Day 6 September 28 - Travel to Tanjore - Continued
Sangram Hotel Thanjavur
Situated amidst the historical temples of Thanjavur(Tanjore), the Sangram Hotel Thanjavur provides 54 luxurious rooms with 4 star amenities. Sangam Hotel in Thanjavur has a stellar record of service to the wide range of travelers to Thanjavur, including pilgrims, international tourists and those on personal or business trips. Sangam Hotel provides visitors with the best options for rooms, dining and facilities.
Thanjavur formerly Tanjore, is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city. The city is an agricultural center located in the Cauvery Delta and is known as the "Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu". Scholars believe the name Thanjavur is derived from Tanjan, a legendary demon in Hindu mythology.
Thanjavur Palace Bronze
Thanjavur Art Gallery, located in the Thanjavur Palace Thanjavur Palace Bronze hosts a collection of ancient stone and bronze sculptures and coins. It is officially called the "Raja Raja Chola Art Gallery." The bronze sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses range from 9th century A.D. to 19th century A.D. The bronzes display early Indian lifestyle, clothing, ornaments and hair styles. Another interesting feature is the collection of old coins. Coins from as early as 300 B.C are exhibited here, which is quite astonishing.
Brihadeshwara Temple (A) [also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil] is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. It is an excellent example of Tamil architecture during the Chola dynasty. One of the largest temples in India and one of India's most prized architectural sites. It is popularly known as the 'Big Temple' Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples. The temple tower is 216 ft high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. The Kumbam (bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and it weighs approx 80 tons. At the temple entrance is a statue of Nandi (sacred bull) carved out of a single rock, is 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The entire temple structure is made of granite. The temple is the most visited tourist attraction in Thanjavur. Bradisvara Temple (B) Brihadisvara Temple (C)
This evening we were treated to a performance of Classical Indian Dance performed by two local students who are studying to become professional dancers. Indian classical dances are usually performed inside the sanctum of the temple according to the rituals called Agama Nartanam. Dances performed in royal courts, to the accompaniment of classical music, are called Carnatakam. Classical dance performances usually feature a story about good and evil. The dance is traditionally presented in a dramatic manner called nritta, which uses "clean" facial expressions and mudrā, or hand gestures, to narrate the story and to demonstrate concepts such as particular objects, weather, aspects of nature and emotions.
Southern India Photo Page 5
- Southern India