Shiva
Gangaikondacholapuram Brihadeeswarar Temple
Gangaikondacholapuram, Tamil Nadu · Brihadeeswarar (Shiva)
About Gangaikondacholapuram Brihadeeswarar Temple
Built by Rajendra Chola I in the 11th century to celebrate his conquest of northern India and the Ganga. A UNESCO World Heritage Site (Great Living Chola Temples) alongside Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar. The vimana (tower) and the unique Chandikeswarar shrine with Rajendra Chola's lion-throne sculpture are extraordinary. Less crowded than Thanjavur — pilgrims have the ancient site largely to themselves.
Darshan Information
🙏 Main Deity
Brihadeeswarar (Shiva)
🙏 Secondary Deity
Brihannayaki (Parvati)
🏛️ Spiritual Category
Shiva
🕐 Darshan Timings
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📅 Best Visit Time
October to March
Getting There
Nearest Railway Station
Ariyalur (25 km) or Kumbakonam (35 km)
Nearest Airport
Tiruchirappalli International Airport (80 km)
Food & Stay
Ideal Base City
Kumbakonam
Visitor Tips
Much less crowded than Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar; combine as a one-day triangle with Dharasuram and Kumbakonam; hire an ASI guide for the sculptures.
Nearby & Related Temples
Suryanar Koil
Suryanar Kovil, Tamil Nadu
Surya (Sun)
⏱ 30–45 minutes
Thingalur Chandran Temple
Thingalur, Tamil Nadu
Chandra (Moon)
⏱ 30 minutes
Vaitheeswaran Koil
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu
Vaitheeswaran (Shiva as Healer), Muthumariamman
⏱ 45 min – 1 hour
Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple
Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu
Swetharanyeswarar (Shiva), Brahma (Mercury)
⏱ 30–45 minutes
Quick Info
Darshan Timings
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
State
Tamil Nadu
Location
Gangaikondacholapuram
Ideal Base City
Kumbakonam
Senior Friendly
Unknown
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