Yes, you're witnessing the world's ancient temple which was built in 11th century by Raja Raja Cholan who was ruling the southern part of India.
The sanctum is at the center of the western square. It is surrounded by massive walls that are divided into levels by sharply cut sculptures and pilasters providing deep bays and recesses. Each side of the sanctuary has a bay with iconography.
The interior of the sanctum hosts an image of the primary deity, Shiva. It is called Karuvarai, a Tamil word that means "womb chamber". This space is called garbha griha in other parts of India. Only priests are allowed to enter this inner-most chamber.
The main VIMANA is a massive 16 storeys tower of which 13 are tapering squares. It dominates the main quadrangle. It sits above a 30.18 metres (99.0 ft) sided square. Which is built of a single stone and weighs more than 80 metric tons.
This temple also attracts a large number of tourists from India and also abroad.
It is the living proof of Raja Raja Cholan architecture which was built 1000 years ago.
Do visit this place if you have time. And also witness the most beautiful architecture of olden days. You will be excited like me from the beginning after entering into this masterpiece of Raja Raja Cholan I.
I elaborate more about this temple in another post cause of time lacking.
Happy Steeming...
