Crafting a DIY Brihadeshwara Temple Cardboard Miniature Model

The Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, stands as a majestic testament to the architectural brilliance of ancient India. Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this UNESCO World Heritage site was built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja I in the 11th century. Adorned with intricate carvings, towering vimanas, and a massive monolithic granite lingam, the temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. Its grandeur and sheer scale reflect the Chola dynasty’s cultural and artistic achievements, making it a symbol of India’s rich heritage. The Brihadeshwara Temple remains not only a spiritual hub but also an enduring marvel that continues to captivate visitors with its timeless allure and cultural significance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting a Periya Kovil

Welcome to the world of artistic expression and historical recreation! In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of creating a breathtaking cardboard model of the Brihadeshwara Temple—one of India’s architectural wonders. With just a few simple materials, a dash of creativity, and some patience, you’ll soon have a stunning replica of this iconic temple.

Materials Needed:

1. Quality cardboards from Amazon or Instamart delivery
2. Skewers (BBQ Wooden Sticks) and Toothpick
3. Mould it Clay
4. Paper Tape
5. Glue Mix (Cornflour + Fevicol Glue + Water)
6. Colors (Yellow Ochre, Red, Dark Brown, White)
7. Super Glue (Flex Glue) or Fevibond

Step 1: Template Preparation Start by obtaining or creating a template of the Brihadeshwara Temple. This will serve as your guide throughout the crafting process.

Step 2: Cardboard Cutting Carefully cut out the various components of the temple from the quality cardboards. Precision is key to ensuring a realistic representation.

Step 3: Structural Support Use skewers and toothpicks to construct a sturdy framework for your model. This provides the necessary support for attaching cardboard pieces.

Step 4: Assembling with Paper Tape Assemble the cut cardboard pieces using paper tape. This will form the basic structure of the Brihadeshwara Temple. Ensure a secure and tight fit.

Step 5: Clay Detailing Apply Mould it Clay to add intricate details such as carvings and reliefs to mimic the temple’s architecture. Mold the clay to create a lifelike representation.

Step 6: Gluing and Coloring Utilize the glue mix (Cornflour + Fevicol Glue + Water) to attach the components securely. Once assembled, use the custom-mixed colors (Yellow Ochre, Red, Dark Brown, White) to paint the model. Experiment with blending to achieve the desired color palette.

Step 7: Fine-Tuning Pay attention to finer details, making adjustments as needed to capture the essence of the Brihadeshwara Temple. This step ensures a faithful representation.

Step 8: Optional Super Glue (Flex Glue) For additional reinforcement in specific areas, use Super Glue (Flex Glue). Alternatively, Fevibond can be used as a substitute for added strength.