Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamilnadu
Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is one of the most stunning architectural marvels of India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this grand temple was built by the great Chola king Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. It is renowned for its massive structure, intricate sculptures, and spiritual significance. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, symbolizing the rich heritage and craftsmanship of the Chola dynasty.
Brihadeeswara Temple Features
- Massive Vimana – The temple’s Vimana (tower) stands at 216 feet, making it one of the tallest temple towers in the world.
- Monolithic Nandi – A 13-foot-long and 16-foot-high Nandi (sacred bull) carved from a single stone is placed at the temple entrance.
- Granite Construction – The entire temple is made of granite, even though no significant sources of granite exist nearby.
- Intricate Frescoes & Sculptures – The temple walls are adorned with detailed frescoes and carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
- No Shadow Mystery – It is believed that the shadow of the Vimana never falls on the ground at noon, showcasing brilliant engineering.
Brihadeeswara Temple Location
The temple is situated in the heart of Thanjavur, a historic city in Tamil Nadu, known for its art, culture, and temples. It is well-connected by road and rail, with the nearest airport being Trichy International Airport (60 km away).
Brihadeeswara Temple History
Constructed in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I, Brihadeeswara Temple was built to display the power and devotion of the Chola dynasty. The temple is also called the “Big Temple” due to its enormous structure. Despite being over 1,000 years old, the temple remains well-preserved, showcasing the brilliance of ancient Dravidian architecture.
Nearby Attractions of Brihadeeswara Temple
- Thanjavur Maratha Palace – A historical palace showcasing artifacts, paintings, and sculptures.
- Saraswathi Mahal Library – One of the oldest libraries in Asia, housing rare manuscripts.
- Gangaikonda Cholapuram – Another grand Chola temple built as a replica of Brihadeeswara Temple.
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – A UNESCO-listed Chola temple known for its intricate stone carvings.
