HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT! Now that we’ve come back down from the mountains the heat has returned. The temperature is running about 39-40 celcius (102-104 farenheit). I haven’t sweat so much in my entire life! There is water just running down my face all day long and I can feel it running down my back as well. No need for makeup over here – what’s the use? Our next stop was at the Brahadeeswara Temple (Big Temple) built by King Raja Raja Cholan is 1010 AD – celebrating 1,000 years old this year. This temple reminded me very much of the Egyptian temples when we first arrived because of the plain stone color on the outside. But it definitely has the unique Indian influence in all the design. The stones were placed on top of each other – one by one – with no material for adhesive. The top rounded stone is one piece that weighs 80 tons. It was placed on the top to “seal” the remaining stones together. Amazing architecture for so long ago!!
We arrived here mid-day when the sun was blazing and no shoes are allowed inside the temple area. They laid out a rough carpet made of something like jute, but it didn’t extend to all the areas so we still had to walk on the stone and brick to get there. My feet were scalded!!! And I know mom was having a hard time because her feet are more sensitive than mine. Our guide – Raja – finally got us over to the side area up inside where we could walk on cooler stone, but our feet were already sensitized from the scalding. It was a rough walk, but the temple was so amazing I forgot about that for a while.
There were many special characteristics about the temple that intrigued us. On the side was a horse engraved to show a “chariot” type design on one of the smaller buildings. Inside are beautiful paintings that were part of an addition built in the 16th century. The detail is still marvelous to see.
The columns were so perfectly symmetrical – that always blows my mind! How did they line those up so perfectly that long ago? They were definitely doing something right.
After the temple we stopped to use the restroom. This is an Indian toilet (most common here). There was an American style toilet next to it but the room smelled so bad, we decided to wait until we got to the hotel. Fortunately, I haven’t been in a situation to have to use one of these so far – but, mom has (once).
Next, we went to the Tanjore Palace built in 1550 AD. This palace also has the Moorish Muslim influence with the pointed archways. I think they’re just beautiful!!
Inside was a museum with granite and copper statues of the Hindu gods in different form. We’ve learned during this process that Hindu’s have 3 primary gods:
Brahma – represents Creation
Vishnu – represents Production
Shiva – represents Destroyer of bad things (or Protector)
So, when Christianity became introduced to India – they found it very similar to their Hindu religion with the trinity (God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Although there are obvious differences, I have to say that Hindu’s are very faithful and loyal in their worship which is something that anyone could take a good lesson from.
Next, we checked into our hotel and then 15 minutes later – headed back out (around 4pm) to see more. Next stop was the Darasuram Temple also complete in 1010 AD – this temple was built by King Chola’s son - Rajaraja Chola II). This temple was smaller but still quite incredible. (That’s our driver – Ram, in the picture).
After the temple, Ram took us to a silk weaver’s home. This man works out of his house and has learned silk weaving from his ancestors. It was remarkable to see how this family lived in a very small concrete structure that served as both a home and factory together, but they seemed truly happy.
By this time, it was after 8pm, so we finally went back to the hotel for the night. What a full day!
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