Chola Paintings in Brihadeshwara the Tanjore Big Temple

After my eyes feasted and my lens scanned the spectacular stone sculpted images of Brihadishwara Temple, I moved on to the murals on the walls around the temple.

These huge Thanjavur temple paintings are now of great interest to the historians, mainly because three different styles (Chola, Nayaka and Maratha) have been portrayed through them. The Nayak Paintings and Maratha Paintings were known for long.

In 1931 the Chola Paintings in Brihadeeswarar the Tanjore Big Temple were accidentally discovered by S.K. Govindaswami, a young history lecturer from Annamalai University. Ever since the locals and tourists flock to see the Thanjai Periya Kovil paintings, as they fondly call it. (meaning Thanjavur big temple paintings). The Nayaks who ruled in 17th century had painted in their own style over the Chola paintings.

Great Living Chola Temple is in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage list since 1987.

Chola Paintings in Brihadishwara Temple Goddess Durga

Chola Paintings in Brihadishwara Temple Goddess Durga.

Chola Paintings in Brihaeeshwara Temple Lord Ganapati

Chola Paintings in Brihaeeshwara Temple Lord Ganapati.

Chola Paintings in Brihadeeshwara Temple Marriage of Lord Vishnu

Chola Paintings in Brihadeeshwara Temple Marriage of Lord Vishnu.

Chola Paintings in Brihadeshwara Tanjore

There are 2 sets of Chola paintings that you can see and admire in the Tanjore Big Temple.

One set is open for all and can be seen in the corridors that run along the wall of the temple. All pictures in this post are from there.

Another set of Chola paintings that were discovered recently as mentioned above in is inside the temple. They are in the walls of the secret passages of the temple that connects the temple with palace of Raja Raja Chola. Much like what we do in our homes today – lining up corridors and walls of foyers with pictures and paintings.

Chola Paintings in Brihadishwara Temple Balaram and Krishna

Chola Paintings in Brihadishwara Temple Balaram and Krishna.

Chola Paintings in Tanjore Big Temple Shiva Ling

Chola Paintings in Tanjore Big Temple Shiva Ling.

Chola Paintings in Brihadishwara Temple Goddess Parvati

Chola Paintings in Brihadishwara Temple Goddess Parvati.

Lord Shiva is depicted in various forms, each mural telling a story, even hairdos of queens, their ornaments drawn in detail. The fine proportions in the drawings make them comparable to the frescoes of Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.

Goddess of fire.

Chola Paintings in Brihadeshwara Tanjore Temple Goddess of fire.

Lord Shiva

Chola Paintings in Tanjavoor Big Temple Lord Shiva.

Chola Paintings in Secret Tunnels of Thanjai Periya Kovil

You can see more paintings in the secret tunnels inside Brihadeeshwara Temple. No photography is allowed here.

Paintings in Temple Raja Raja Chola worshiping Lord Shiva

Chola Paintings in Brihadeshwara Tanjore Temple Raja Raja Chola worshiping Lord Shiva.

Chola Paintings in Thanjai Periya Kovil

Interested in more Indian art? See Warli Art Work

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Chola Paintings Brihadishwara Temple

(This blogpost was first published on Feb 25, 2010.)

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