From Pandiyan City to the Chola Empire

                                           In today’s travel blog, I am going to take you all with me on a ride to Thanjavur. We school friends were excited to see the Big temple and various prominent sights in the historical city. First we obviously landed on the grounds of Thanjai Periya Kovil, a radiating city centre attraction.  The temple soared towards the sky and witnessing such a sturdy architecture to have been build around 1000 years was incredible. The beautiful red of the stones glistened from the sun rays. Not only the great Rajaraja Chola’s devotion and dedication to Lord Shiva was visible but also his love towards the other deities could be easily identified. One myth regarding the Kopuram’s shadow not falling on the ground was gladly debunked. 

Next place was Thanjavur Maratha Palace. The paintings on the ceiling above served as a feast to the eyes. Scenes and instances from Rajaraja Cholan and Ponniyan Selvan rose to the mind on the occasion. The underground tunnels and secret chambers sparked the curiosity to explore but unfortunately they were not opened for tourists. Artefacts, clothes, armour and other valuable items were stored for public display. Few interesting facts about the palace is a monkey-like figure used to beat the gong in the bell tower and the palace was enabled to rise with the labour of the prisoners. The security of the Aranmanai is without a doubt no less, it is built with watch towers and strong moats.

Overall, this culture enriched land never can fail to amaze one and until next time till I meet the thalaiyatti bommaigal- dancing dolls with bobble heads.