How can a single stone of 81.5 tonnes intalled at the top tower?
Architectural studies show that a larger forecourt measuring 241 by 121 meters was specially designed to spatially hold the tower. The court was made of two equal square parts and the vimana was placed at the centre of the rear square. This provided the necessary foreground to view the elegance of the tower in full.
If the vimana was exceptional, the gopuras or gateways of this temple are milestones in architecture history. Rajarajesvaram was‘the greatest single step forward' in the development of gopuras in South India. Their axial placement frames the view of the vimana impressively and visually anchors the visitor. Though many structures and shrines were added to Rajarajesvaram till 19th century, they have not fortunately cluttered the complex and the original design intent can still be appreciated.
What is not well known, despite abundant inscriptions, are the names of the architects who designed it and the methods of construction adopted.
It is popularly believed that a linear ramp stretching seven kilometres was built and stones were hauled to the top. Few others suggest that short ramps around the tower were constructed. There is no final word yet on this.
Some Imagination drawings.......
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