bhikshatana-murti, southern niche of the central shrine, brihadisvara temple, gangaikondacholapuram, tamil nadu

ancient architectural architecture artwork asia asian basrelief beautiful bhikshatana bhikshatanamurti big brihadeeswarar brihadishwara brihadishwarar brihadisvara building carving chola cholapuram civilization culture decoration design detail dravidian dwarapal dwarapala empire entrance exterior faith gangaikonda gangaikondacholapuram gangaikunda god guard heritage hindu hinduism historic historical holy india indian kumbakonam landmark monument murti mythology nadu old rajaraja rajendra religion religious rich sandstone sculpture shiva shrine site sites siva south statue symbol tamil tamilnadu temple temples tourism tourist traditional travel unesco vaishanivism weathered worship