Travel from Gangaikonda Cholapuram to Gautameswar Temple

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  

Source: Behance

Source: Lost Temples

Dedicated to Bhagwan Shiva 

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 

Source: Native Planet

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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

Source: Highway- the Only Way

The name Manthani comes 

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

Source: The Mysterious India

A land once revered for the Vedic literacy and customs

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

Source: Telangana 360

Note: 

• Vaagu is a hill stream or a brook 
• Cheruvu is a lake 

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Source: 

https://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=451 

https://www.themysteriousindia.net/ruins-of-gautameswar-temple-manthani/

https://www.telangana360.com/2016/12/manthani-gauthameswara-temple.html 

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