Great Temples of Tamil Nadu 5

Anugraha Sandeswaramoorthi at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. This is the sculpture of Anugraha Sandeswara Moorthi (Lord Shiva) at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, a masterpece of Chola architectural splendour. It was built by Rajendra Chola, son of the great Rajaraja, from 1012-44. It is a replica of the Big Temple at Thanjavur but with still greater detail and perfection. This was the capital of the Cholas during the reign of Rajendra Chola. Visitors should not miss this beautiful sculpture near the north entrance, depicting Shiva and Parvathi garlanding the saint Sandeswara Gangaikonda Cholapuram - a general view. The majestic and well maintained UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gangaikonda CholapuramGangai Konda Cholapuram, Kala samharamoorthi. Kalanthakar or Kala samharar -- the aspect of Shiva depicted as slaying the god of death -- is one of the Astanga Moorthams (64 forms) of Lord Siva. This beautiful artwork finds pride of place in one of the niches of Gangai Konda Cholapuram templeGangaikonda Cholapuram, Adalvallan. The sculpture of Adalvallan (Lord Nataraja) dancing along with Kali and Bhringimuni attended by ganas and Karaikkal Ammaiyar playing cymbals, is one of the masterpieces of Chola architectural excellence