Kadaram konda choleswar

 

The Kadaram Konda Choleeswara Temple in Vellore district is known today as the Bhimeswara Temple near Kalavai.

 It was built by Rajendra I to commemorate his victory over Kadaram and various regions of present-day Malaysia.

 Rajendra I, who assumed the title Kadaram Kondan, was a prominent Chola ruler known for his military campaigns and temple construction.

 The temple is located in the Vellore district and is one of the significant historical sites linked to the Chola dynasty's expansion.

The temple's construction was part of a larger project initiated by Rajendra Chola following his conquests. He established a new capital city named Gangaikonda Cholapuram, where he built the temple and a large sacred tank called Cholagangam, into which the holy waters of the Ganges—brought by defeated kings—were mixed.

 The presiding deity of the temple is Bragadeeswarar (Shiva), represented by a massive Shiva Lingam that is the largest in size among all Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, standing 13.5 feet tall with a circumference of 60 feet.

 This Lingam is made from a single piece of limestone and is placed 200 meters away from the sanctum sanctorum.

The temple's architecture reflects the grandeur of Chola dynasty craftsmanship. The Rajagopuram (main tower) is 180 feet tall with a base width of 100 feet, and its shadow does not fall on the ground, a unique feature attributed to the skill of the sculptors.

 The temple also houses a large Nandhi (bull) statue, which is bigger than the one at the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur and is positioned on the ground, unlike the elevated Nandhi in Thanjavur.

 Sunlight falling on the Nandhi each day reflects onto the Lingam, allowing devotees to see the deity even when all lights are turned off, showcasing the exceptional architectural and sculptural expertise of the time.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort, Periyanayaki, and is renowned for its unique features, including the Chandrakanta stone installed beneath the Lingam, which is said to regulate the temperature of the sanctum, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter.

 The temple also houses a Navagraha shrine, where the nine planets are carved from a single stone on a lotus-shaped pedestal.

 Festivals celebrated at the temple include Maha Shivrathri, Aipasi Poornima, Panguni Utsav, and Margazhi Tiruvadhirai.

The temple's historical significance is further enhanced by its connection to Rajendra Chola's personal devotion. He used to spill the consecrated Ganga water from the well he dug in the temple onto his head before worshipping the Lord, a practice that reflects the deep spiritual and symbolic importance of the site.

 The temple remains a major pilgrimage destination and a testament to the Chola dynasty's military, architectural, and religious legacy.