Question

Throw light on how the construction of the Rajarajeshvara temple was a very difficult task.

Answer 1

Hint: The Rajarajeshvara temple is a temple created for the Hindu deity Shiva. The temple is known by many for its magnificent structure and was created during the Chola dynasty under the reign of Rajaraja it is located in Thanjavur, a south Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

Complete Answer:
The Rajarajeshvara temple was constructed during the 11th century and it is known to have been the tallest Shikhara amongst temples of its time. It was also known to have housed many sculptures of bronze and copper which were mostly used during ritual processions. Among the many memorable features that Rajarajeshvara temple represents is the steep thirteen-leveled pyramidal vimana which is topped with a gold plating and local legends state that a massive and long ramp of around 4.5 miles was created to roll the top piece into place. The construction of the Rajarajeshvara temple was known to have been a difficult task as there were no advanced technological implements or cranes in those days.
On the other hand, the 90 tonne stone that was needed to be placed on the top of the Shikhara was too heavy to lift manually. As a result, the architects and the engineers built an inclined path towards the top of the temple, placed the boulders on rollers, and rolled it all the way to the top.

Note: The path was started more than 4 kilometers away so that it would not be too steep and this was finally dismantled after the temple was built. Thus, the Rajarajeshvara temple is known to be representing one of the high points of the South Indian style in its temple construction.