One of the finest temple structures in the world,built by Raja Raja Chola in 11th century..Many nice sculptures and figures on the tower, including one in which a chinese traveller or diplomat meeting the king. This Shiva temple, dedicated to Brihad -eswara..Lord of the Universe---with a huge Bull or Basava infront facing the deity.The top cap stone is one large soild peace whose shadow would not fall on the ground..... The temple builders used a lond ramp of nearly 2 kilometers to haul the stones up the tower,perhaps using elephants to pull them up.