Gangaikondan Cholapuram, Tamilnadu

A visit to Gangaikondan Cholapuram had been on our list for a long time and we finally logged it in Nov'23 during a road trip to Thanjore and Kumbakonam. Gangaikondan Cholapuram, is a small town located at about 34 km from Kumbakonam. 

This place houses the grand  Gangaikondancholisvarar temple which is one among the three great living Chola Temples. UNESCO has recently declared it as a World Heritage site and it is under the control of ASI and HR&CE. The other two are the Brihadeeshwarar (Big) Temple at Thanjore and the Airavatheswarar Temple at Darasuram near Kumbakonam.

Though this temple replicates the Big Temple at Thanjore in many ways, it has its own unique grandeur and style. The art, engravings and architecture depicts the living history of the Cholas rule

Rajendra-I succeeded the Great Chola King, Raja Raja Cholan, and ruled the Chola dynasty for over three decades. 

Following the conquest of the Gangetic plains in A.D. 1023 Rajendra–I built  this city  Gangaikondacholapauram, the temple  Gangaikondacholisvarar and a lake Chola Gangam in commemoration of his victory. The place, the temple and the lake are the living embodiments of the heroism of the Tamils who unfurled the Chola‘s Tiger flag on the banks of the River Ganges.

Rajendra-I also shifted the capital from Thanjore to this newly built town and it remained the capital till the end of Chola Empire. 

This magnificent monument standing tall amongst  greenery in a quiet laidback town is definitely a must visit place in Tamilnadu.  

A little detour on NH 36 towards Chennai is another must see for its mere expanse, is the Veeranam or the Veeranarayanan Lake, the main water source for Chennai city. It is 14kms long and is one of the longest artificial lake in the world.  

This lake was constructed in 9th century AD by a Chola King Rajaditya. The opening chapter of the book *Ponniyin Selvan is set on the banks of this Lake. Kalki gives an elaborate description of the features of the lake and the way multiple rivers flow into it.

The drive takes you through picturesque view of the lake on one side and small hamlets on the other. There is a birds sighting spot along this stretch. Since we crossed this place around mid-day we stopped only for few minutes to awe at the blue expanse of water meeting the skies and click a picture... 

  *  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponniyin_Selvan