipuram was the seaport of the Palava kings who ruled the region about 1,300 years ago. Here they built the earliest stone temples in the south, all in a span of 50 years, between A.D. 630 and 680.
Narasimhavarman II
The temple was built during 685-705AD. It is the first structural temple built in South India by Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha), and who is also known as Rajasimha Pallaveswaram. His son, Mahendravarman III, completed the front façade and the gopuram (tower).
I am sure you will be interested in these topics as well
Who built temples in South India?
King Krishna Deva Raya and others built many famous temples all over South India in Vijayanagara Architecture style. Vijayanagara architecture is a vibrant combination of the Chalukya, Hoysala, Rashtrakuta, Pallava, Pandya and Chola styles, idioms that prospered in previous centuries.
Consequently, Which is the earliest temple in South India?
Response to this:
| Mundeshwari Temple | |
|---|---|
| Completed | 635 CE Hindu inscriptions dated 4th century AD were found in the temple m. |
| Specifications | |
| Temple(s) | One |
| Elevation | 608 m (1,995 ft) |
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Who built the first Hindu temple in India?
Peasant proprietors and local elites were the earliest to build temples and set aside land for their maintenance. By 700 CE, the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, the Chalukyas of Badami, and other such monarchical states had begun to promote temple building.
Keeping this in consideration, When were South Indian temples built? South Indian temple architecture, also called Drāviḍa Style, architecture invariably employed for Hindu temples in modern Tamil Nadu from the 7th to the 18th century, characterized by its pyramidal, or kūṭina-type, tower.
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Who built Hindu temples? Silpins who built Hindu temples, as well as the art works and sculpture within them, were considered by the ancient Sanskrit texts to deploy arts whose number are unlimited, Kala (techniques) that were 64 in number, and Vidya (science) that were of 32 types.
What is the oldest Hindu temple in India? Answer to this: It is an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) protected monument since 1915. The ASI has recently dated the structure to 108 CE making it the oldest Hindu temple in the country. An information plaque at the site indicates the dating of the temple at least to 625 CE and Hindu inscriptions dated 635 CE were found in the temple.
Subsequently, What is South Indian temple architecture? South Indian temple architecture, also called Drāviḍa Style, architecture invariably employed for Hindu temples in modern Tamil Nadu from the 7th to the 18th century, characterized by its pyramidal, or kūṭina -type, tower. Variant forms are found in Karnataka (formerly Mysore) and Andhra Pradesh states.
When did temples start in Tamilnadu? As a response to this: Early Temples of Tamilnadu: Their Role in Socio-Economic Life (c.550-925 CE). Harman. pp. 202–203. ISBN 978-81-85151-55-7., Quote: "There were some institutions [Hindu temples] which may be called temple-colleges and strove for the promotion of education in the country.