TANJORE

Look at that impressive, grand, huge pyramidal tower called Vimana according to Silpa Sastra. Its commanding height makes us straighten and throw our heads backwards to catch a glimpse of the shiny brass kalasams atop the tower, tapering into the acquire high sky.  It dominates the landscape rising perpendicularly to a height of 216 feet, and embellished with 14 storeys. What a height! How majestic is its exterior!!.

The sikhara built in accordance with silpa sastra is crowned with a massive dome consisting of a single stone that weighs 80 tons. And, over it placed an octagon shaped stupa and a 12 foot high kalasa.  To lift and carry this gigantic stone to the top, an inclined road about 6 miles long was laid out for this purpose emulating the model technique used to the pyramid builders of ancient Egypt. And lacks of laborers, both skilled' and unskilled worked ceaselessly for its completion.  Elaborate sculptural images drawn from Hindu pantheon decorate this Vimana from top to bottom.  

It is occupying the centre of court yard and dominating the area for miles by its spectacular size and beauty.   As observed by Ferguson it lends dignity to the whole edifice and heightens the sanctity of the presiding deity.  It is the first temple built of granite stone and second to none in immensity of its vimana.  Its intricate sculptural elegance defies description, but certainly yields to scholar to several doctoral theses. Though the Dravidian architect predominates all over it, a discriminating on-looker discerns in it a harmonious blend of the Nagara, Vesara and Dravidian styles.

[ Back ] [ Up ] [ Next ]