Did elephants haul tonnes of rock 200 feet up to the top of this temple?

How has the 80-tonne Kumbam of Brihadiswara Temple remained in place for 1000 years?
In the ancient town of Tanjore (Thanjavur), the skyline is still dominated by its oldest and tallest structure—the awe-inspiring Brihadiswara Temple. Built over a thousand years ago by Raja Raja Chola, this grand temple, also known as Periya Kovil, stands as a testament to the architectural genius of the Chola dynasty. Raja Raja dedicated the temple to Lord Shiva, the destroyer of worlds, aiming to inspire the same awe in his subjects as they felt for their all-powerful god.

Brihadiswara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, remains a fully functional place of worship and is regarded as the pinnacle of South Indian temple architecture. Stretching over 47 acres, the temple complex houses a massive Nandi bull, towering sculptures, and the iconic Vimana that rises 213 feet without the use of cement or binding material. The Vimana’s capstone, weighing 80 tonnes, continues to baffle researchers as to how it was placed at such great height, with theories ranging from long ramps to circular structures pulled by elephants and humans.

Granite stones, transported from over 100 kilometres away, were used to build this monumental structure. The temple’s frescoes, inscriptions, and intricate sculptures, including the famed Nataraja, still fascinate scholars. Mysterious carvings, such as the unexplained figure of a European man, add to the enigma of Brihadiswara’s history.

This video explores the incredible feats of engineering, artistry, and mystery that make Brihadiswara one of India’s most enduring architectural wonders.

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