World Heritage Site: Great Living Chola Temples
Publication Year: 2020
Publication Type: Article
Publication Identifier: WHEF122EC007D
Summary
A mathematical analysis of the Tanjavur Brihadeeshwarar temple, a UNESCO-listed 11th-century Dravida temple in southern India, reveals the presence of the golden ratio (Phi) in its structural design. This finding underscores the temple's architectural sophistication and its adherence to mathematically precise proportions, a hallmark of Chola temple construction. Researchers employed Phi Grid and Phi Spiral software to measure and verify these ratios within the temple's prakaram (enclosing structure), demonstrating how ancient architects integrated advanced mathematical principles into their designs. The study highlights the enduring influence of the golden ratio in architecture, bridging historical craftsmanship with modern scientific validation.
Citation
Velmurugan, C., Kalaivanan, R.,. (2020). Existence of the golden ratio in Tanjavur Brihadeeshwarar temple. Open Journal of Mathematical Sciences, 4(1), 211–219. https://doi.org/10.30538/oms2020.0112
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