Wednesday Dec 04, 2024

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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