🏛️ HOW HAS THE TANJORE BIG TEMPLE STOOD FOR OVER 1000 YEARS WITHOUT DAMAGE?
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur (Tanjore), built in 1010 CE by Raja Raja Chola I, is an engineering and architectural marvel. Despite over a thousand years of weather, invasions, and time — it stands tall and undamaged.
Here’s why and how:
🧱 1. EXCEPTIONAL MATERIALS
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Made entirely of granite, one of the hardest and most durable stones.
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Granite resists weather, heat, moisture, insects, and erosion.
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No binding material like cement was used — just perfectly interlocking stones.
🧠 2. BRILLIANT ARCHITECTURE
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The temple follows Dravidian architecture, optimized for strength.
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The central tower (Vimana) is 216 feet high — made with careful weight distribution.
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The stones were placed in such a way that the pressure locks them tighter over time.
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The foundation is massive, built on river sand and solid granite slabs — which absorbs tremors.
🪨 3. MYSTERIOUS CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES
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The top stone, a single block weighing around 80 tons, was likely placed using a massive inclined ramp — an engineering feat.
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Precise alignment and balancing of stones reduced stress on the structure.
🛕 4. ZERO SHADOW DESIGN (Debated, but intriguing)
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Some say the main Vimana doesn’t cast a shadow on the ground at noon — due to its geometry.
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While this isn't scientifically exact, the architectural proportions are astounding.
⚒️ 5. NO MORTAR, NO MODERN TOOLS — JUST PRECISION
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Stones were cut, polished, and placed by hand using chisels and levers.
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No cement, no steel, no glue — only intelligent stone interlocking.
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The joints are tight, angled, and shock-resistant.
🌦️ 6. RESISTS NATURAL FORCES
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The structure is aerodynamically sound — winds pass smoothly.
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The roof and drainage system prevent water accumulation.
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Thick stone walls act as natural insulation against sun and rain.
🛡️ 7. CULTURAL RESPECT & CONTINUOUS WORSHIP
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It has never been abandoned — always in use, cleaned, maintained.
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Revered by generations — kept intact through devotion.
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Protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site today.
🧠 FINAL THOUGHT:
“Modern buildings need repairs every few decades.
The Big Temple has stood like a mountain for over a thousand years —
not because of magic, but because of deep science, art, and respect.”