Sri Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007

Diety

Brihadisvara

Introduction

• Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD.
• A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a prime example of Dravidian architecture.
• Part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Great Living Chola Temples,” along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temples.
• Known as Dakshina Meru of the South.

Puranic Significance

• Also called Periya Kovil, Rajarajeswara Temple, or Rajarajeswaram.
• One of the largest temples in India and a hallmark of Chola-era Tamil architecture.
• Built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.

Beliefs

• Rajendra I, the son of Raja Raja Chola, established Gangaikonda Cholapuram as the capital after his Ganges expedition.
• The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, along with other temples following Tamil Vastu and Akama Shastra principles, were destroyed in later centuries.

Special Features

• Brihadishvara Temple exemplifies South Indian Chola architectural style, fully realized in scale and detail.
• Built using multifaceted columns with square capitals, signaling a new Chola style.
• Architect: Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Rama Perunthachan, as per temple inscriptions.

Festivals

• Administered by the ASI, the temple follows traditional daily rituals.
• Rituals include decoration (halibar), food offerings (naveetham), and breathing prayers (aluthratharan).
• Four main rituals take place daily, along with weekly, monthly, and annual festivals.
• Key festivals: Ipsi Poornimaia, Shivarathri, and Kalandir, as well as Annapsekham during the Essential Festival.
• Temple is open daily from 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm.

Managed By

Tamil Nadu

Nearest Bus Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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