Q. An enormous Nandi, the second largest in India is a feature of which Chola temple?
(a) Nataraja temple at Chidambaram
(b) Gangaikonda cholapuram temple
(c) Lepakshi temple
(d) Raja Rajeswara temple at Tanjore
Ans: (d) Raja Rajeswara temple at Tanjore
Explanation:
The enormous Nandi, considered the second largest in India, is a prominent feature of the (d) Raja Rajeswara temple at Tanjore.
The Raja Rajeswara Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is located in Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu, India. It was built by the Chola king Rajaraja I (also known as Raja Raja Chola I) in the 11th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an architectural masterpiece, showcasing the grandeur and artistic brilliance of the Chola dynasty.
The temple complex includes a towering vimana (shrine) known as the Periya Kovil, which houses the main deity, Lord Shiva. Adjacent to the vimana, there is a massive courtyard, and in the courtyard stands the Nandi, a large statue of the divine bull, which serves as the mount of Lord Shiva. The Nandi at the Raja Rajeswara Temple is renowned for its size and craftsmanship and is considered the second largest Nandi statue in India.
Therefore, the correct answer is (d) Raja Rajeswara temple at Tanjore.
