What form of Shiva is most prominent in the Brihadeshvara Temple built

What form of Shiva is most prominent in the Brihadeshvara Temple built by the Chola dynasty?

[amp_mcq option1=”Harihara” option2=”Bhairava” option3=”Rudra” option4=”Tripurantaka” correct=”option3″]

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UPSC CDS-2 – 2016

The most prominent form of Shiva worshipped in the Brihadeshvara Temple is represented by the massive Shiva Lingam. While not explicitly listed as ‘Lingam’ or ‘Shiva’, among the given options representing aspects or manifestations of Shiva, Rudra is closely associated with the powerful and supreme cosmic form represented by the Lingam.

– The Brihadeshvara Temple at Thanjavur, built by Rajaraja I of the Chola dynasty, is dedicated to Shiva.
– The central deity is a colossal Shiva Lingam, known as Peruvudaiyar or Rajarajeshwaram Udaiyar.
– While the Lingam is the primary object of worship, the question asks about the ‘form’ of Shiva. Rudra is an ancient Vedic deity associated with Shiva, representing powerful and sometimes fierce aspects, fitting the grandeur of the temple’s main deity.
– Other options like Harihara (syncretic Vishnu-Shiva), Bhairava (fierce manifestation), and Tripurantaka (destroyer of three cities) represent specific iconographic forms or aspects, whereas Rudra can refer to the fundamental, powerful nature of Shiva as the supreme being worshipped in the main shrine.

The temple complex contains numerous sculptures depicting various forms and narratives of Shiva, including Tripurantaka. However, the principal deity in the sanctum sanctorum is the Lingam, symbolizing the formless universal principle of Shiva. In the context of representing the supreme deity through one of the given names, Rudra is the most appropriate choice among the options provided.

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