These days little remains of the capital city of the Chola Dynasty except a modest village. According to written records the Rajendra 1 was the first Tamil ruler to venture north and he built his capital city here. It is written that he ordered the defeated rulers of the North to carry sacred water from the Ganges in pots on their heads so he could fill the Chola Ganga Tank.
The Brihadisehvara temple of Gangaikondacholisvara is approached through the northern entrance from the road. The passage passes through the enclosure wall and leads on to the inner court. As one steps in, the great Vimana arrests the visitor's sight. The Vimana with its recessed corners and upward movement presents a striking contrast to the straight-sided pyramidal tower of Thanjavur. As it rises to a height of 49 metres it is shorter than the Thanjavur tower and is therefore often described as its feminine counterpart.The temple was built to be a replica of the Brihadishvara Temple in Thanjavur. The Vimana is flanked on either side by small temples; the one in the north housing the Goddess is fairly well preserved. The small shrine of Chandikesvara is near the steps in the north. In the north-east is a shrine housing Durga. There is also a well called lion-well (simhakeni) with a lion figure guarding its steps. Nandi is in the east facing main shrine. In the same direction is a ruined gopura or entrance tower. The main tower surrounded by little shrines truly presents the appearance of a great Chakravarti (emperor) surrounded by chieftains and vassals.
A small Archeological Museum near the temple exhibits Chola artifacts and is open Saturday to Thursday