Chola Dynasty Temples
Temples built during the Chola dynasty, masters of Dravidian architecture.
17 temples
Airavatesvara Temple
The Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram, built by Rajaraja Chola II between 1146 and 1172 CE, is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage 'Great Living Chola Temples.' It is renowned…
Arunachaleswarar Temple
Arunachaleswarar Temple at the foot of Arunachala Hill in Tiruvannamalai is one of the largest Shiva temples in the world, covering 25 acres.
Brihadeeswarar Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest Shiva temple in India, crowned by…
Chaya Someswara Temple
Famous for a permanent shadow that falls on the main Shiva Lingam all day, with no visible object casting it.
Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram represents the earth element (Prithvi) of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Rajendra Chola I in 1035 CE, is a UNESCO World Heritage 'Great Living Chola Temple.' Its 53-metre vimana with recessed corners and six pairs…
Jambukeswarar Temple
Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval represents the water element (Apas) of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.
Kampaheswarar Temple
Kampaheswarar Temple in Tribhuvanam, built by Kulothunga Chola III in 1202 CE, is one of the later great Chola temples and completes the quartet of magnificent Chola stone temples alongside…
Koranganatha Temple
Koranganatha Temple, built during the reign of the Chola king Parantaka I (907-955 CE) at Srinivasanallur near Tiruchirappalli, is a well-preserved example of early Chola architecture with exquisite stone carvings.
Nataraja Temple
Chidambaram Nataraja Temple represents the space element (Akasha) of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas.
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswar Temple
Monumental 12th-century Chola dynasty Shiva shrine in Villianur with historic stone inscriptions, majestic gopurams, a sacred tank, and a towering 15-metre wooden chariot drawn during the annual Brahmotsavam.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
The largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, a temple-city spanning 156 acres with seven concentric walls, 21 gopurams, and the foremost of the 108 Divya Desams.
Srikalahasti Temple
Srikalahasti Temple, situated on the banks of the Swarnamukhi River at the foot of Srikalahasti hill in Tirupati district, is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Srikalahasteeswara.
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Tirupati district, is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu.
Uttara Swami Malai Mandir
Perched on a hillock, this granite temple is a primary site for Delhi's South Indian community, dedicated to Lord Swaminatha.
Varadaraja Perumal Temple
The premier 11th-century Chola-era Vaishnavite temple in Puducherry, housing Lord Varadaraja Perumal and Perundevi Thayar with a vivid multi-tiered gopuram, sculpted pillars, and traditional temple tank.
Vedapureeswarar Temple
Historic Shaivite temple in Puducherry's Heritage Town dedicated to Lord Shiva as Vedapureeswarar; rebuilt in 1788 following colonial destruction, showcasing a towering 75-foot rajagopuram and ancient Vedic traditions.
Sources & References
These records back the membership, dating and visitor guidance published on this Chola Dynasty Temples page.
Archaeological Survey of India
Archaeological Survey of India — monument records and conservation reports
Protection status, dating, architectural classification and published conservation records for the monuments named on this page.
Primary archaeological record
Open source (opens in a new tab)Ministry of Tourism, Government of India
Ministry of Tourism — official destination information
Official Government of India destination information — access, visitor circuits and travel guidance referenced on this page.
Government record
Open source (opens in a new tab)UNESCO World Heritage Centre
UNESCO World Heritage List — India
World Heritage inscription criteria, Outstanding Universal Value statements and the year of listing for the sites named on this page.
World Heritage documentation
Open source (opens in a new tab)INTACH
Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
Documentation of Indian architectural heritage and conservation practice behind the style descriptions on this page.
Reference source
Open source (opens in a new tab)
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