The Big Temple

I would like to introduce you to Brihadishwara Temple of Shiva in Thanjavur. This was the crowing glory of Chola temple architecture, commisioned in 1010 by the King Rajaraja. Also, Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva is one the largest Nandi statues in India. This amazing temple was made of sandstones and the carvings on the walls are amazing. It was very humid when we were there and very packed but I quickly learned the arts of pushing and shoving sticky people.
More picutres can be found on facebook... http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=217918&id=519266544&saved#!/album.php?aid=217918&id=519266544&ref=mf

a long walk to the temple, we had no idea!

First entrance to the temple




Sayani and me sweating our asses off

 



Nandi; Sacred Bull for Shiva



A line of people trying to get into the inner sanctum where Shiva is



this is a Hindu priest handing out ashes for blessings