PM Modi visits Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple in Tamil Nadu: Here's why it deserves a spot on your travel list
A forgotten jewel of Tamil Nadu
Often overshadowed by its more famous cousin, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is no less majestic. Built in the 11th century by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious northern expedition and the bringing of Ganga water to the South, this temple is a stunning example of Chola architecture at its zenith.
What makes it a must-visit
Architectural Grandeur: The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers.
The temple's intricate carvings, towering vimana (which is slightly shorter but more elegant than the one in Thanjavur), and massive Nandi statue offer a visual treat for architecture lovers. Spiritual significance: Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals.
Still an active place of worship, the temple offers a serene spiritual experience, especially during traditional festivals. Cultural immersion: Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage.
Visiting during Aadi or other regional festivals provides a deep dive into Tamil Nadu's living heritage. A photographer's dream: The golden light on the laterite stones at sunrise or sunset makes it a stunning location for travel photography.
How to get there
Located in Ariyalur district, the temple is about 70 km from Thanjavur and 35 km from Kumbakonam. The best way to reach is via road or by train to nearby towns, followed by a short taxi ride.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
a day ago
- India.com
Golden Hour In Mysore: 5 Places That'll Give You Insta-Worthy Shots Every Time
Mysuru, formerly Mysore, comprises a stunning tapestry of history, culture, and nature which acts as a bait for photographers. A virtual, self guided photography tour of this city makes sure that everyone gets a glimpse of the bountiful potential the city offers. In this post, I will present you with the top photography hotspots in Mysuru along with providing information on the best time to visit each location to get the most out of your time in this beautiful city. 1. Mysore Palace ( Amba Vilas Palace) In the field of obliterating Indo-Saracenic architectonic styles, this palace is one of the finest, and to date, has the most distinct elements and templates. The golden highlight of the city during the noon makes it breathtaking and provides an awesome premise for wide or detailed angel captures. Best Time to Shoot: Morning: The soft light this time enhances the already intricate details of the palace. Evening: A unique 'Lighting Up' method is employed where the palace gets illuminated during Sundays and public holidays which means delightful night captures are an option. Pro Tip: An internal shot of the wooden crafted stained glass exhibited in the dome shaped ceiling is a must. 2. Chamundi Hill This point is the most liked for those looking to get a vertical perspective of Mysore. Apart from stunning panoramic views of the city, the water body Nandi statue and Chamundeshwari Temple are located on top of the hill so make sure to grab your camera. Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise: Chamundi Hill acts as a vantage point where you can capture the golden landscape embellishing over Mysuru. Twilight: The lights of the temple create a magical composition with the evening sky. Pro Tips: Use a zoom lens to capture Mysore's skyline from the viewpoint. 3. Devaraja Market The famous and colorful Devaraja Market is lively and a delight for street photographers. There is life around every corner due to the vivid flower garlands and fruits and spices that are stacked in oranges and yellow hues. Best Time To Shoot: Morning: Early hours are teeming with activities, and the light in this scenario would be soft and diffused. MidDay: There is harsh sunlight, but it can be utilized by playing with shadows and textures. Pro Tips: Before taking any candid shots, build a rapport with the vendors and engage them in conversation. People make the best shots. 4. St Philomena's Church The church is not only uniquely beautiful but also stands tall with its twin spires and splendid stained glass windows. The grandeur of this neo-gothic cathedral sets it apart from all the traditional structures of Mysore. Best Time To Shoot: Golden Hour: Best while taking shots in the early afternoon as the sun greatly helps accentuate the height and intricate designs of the church. Night: When the church is illuminated at night, capturing it with the night sky in the background makes for stunning photography. During the night, Photographers can use the church's illumination as part of the shot. Pro Tip: Use a low-angle view to capture the soaring height of the church and the symmetry of the spires. 5. Brindavan Gardens With carefully crafted terraces, fountains, and lawns Brindavan Gardens is an aesthetic wonder. Visitors should not miss the dusky fountain presentation as it is highly photogenic. Best Time to Shoot: Sunset: The golden hour casts a warm glow on the leafy gardens. Night: Fountains are gloriously illuminated, which are perfect for dramatically long exposure shots. Pro Tip: For unshakable long-exposure shots of the fountains at night, use a tripod. Wrapping Up The charm of Mysore lies in the blend of old and new which creates an attractive backdrop to photographers. You will surely walk away with images that encapsulate the spirit and soul of the city with these 5 locations in your self-guided photography excursion. Enjoy the adventure!
NDTV
2 days ago
- NDTV
Russia's 'Land Of Fire And Ice' Was Largely Spared By Earthquake, Tsunami
Moscow: A powerful earthquake struck Wednesday off Russia's Far East coast, flooding a fishing port with waves from a tsunami, cutting power to a few areas and sending some panicked residents fleeing buildings but causing only a few injuries. Regional authorities say they were prepared for the 8.8-magnitude quake and the subsequent waves, and moved quickly to keep residents safe. They introduced a state of emergency in some areas, but said there was no major damage. Here is what to know about the Russian areas hit by the quake and tsunami: Dubbed the 'land of fire and ice,' Kamchatka is one of the most active volcanic regions on Earth. It has about 300 volcanoes, with 29 of them still active, according to NASA's Earth Observatory. Quakes and tsunamis regularly strike the peninsula that lies close to an ocean trench where two tectonic plates meet. The 1,200-kilometer (750-mile)-long peninsula nine time zones east of Moscow faces the Pacific Ocean on its east and the Sea of Okhotsk along its west coast. Kamchatka and a few nearby islands have a population of about 290,000 with about 162,000 of them living in the regional capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in Avacha Bay on the peninsula's southeast. There are few roads on the peninsula, and helicopters are the only way to reach most areas. Fishing is the main economic activity. A major base for Russian nuclear submarines is located in Avacha Bay. The tallest volcano is Klyuchevskaya Sopka (4,750 meters or 15,584 feet), the largest active volcano in the Northern Hemisphere. Observers heard explosions and saw streams of lava on its western slopes, according to the Kamchatka branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences' geophysical service. Scientists have anticipated the eruption for some time, with the volcano's crater filling with lava for weeks and the mountain emitting plumes of ash. It last erupted in 2023. The four volcanic islands, known in Russia as the Kurils, stretch between Kamchatka and the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The islands were captured by the Soviet Union from Japan in the closing days of World War II. Japan asserts territorial rights to the islands it calls the Northern Territories, and the dispute has kept the countries from signing a peace treaty The islands have a population of about 20,000, and the local economy is based on fishing. The Russian military has bolstered its presence in the area, refurbishing a Soviet-era air base and other outposts. The authorities on Kamchatka and the Kurils said they have been prepared for a major quake for a long time and acted quickly to protect the population. The 8.8-magnitude quake, centered about 120 kilometers (75 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, struck at 11:24 a.m. local time (2324 GMT Tuesday, 7:24 p.m. EDT Tuesday) at a depth of about 21 kilometers (13 miles), according to the US Geological Survey. Multiple aftershocks as strong as 6.9 magnitude followed. The earthquake appeared to be the strongest on record since the 9.1 magnitude earthquake off northeastern Japan in March 2011 that caused a massive tsunami. Only a few stronger earthquakes have ever been measured anywhere. Regional authorities on Kamchatka said several people were injured, but they didn't elaborate. Regional health department chief Oleg Melnikov a few injuries occurred during evacuations, including a hospital patient injured while jumping out of a window. All were in satisfactory condition, he said. Video from Russian media showed doctors on Kamchatka holding a patient and medical equipment as an operating room shook during surgery. The quake damaged a kindergarten in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, but no children were in the building, which was closed for renovation. Municipal workers inspected about 600 apartment buildings and said no evacuations were needed. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky was protected from big tsunami waves by its location on Avacha Bay. Emergency workers evacuated about 60 tourists from a beach of black volcanic sand on the Pacific side. Tsunami waves could have been as high as 10 to 15 meters (30 to 50 feet) in some sections of the Kamchatka coast, Russia's Oceanology Institute said, noting the biggest were under 6 meters (about 19 1/2 feet) near populated areas of the peninsula and the nearby Kuril islands. Authorities in Severo-Kurilsk, the Kurils' main city, evacuated residents from danger areas to deeper inland. Severo-Kurilsk Mayor Alexander Ovsyannikov said tsunami waves flooded the fishing port along with a fish factory and swept fishing boats out to sea. Power was cut by the flooding, with authorities inspecting the damage. Tourists sailing in the Sea of Okhotsk off the Kurils watched as a group of sea lions jumped en masse from a rocky outcropping on Antsiferov Island and swam away as the quake hit, a tour guide said. The sea lions seemed 'very scared and a terrible rumble began,' said tour organizer Alexander Bogoslovskiy, adding that all the tourists were safe from the effects of the quake and tsunami. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted the quake warnings were issued in a timely fashion, people were evacuated quickly, and buildings withstood the shocks.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Gangaikonda Cholapuram: From glory to decline
Pomp and gaiety marked the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival, which is organised every year in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, about 105 kilometres from Tiruchi in Tamil Nadu, to mark the birth anniversary of Rajendra Chola I (1012 to 1044 CE). The festival, which the DMK government in the State began holding from 2022, became a high-profile event this time thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's participation in the valediction ceremony. The festival also coincided with the completion of 1,000 years of the maritime expedition of the Chola emperor to Southeast Asia and the commencement of the construction of the iconic temple. In his book, A History of South India: From Prehistoric Times to the Fall of Vijayanagar, historian K.A. Nilakanta Sastri states that Rajendra Chola's empire was 'the most extensive and most respected Hindu state of his time.' Gangaikonda Cholapuram, established by the Chola ruler, served as the capital of the imperial Cholas for about 250 years (1025 CE-1279 CE). Along with the Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur, built by Rajendra Chola's father, Rajaraja Chola I, the temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram was included by UNESCO in 2004 under the category of 'Great Living Chola Temples' and declared a World Heritage Site. On July 27, Mr. Modi spent about two hours at the temple. Unlike most of his public events, which are characterised by formal speeches and the inauguration of projects and schemes, this event was different. Wearing a white dhoti, a half-sleeve shirt, and an angavastram (upper cloth), the Prime Minister enjoyed devotional renderings by a group of Oduvars (hymn singers) and by music director and composer Ilaiyaraaja. In his speech, Mr. Modi praised the contributions of the Cholas and explained how their rule remains an inspiration for modern India. The Cholas undoubtedly set a benchmark in various aspects of governance. However, their erstwhile capital is today one of the most backward districts of Tamil Nadu, Ariyalur. It is hard to believe that it was once the seat of power of a great empire for 250 years. 'It is all fine for the Prime Minister to announce the installation of statues for the two Chola emperors. But people in the district had expected him to unveil plans for infrastructure development in the region,' said N. Dhanapal, a resident of Thirumanur village in Ariyalur district. 'We thought he would make a statement on the approval of two long-pending railway projects — from Kumbakonam to Namakkal through Ariyalur and Perambalur, and one connecting Pattukottai, Thanjavur, and Ariyalur. We were disappointed,' he added. A predominantly agrarian district, Ariyalur has cement factories. These were established by large companies given the availability of good quality limestone in the region. After a spell of severe pest attacks about five years ago, farmers virtually stopped raising sugarcane. 'The sugar mill that we had barely functions,' a resident complained. Though the Small Industries Development Corporation set up an industrial estate at Mallur in the district about 10 years ago, it found few takers. The district has a fossil tree park and a fossil museum, which are examples of palaeo-zoology. In fact, the geological community regards the Ariyalur region as important as the Grand Canyon in Arizona, U.S. Yet, the place barely gets any visibility. In fact, despite being a World Heritage Site for more than 20 years, even the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple does not attract as many international visitors as it should, primarily due to connectivity issues and lack of amenities. It is not that there have not been efforts made to improve the district. On the eve of the festival, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had announced that the Chola Gangam lake, locally known as the Ponneri lake, would be developed at a cost of ₹12 crore, and that facilities for tourists would be improved at a cost of ₹7.25 crore. He also said that renovation work of channels around the tank and other maintenance works would be undertaken. The State government has also planned to construct a museum, spread over 10 acres, at the cost of ₹22.10 crore. However, these plans are not enough. What the people of the district, which was the seat of the ancient capital of the Cholas, want today is sustained attention and focus on economic development of the region. That is what finally matters to them.
