Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur - An Example Of Dravidian Architecture - Tamil Nadu - India

Brihadeeswara temple Also known as The Periya Koil or Big Temple was built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola in 1010 A.D. Located at Thanjavur indian state of Tamil nadu Brihadeeswara temple is Showcasing pure Dravidian architecture.Designed by Sama Varma, the architecture of Brihadeeswara temple is unique. The Brihadeeswara Temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, under the list “Great Living Chola Temples”.

Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Founded By: Rajaraja Chola I
Founded In: 1010 A.D
Dedicated To: Lord Shiva
Famous As: World Heritage Monument
Coordinates: 10°46′50″N 79°08′30″E
Also Known As: RajaRajeshwara Temple
Proper name: Peruvudaiyaar Temple
Important festivals: Maha Shivaratri
Architectural styles: Dravidian Architecture

The temples built under the illustrious Rajaraja and his son Räjëndra carry the early Chola architectural traditions to those of the later Chola period. Other temples of this period are those at Gangaikondacholapuram, Tiruvaji, Mëlpadi, Tiruvalañjuli, Tirumalavadi, Tiruvarangulam, Dadapuram, etc. Surrounding the Brihadeeswarar Temple is a huge compound, with walls that are over 15 m high. Only the inner sanctum sanctorum, along with the gopuram (tower) adorning its top, was constructed by Rajaraja Chola I. This construction took a period of twelve years. There is one statue of a sacred bull or Nandi at entrance of this temple measuring about thirteen feet high and sixteen feet long. This imposing structure was built by Raja Raja Cholan and his sister Kundavai, both ardent devotees of Lord Shiva. It was constructed by the King at the height of the Chola reign to signify his power and strength. The complex that houses the main sanctum is known as the 'Periya Kovil'. It is located amidst the fortified walls that were added to the building in the 16th century. This architectural masterpiece has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple is built over 29 square base and is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. The walls of the complex are adorned by beautiful paintings belonging to the Chola and Nayak period. 

The most intersting part of this temple is the shadow of the temple, which surprisingly never falls on the ground at noon. The Brihadeshwar Temple is one of the tallest temples in the world and is so designed that the viman does not cast a shadow at noon during any part of the year. The inner wall of the garbhagriha or the sanctum sanctorum has sculpted 108 dance poses called karmas performed by Lord Shiva himself. The Shiva lingam is called Peruvudaiya, Rasjarajeshwaramudvya. The Brihadeeswara temple is one of the few great Indian monuments listed in UNESCO's World Heritage list of historical sites and monuments. At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum, one can see the two idols of Ganesha in the corridor. On taping the two, you will feel the sound traveling through stone in one idol and through metal on the other. The main hall of the temple is said to have been used by the dancers and musicians performing in service of Shiva. There are some musical pillars producing different sounds when tapped.

Entry Fee  For Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Free entry to all but Purchasing a special darshan ticket for Rs 5/- during Sundays, when the temple is extremely crowded.

Opening Time For Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur is open all days and Darshan time at temple is 6:00 am to 8.30 pm.

Best Time To Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

October to March is the best time To Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur. It is suitable for you to take short trips along with sightseeing.

Tourist Attractions Near Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Manora Fort, Thanjavur Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Siva Ganga Garden and Schwartz Church are a few nearby attractions from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur that you can visit.

Shopping Near Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

you can go out shopping at the several markets in Tanjore. There are several shopping joints within Tanjore including government run emporia and private shops. You may also visit the craftsmen at work and buy directly from them. You can avail of a variety of authentic articles at good prices at all these places. The tastefully designed paintings of Tanjore, mostly of Hindu Gods, are also of great demand among the tourists who want to do shopping in Tanjore.

Restaurants Near Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

There are many Restaurants and hotels available in Thanjavur for enjoy food. Here is the list of some famous and popular Restaurants closed from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur.

• Sathars
• Hotel Gnanam
• Sree Ariya Bhavan
• TanCafe
• Thevars Briyaani
• Vasantha Bhavan
• Sri Sivas (Pure Veg Hotel)
• Hotel Karthik
• Kishore Original Nei Alwa Kadai
• Raks Hotel

Hotels Near Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

There are many hotels available in Thanjavur for accomandation. Here is the list of some famous and popular hotels closed from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur.

Karthick Hotel
no:1334,south rampart
0.6 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Hotel Tamilnadu
Gandhiji Road, Near Railway Station
0.8 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Hotel Gnanam 3.0 Star Hotel
Anna Salai (Market Road)
0.9 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Ashok Lodge
93, Abraham Panditha Road, 93, Adraham Panditha Road
1.0 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Hotel Parisutham 3.0 Star Hotel
55 G.A. Canal Road
1.1 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Lakshmi Hotel
44P, 45P VOC Nagar, Mary's Corner, Trichy Main Road
1.2 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Hotel Sangam 3.0 Star Hotel
Trichy Road
1.2 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Tanjore Hi Hotel
464 East Main Street, Opp. Tanjore Palace Entrance
1.5 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Hotel Victoriyah
Plot B1, 6th Cross Arulananda Nagar, Near Rohini Hospital
1.6 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Svatma
No. 4/1116, Blake Hr Sec School Road, Maharnonbu Chavadi
1.8 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Kasi Lodge
South Rampet
1.9 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Hotel Ramanath
No.1335
4.1 km from Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

How to Reach Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

By Air:

The nearest Airport Tiruchirapalli (58 kms) and is connected by Indian Airlines. Indian Airlines also connects Trichy with Madurai and Chennai.

By Rail:

The nearest railway station is at Thanjavur junction.

By Road:

Thanjavur is connected with all major cities of India by Road. There are frequent bus services from nearby cities to Thanjavur. You can either board a Tamil Nadu state government bus or a private bus.

Google Map For Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur