The Thanjavur, Gangaikondacholapuram, and Darasuram temples are under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The temple in Thanjavur, now called the Brihadishwara temple, was originally called Rajarajesvaram, after Rajaraja Chola I who commissioned the construction.
Rajendra Chola I (1012-1044 AD), shifted his capital from Thanjavur to Gangaikondacholapuram where he constructed the gigantic temple to Lord Siva called Gangaikondacholisvaram.
Even though it is a few meters shorter than the vimanam in Thanjavur, this one is as stately and has often been termed as the feminine counterpart of the Thanjavur vimanam.
The sculptures of this temple are simply outstanding. Deserving of special mention are those of Chandesa Anugrahamurti and the one of Sarasvati opposite it.
The temple in the town of Darasuram, constructed during the reign of Rajaraja Chola II (1146-1173 AD), was originally named Rajarajeshwaram but is now called the Airavateshwara temple.