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This Brihadeeswara Temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. The building that carries the main sanctum is known as the 'Periya Kovil'. Completed in early 11th century by Rajaraja Chola I the temple also known as Rajarajesvaram and is remarkable for its stupendous proportions yet simple designs. It is for this reason that the temple along with the other Chola temples in the area has been inducted into the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and a huge idol 23 feet in diameter and 9 feet in height is present inside. The 'Vimana' of the temple is about 70 meters and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. It is also built such that at no time does the shadow of the vimana fall outside itself.