The Three Great Living Temples: World Heritage Landmarks

Contents: Preface. 1. The Chola Dynasty. 2. Great Living Chola Temples. 3. Rajarajiswaram (Brihadeeswara Temple) Thanjavur. 4. Rajendracholiswaram (Gangaikondacholiswaram) Gangaikondacholapuram. 5. Rajarajiswaram (Airavatesvara) Darasuram. Epilogue.

Three temples, the Rajarajiswaram at Thanjavur, the Gangaikondacholiswaram at Gangaikondacholapuram and Airavatisvara at Darasuram, are all living temples located within the Cauvery Delta region, the heart of Chola Empire. The tradition of temple worship and rituals established and practiced over a thousand years ago, based on still older Armie texts, continues daily, weekly and annually, as an inseparable part of life of the people.