It has to be said that as a city Tranjavur has little or nothing going for it. But it made the gritty morning walk even more so – the smells (many not especially pleasant), dirt, noise and so on a fabulous experience.
Also gave me an indication of why we’re here.
The name is a bit of a give away …
Then with a proper tour.
Plus demon:
And here’s a question. If you’re in the 11th Century and building this, how do you get the dome piece right on top? The building is 216 feet high, the dome weighs 81 tonnes, and the building is so constructed that the dome is vital for its stability – essentially no mortar of any sort – the pieces fit together and need the weight to hold them firm.
Answer – obvious when you think about it. Build a 7km ramp out of sand and get elephants to pull it up. Really!
Then one of the things I’m not keen on – the factory/shop tour. However, this one has been on the BBC with Michael Wood so must be OK.
Then about an hour to Trichy. Interesting piece about the death ceremonies next to the “Southern Ganges”
And then to the biggest temple in Asia – 150 acres, since you ask.
And getting the chariot ready for the ceremony tomorrow which we will miss.
On the move again later on – mainly for a bit of R&R at an amazing mansion hotel. Arrived late so haven’t explored yet.
