The Brihadeeswarar Temple is aligned in such a way that its shadow falls directly on the Nandi (sacred bull) statue located in front of the temple during a specific time of the year. This phenomenon occurs around the time of the summer solstice, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. The shadow of the temple aligns perfectly with the Nandi statue, creating a striking visual effect.
However, it is worth mentioning that the temple does not cast a shadow at all times. During certain times of the day or during different seasons, the shadow may not be visible or may fall in different directions. The exact timing and alignment of the shadow can be influenced by factors such as the time of day, the season, the sun's position in the sky, and the geographical location of the temple.
Overall, while the Brihadeeswarar Temple does cast a shadow, the occurrence and visibility of the shadow depend on various factors and may not always be present. It is still a fascinating architectural marvel and a testament to the advanced engineering and astronomical knowledge of ancient Indian builders.