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For Sale at the 99 cent store on Wilshire. Seen after the closing of the David Hockney exhibit at LACMA.
Brihadeeshwara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajesvaram. It is one of the largest temples in India and is an example of Dravidian architecture during the Chola period. Built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD, the temple turned 1000 years old in 2010. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the other two being the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.
The temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The vimanam (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.
There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft (4.9 m) long and 13 ft (4.0 m) high at the entrance. The entire temple structure is made out of granite, the nearest sources of which are about 60 km to the west of temple. The temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
History of Brihadeeswarar Temple
rulmozhivarman, a Tamil emperor who was popular as Rajaraja Chola I laid out foundations of Brihadeeswarar Temple during 1002 CE. It was first among other great building projects by Tamil Chola. A symmetrical and axial geometry rules layout of this temple. Temples from same period and two following centuries are expressions of Tamils Chola power, artistic expertise and wealth. Emergence of these types of features, such as multifaceted columns along with projecting signals of square capitals signifies arrival of Chola style, which was new at that time.
It is one architectural exemplar, which showcases true form of Dravida kind of architecture in temples and is a representative of ideology of Chola Empire and Southern India’s Tamil civilization. Brihadeeswarar Temple “testifies to Chola’s brilliant achievements in architecture, painting, bronze casting and sculpture.”
It is said that after seeing Pallava Rajasimha Temples in Kanchipuram, Emperor Rajaraja Cholan had the dream of establishing such a huge temple for Lord Shiva. Brihadeeswarar Temple is first among all buildings, which make use of granite fully and it finished within five years from 1004 AD to 1009 AD.
The greatest of Chola emperors Rajaraja-I (985 A.D – 1012 A.D) the son of Sundara Chola (Parantaka-II) and Vanavan mahadevi built this magnificent temple named Brihadeeswarar at Thanjavur – the capital of Chola dynasty.
From the Epigraphical evidence it is known about Rajaraja-I started building this temple on his 19th year and completed on 275th day of his 25th year. It took just 6 years to complete this work on 1010 A.D.
The Chola reign declined and they were ousted by the Pandyas who were in turn thrown over by the Vijayanagara Empire. In 1535, the Vijayanagara king installed a Nayak king and the clan, called Tanjore Nayaks, reigned till the mid-17th century. In 1674, the Marathas conquered Tanjore. Later, like the rest of the country, Thanjavur too fell into British hands.
The inscriptions and frescoes on the walls of Brihadeeswarar Temple record the rise and fall of the city’s fortunes. Shiva’s representation is as a gigantic stone lingam. This is covered by a vimanam that extends to 216 feet. It is built with stones that are bonded and notched without any mortar. The topmost stone, an engineering marvel, weighs about eighty tons.
Rajaraja-I named this temple as Rajarajesvaram and the deity Shiva in Linga form as Peruvudaiyar, the temple is also known in the deity’s name as Peruvudaiyarkovil (in Tamil language). In later period Maratta and Nayaks rulers constructed various shrines and gopurams of the temple.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple was completed in around 1010 in the southeastern part of the new capital Thanjavur constructed in the basin of the Kaveri (Cauvery) River by the king of the Chola Dynasty, Rajaraja I (r. 985-1014). It has also been called Rajarajesvara Temple after the king’s name. It is one of the two greatest temples from the age of the Chola Dynasty together with the Rajendra -Cholisvara Temple built in the next new capital, Gangaikondacholapuram, which was constructed by his successor Rajendra I. Those constructions were prodigious national projects showing the Chola Empire’s hegemony in south India.
It is said that the Brihadeeswarar Temple was erected in only seven years. Its precincts are surrounded with cloisters covering an area of 120m by 240m and are also surrounded outside with heavy brick walls for an area of 350m square including a large tank (reservoir).
There is a Nandi Shrine, two continuous extensive Mandapas (worship rooms), an Antarala (antechamber), and a Vimana with a high tower, all in line on the east-west axis.
On the same axis stand Gopurams (temple gateways) of the early phase at the eastern center of the cloister and the brick wall. They are the sole entrance spots to the temple precincts.
Though they are embellished with sculptures, they look much lower than later Gopurams of huge temples in south India, as the height of the Vimana is great in contrast.
The second Gopura on the line of the cloisters is 24m in both width and height, lower than the first Gopura, but its sculptures are larger, with a pair of Dvarapalas (guardian figures) on both sides of the doorway.
Nandhi of Brihadeeswarar Temple
In the cloisters surrounding the precincts is a line of Lingas (phalluses), symbol of Shiva, and wall paintings from the Nayaka period on the rear walls delight the eye of pilgrims. This Brihadeeswarar Temple made of granite and brick is the greatest work of the Dravidian (northern) style in its grand scale and high degree of perfection, alongside of the great temple in Gangaikondacholapuram. The development of stone temples in the southern Indian style, having started at the small temples at Mahabalipuram, reached their summit here. It became the model of the temples to be built in south India and Southeast Asia in the period of the Chola Dynasty.
However, after the end of the Chola Dynasty in the 13th century, temple style would change dramatically. Huge Vimanas would not be built anymore, rather temple precincts would be expanded, surrounding the temple in fold upon fold, and constructing only Gopurams in a colossal scale on the four sides. The outer Gopurams would be erected higher, and would eventually attain more than 60m. The relationship of height between the main shrine and its gates would be completely reversed. From this point too, the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is the best representative of orthodox south Indian temple architecture.
Popularity
Thanjavur Periya Koil is the grandest creation of Cholas and it is visible from any area in Thanjavur, perhaps the only temple with such a characteristic.
This temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Living Chola Temples”. The temple became popular all over the country on its 1000th birthday in September 2010. In its commemoration, a rupees postage stamp, featuring the 216 feet tall Raja Gopuram (Vimana) was released by the India Post. A 5 rupee coin was released by the Reserve Bank of India. A 1000 Rupees Commemorative Coin with the same picture on the 5 rupees coin of Thanjavur Periya Kovil will be issued soon. This will be the first 1000 Rupees coin to be released in the Republic of India coinage, but it will not be for public circulation. In April 1954, the Reserve Bank of India had released a 1000 rupees currency note with panoramic view of the temple. Later, during the Indira Gandhi rule, all 1000 rupees notes were demonetized to curtail black money.
Temple Timeline
he much celebrated ‘Ponnambalam’ (temple with golden roof) at Thillai (Chidambaram) was just a few hours of journey away.
Thiruvarur, the most important ‘Sapta Vitanka Sthalam’, which had the patronage of the Cholas right from the days of Manuneedhi Cholan and Musukuntha Cholan, was also nearby.
So were numerous temples referred to as ‘paadal Petra Sthalangals’ – temples where the Saivite saints Appar, Sundarar, Sambandhar and Manickavasagar had sung Thevaram hymns (religious hymns praising the deeds of Lord Shiva).
Then, what made Rajaraja Cholan build a massive temple in his capital city?
Few centuries back, the Pallavas had given a new dimension to art and architecture. Under their patronage rose the majestic Rathas, Shore Temple and Yali Caves at Mamallapuram. Rajasimha Pallavan built two splendid temples in Kanchipuram ‘Paramesvara Vinnagaram’ and ‘Kailasanathar Kovil’. The latter, dedicated to Lord Siva, held Rajaraja Cholan’s attention. He called it ‘kachchipettu Periya Thali’ (The Big Temple of Kanchipuram). Rajaraja Cholan’s dreams and aspirations were always huge. The visionary he was in all matters, there is no wonder that he envisaged a huge temple to celebrate the power of divinity.
Many a people, have wondered why he chose to build an imposing monument. Did he want to showcase the power and might of his empire by building something colossal? Did he want to stamp his authority and tell the world, ‘Look what I have accomplished?’ Did he want to get rid of sins wrought by years of warfare or get a magical cure to a disease of unknown origin, as some people claim? May be the reason was simple. He wanted to show the whole world the towering presence of God that is everlasting against human life that is highly evanescent.
This is the pillar of Ranganatha swamy temple. Pillars at the entrance are very typical of Hindu temples. This temple was submerged when the Krishna Raj Sagar dam was constructed. The temple was moved block by block, brick by brick on land beside the waters. The temple has been successfully moved with each stone being placed exactly where it was supposed to be.
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Divinity
2 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup water
pinch salt
1/2 cup light corn syrup
2 large egg whites
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup pecans, chopped
Combine sugar, water, salt, and corn syrup in a 3-quart saucepan; cook over medium heat, without stirring, to hard ball stage (260 degrees F, 125 C). It will be boiling rapidly for about ten minutes to reach this temperature (Time depends on the BTU output of your stove). Remove from heat.
Beat egg whites (at room temperature) in a large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Pour hot sugar mixture in a very thin stream over egg whites while beating constantly at high speed of an electric mixer. Add vanilla, and continue beating just until mixture begins to hold its shape (3 minutes). Stir in pecans and spread on foil that's been stuck to the counter with a bit of water underneath. Let cool 1 hour and slice into squares with a butter knife. Let sit overnight and transfer to wax paper lined air-tight tins in the morning.
rediscovery today revisited a place I often took the dogs to the beach last summer and discovered the potential for sunrise shots. Not amazing sunrise today but looking forward to revisit:)
This image has a CC license, though a comment on where/when/how you are using it is warmly appreciated.
This was the first proper classroom at Oxford, built between 1427-1483. The interior was used in the Harry Potter movies as Madame Pomfrey's Hospital Ward.
Divinity School, Oxford University.
The Divinity School is a medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style in Oxford, England, part of the University of Oxford.[2] Built between 1427 and 1483, it is the oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use, specifically for lectures and discussions on theology. It is no longer used for this purpose, although Oxford does offer degrees in divinity taught by its Faculty of Theology, which is housed at the Theology Faculty Centre, 41 St Giles', Oxford.
The ceiling consists of very elaborate lierne vaulting with bosses, designed by William Orchard in the 1480s.
The building is physically attached to the Bodleian Library and is also next to the Sheldonian Theatre where students gain their degrees. At the far end from the Bodleian Library entrance, a door leads to Convocation House (built 1634–7).
At the height of 13,083 feet, standing at the edge of the cliffs at Chele La Pass, this was the sight we got! Light shimmering through the clouds over the ranges of the pass. On a clear day, one can get spectacular views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West!
Bhutan
The Divinity School is a medieval building and room in the Perpendicular style in Oxford, England, part of the University of Oxford. Built between 1427 and 1483, it is the oldest surviving purpose-built building for university use, specifically for lectures, oral exams and discussions on theology. It is no longer used for this purpose, although Oxford does offer degrees in Theology and Religion taught by its Faculty of Theology and Religion.
The ceiling consists of very elaborate lierne vaulting with bosses (455 of them), designed by William Orchard in the 1480s.
The building is physically attached to the Bodleian Library (with Duke Humfrey's Library on the first floor above it), and is opposite the Sheldonian Theatre where students matriculate and graduate. At the far end from the Bodleian Library entrance, a door leads to Convocation House (built 1634–7).[1]
Stephanie and Violet gave out dog treats and information.
Stephanie has a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary hence "Heavenly Hounds".
"Heavenly Hounds Dog Training utilizes positive training methods that foster and enhance relationships between dogs and people. This method of training builds mutual trust and respect for all involved! Nowadays our dogs have graduated from being mere backyard fixtures to becoming active members of the family and we need them to be on their best behavior. We strive to educate owners so they may implement positive training in order to achieve harmony in the home. Let Heavenly Hounds help your dog put their best paw forward!"
www.heavenlyhoundstraining.com
NAMI Mercer hosted its 4th NAMIWalk on Saturday, May 21, 2011, at Rider University in Lawrenceville New Jersey. Hundreds of people (and dogs) from all over New Jersey walked the 5k walk. There was food, music and vendors from the community. We got to see old friends and make new friends. The weather was beautiful and a good time was enjoyed by all.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a nation-wide American advocacy group, representing families and people affected by mental illness as a non-profit grass roots organization and has affiliates in every American state and in thousands of local communities in the country. NAMI's mission is to provide support, education, advocacy, and research for people and their families living with mental illness through various public education and awareness activities like NAMIWalks.
Please support your local NAMI
Rider University - 2083 Lawrenceville Road (Route 206) in Lawrenceville, New Jersey
We toured the Bodelian as part of Ben's birthday (they nicely let us in as fellow academics). The only part that I was allowed to photograph was the Divinity School, a medieval building built from 1427–83 for lectures and discussions on theology. Oxford University now uses this room to a) fleece tourists and b) rent out to suitable occasions, such as weddings etc.