the front gopuram (the entrance tower to a temple) of brahadeshwara temple built in maratha period during their rule in thanjavur. the gopuram's pyramidal shape denotes a tongue of fire, on either side of the gopuram are usually found images of two ladies representing Ganga and Yamuna. thus when the devotee crosses the gopuram, he or she is symbolically cleansed by fire and water-the two most sacred elements for hindus.