Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur Tamil Nadu Chola Glory History Travel Guide & UNESCO Legacy

Prabhuling jiroli

Apr 25, 2025 12:55 pm

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most magnificent architectural wonders. Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, it stands as a testament to the Chola dynasty’s artistic and engineering brilliance, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

📜 Historical Overview

Constructed in 1010 CE by the great Chola king Raja Raja Chola I.
Known as the Big Temple, it was built to signify Chola power and devotion.
The main vimana (tower) rises to 216 feet, one of the tallest temple towers in the world.
The temple is made entirely of granite, even though no nearby sources exist—its construction remains an engineering marvel.

🙏 Religious Significance

Dedicated to Lord Brihadeeswarar (Shiva) in his form as the cosmic dancer and creator.
The lingam inside the sanctum is over 13 feet tall.
It is one of the Great Living Chola Temples along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara Temple.

🛕 Architectural Highlights

The Nandi (sacred bull) at the entrance is carved from a single stone and weighs 25 tons.
Frescoes and murals adorn the inner walls, depicting scenes from Shaiva traditions and Chola life.
The temple stands without deep foundations, yet has stood strong for over 1000 years.
It is aligned so that the shadow of the main tower never falls on the ground at noon.

📍 How to Reach Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur

Mode	Details
By Road	Connected by highways to Trichy (60 km) and Madurai (200 km)
By Train	Thanjavur Railway Station (2.5 km) – well-connected
By Air	Trichy International Airport (65 km from temple)

🥾 Walking & Site Exploration

No trekking needed.
Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to explore the temple complex and museum.
Footwear to be left at the entry point (socks recommended during hot weather).

🕰️ Temple Timings & Entry

Activity	Time
Temple Opening	6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fee	Free for all; ₹10 for camera
Special Attraction	Evening lighting and cultural performances

🎉 Festivals Celebrated

Mahashivratri
Raja Raja Chola’s Birth Anniversary (October)
Natyanjali Dance Festival – A celebration of classical dance in the temple premises.

✅ What to Carry

Traditional/modest clothing (mandatory inside sanctum)
Water bottle & sunglasses
Camera (photography allowed outside sanctum)
Guidebook or audio guide for architectural info

✅ Do’s & ❌ Don’ts

✅ Do:

Hire a certified local guide to understand Chola inscriptions and murals
Visit the Brihadeeswara Museum within the premises
Attend the evening lighting and Aarti

❌ Don’t:

Wear footwear or shorts inside the temple
Touch murals or lean on carved stone pillars
Ignore signs of restricted photography zones

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Season	Experience
Oct – Mar	Pleasant climate; perfect for photography
April – May	Hot weather; explore in early morning/evening
Festival Days	Expect large crowds, vibrant cultural events

📌 Quick Info Table

Feature	Detail
Location	Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Built By	Raja Raja Chola I (1010 CE)
Main Deity	Lord Brihadeeswarar (Shiva)
UNESCO Site	Yes – Great Living Chola Temples (since 1987)
Height of Vimana	216 feet
Nearest Airport	Trichy (65 km)

📸 Why You Must Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

🛕 One of the tallest and most magnificent temples in India
🧱 Architectural mastery with zero mortar granite assembly
📿 Sacred, serene, and culturally enlightening
🎭 Cultural programs, classical dance, and heritage walks
🏛️ Learn about Chola art, language, astronomy, and Shaiva traditions

🌟 Final Thoughts

The Brihadeeswarar Temple is not just a monument—it’s a living canvas of India's rich spiritual and architectural history. Whether you're a devotee, historian, photographer, or cultural traveler, this temple will leave you in awe of its eternal grandeur.

🌺 Experience the soul of the Cholas—where stone becomes song, and silence becomes sacred.