Brihadisvara Temple (Thanjavur Big Temple)
Also known as: தஞ்சை பெரிய கோயில் (பிரகதீஸ்வரர்) · తంజావూరు బృహదీశ్వర ఆలయం · तंजावुर बृहदीश्वर मंदिर
Tamil Nadu Shiva
A Chola masterpiece built by Rajaraja I and consecrated in 1010 CE. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Deity
- Brihadisvara (Peruvudaiyar), Shiva as a huge lingam
- Tradition
- Shiva
- Place
- Thanjavur
- State
- Tamil Nadu
- Era
- Built by Rajaraja I (Chola), consecrated 1010 CE.
Sthala Puranam
This temple's story is historical more than mythical. The Chola emperor Rajaraja I built it as a grand home for Shiva, and it was consecrated in 1010 CE.
The main deity is Shiva as a very large lingam, called Peruvudaiyar in Tamil, 'the great lord'.
Speciality
- Part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples', a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed 1987, extended 2004).
- A huge monolithic Nandi faces the sanctum. It weighs about 25 tonnes.
- The main tower (vimana) is over 60 m high. Sources give slightly different figures.
- Brahan Natyanjali, a ten-day dance festival, is held around Maha Shivaratri.
Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri and Brahan Natyanjali dance festival (February–March)
How to reach
By airTiruchirappalli Airport, roughly 55–60 km.
By trainThanjavur Junction, about 2–3 km.
By roadIn the middle of Thanjavur town; good bus links from Tiruchirappalli, Kumbakonam and Chennai.
Location is approximate.
Before you go
- Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
- Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
- Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
- Visit in the early morning or evening for softer light and less heat on the stone floor.
Prayers for this temple
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against the sources listed above. If you find a mistake, please tell us.