The Architectural Marvel of Brihadeeswara Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple is a Hindu temple that is over 1000 years old and is considered by UNESCO as one of "The Great Living Chola Temples", with the other two being Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple. The foundations were built by Rajaraja Chola I in 1010 AD. Dr. Benny Kuriakose talks about the mesmerising Brihadeeswara Temple, where he got the opportunity to experience the area above the Sanctum Sanctorum of the temple. The area cannot be accessed by the general public, but he was able to visit the space with some special considerations. The space was filled with sculptures and dancing mudras, some of which were not complete. Looking up from the sanctum sanctorum, one can see the corbelled stones layered on top of each other, merging into a point. The sight was an enchanting experience.

Bewitched by the enchanting view, he senses what is missing in modern architecture. In present days, architecture is designed merely to be seen or photographed and not to be experienced. He feels the need for modern architecture to come closer to traditional practices to bring back the essence of our heritage structures and not ignorantly stray from the past with the belief that they are superstitious.