Gangaikonda Cholapuran Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in the ancient town of Gangai Konda Cholapuram, the Gangai Konda Cholapuram temple was built by the Chola King Rajendra Cholan to celebrate his victory over the Gangetic Plain in the 11th century. Earlier he had built the Brahedeeswarar temple in Thanjavour and the Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple of Kanchipuram is a replica of that temple. The Chola style of architecture of the temple gives a glimpse of the rich history of the Cholas. This ancient temple flaunts impressive stone sculptures. One of the best sculptures is of Lord Ganesha dancing away to glory.

The temple is 54.86 m in height and its nine-storied vimanam? is very captivating. The temple also has a huge Shiv Lingam which is elevated up to the height of 185 feet. It is the biggest Shiv Lingam in the entire South India. The walls are festooned beautifully with sculptures. The images of dancing Nataraja (the Cosmic dancer) and the peaceful image of goddess Saraswati (the goddess of wisdom and knowledge) show the flawless craftsmanship of that period. It is also the perfect place to see the bronzes belonging to the Chola period. The best time to visit the Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple is in the winters.