Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Ariyalur- Tamil Nadu
A world heritage
site, the Brihadisvara Mandir
With Dravidian
architecture evident
In every chip
and dent of the majestic aalyam;
Built in 1035 AD
by King Rajendra Chola I
Inspired by his
father, Rajaraja Chola I
Who built the Brihadeeswarar aalyam at Thanjavur
Whose lingam is 18 feet wide and 13 feet tall
With the murti of Nandi
Chiseled in a way to reflect into the sanctum
The lingam is one of the largest in the world
Residing in the sanctum made of Chandrakanta stones
Which keep the Prabhu cool in summer and warm in winter
Gautameswar temple of Manthani, Karimnagar- Telangana
Gautameswar,
another form of Bhagwan Shiva
Resides as a
lingam,
Close to River
Godavari, Bokkala Vaagu*, & Ravula Cheruvu*
Guarded by
the murti of a huge Nandi;
No one knows
when the mandir was built
That shows
traces of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism
The Kakatiya
kings are said to have renovated
Adding marvelous
sculptures to the old structure
Bringing the place the recognition it deserved
From a churning
pot of buttermilk
To signify the
churning of mantras
In this pious
place where Vedas were taught
Previously known
as Mantrakootam,
The region gets
a mention in the inscription
At Dwarakepeetam
and Pushpagiri Peetam
By the Jagasguru
Sankaracharya,
Who visited the
aalayam in the early 6th century AD
Now lay
abandoned, hidden among the overgrown trees
Determined to
protect it from further damage
After the nose
and ears of the Nandi were
Destroyed by the
Muslim invaders
Note:
- Vaagu is a hill stream or a brook
- Cheruvu is a lake
https://www.themysteriousindia.net/ruins-of-gautameswar-temple-manthani/
https://www.telangana360.com/2016/12/manthani-gauthameswara-temple.html
*****************************************************************************
#FreeHinduTemples
After reading about Brihadeeswarar temple in one of your earlier posts, I was inspired to pen down a memory. Will post one day soon:)
ReplyDeleteWho/ which dynasty were the invaders you mention in the last line?
That's awesome. Would love to read it. :)
DeleteI couldn't find the exact details but considering the location and timeline, it could be the Deccan Sultanates who took over after the Vijayanagara Kindgom declined.
Thank you Sri.
DeleteWelcome. :)
DeleteThanks for this. Is it a ruin now ?
ReplyDeleteWelcome. Sadly, yes. It is in ruins now.
DeleteAn old building hidden among the overgrown trees is still a lovely buiding, full of mystery, history and much more.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's true. I do wish our state government did something about it though. With a history like that, it should have been cared for. :/
DeleteSo many beautiful things to explore in the world of temples...awesome
ReplyDeletehttps://pagesfromjayashree.blogspot.com/2021/04/giants-grawp-and-ghatothkacha.html
Absolutely! This is a great learning experience for me.
DeleteThis looks like such an amazing place. Weekends In Maine
ReplyDeleteWow Srivalli I am getting to know of so many new temples from all your posts... Only thing I knew about in this post was the concept of Manthini 😊
ReplyDelete