Correct Option
The correct option is 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Chola period marks the culmination of the Dravidian style of temple architecture in South India. The Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, commissioned by Rajaraja Chola I, is the most significant example of this architectural tradition.
Statement 1 is Correct: The vimana (the tower above the main shrine) of the Brihadisvara Temple is a massive, thirteen-storeyed pyramidal structure. It rises to a height of approximately 66 meters (often rounded to 70 meters or 216 feet), making it one of the tallest temple towers of its time. It is crowned by a monolithic octagonal dome (shikhara).
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Chola temples are not characterized by the absence of gopuras (gateway towers). While the vimana was the primary and most dominant feature during the Chola period-overshadowing the gateways-gopuras were certainly present. The Thanjavur temple complex includes two distinct gopuras at the eastern entrance.
Statement 3 is Correct: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a massive Shiva Linga, reflecting the strong Shaivite patronage of the Chola dynasty.
Key Takeaway: A defining feature of Chola architecture is the dominance of the main tower (vimana) over the gateway towers (gopuras). This trend reversed in the later Vijayanagara and Nayaka periods, where gopuras became the tallest structures.