Brihadeeswarar Temple, also called Peruvudaiyar Kovil, Raja Rajeshwara and Raja Rajeswaram temple, is situated at Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple glorifies Indian architecture. It is recognized as the “Great Living Chola Temple” under UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On September 2010, Brihadeeswarar Temple completed 1000 years of existence and achieved the status of “Big Temple”.

History

Raja Raja Chola I built this temple in 1010 AD.

Architecture

Following are the amazing facts about the temple’s architecture:

• The whole temple is made of granite only. It is believed that builders used about 1,30,000 tons of granite for the temple.
• Vimana or Temple Tower is 216 feet high. Among towers, this is the highest one in the world.
• The temple entrance features a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), which is 16 feet long and 13 feet high. The entire statue is carved out of a single stone.
• Kumbam or the topmost part of the temple weighs 60 tons and is carved from a single stone.
• The temple features two gateways or “Gopuras” on the eastern side.
• The exterior of the temple exhibits hundreds of sculptures.
• The interior of the temple displays a large idol of Lord Shiva featuring three eyes, of which the third eye is closed. The whole temple compound features 250 Shiva Lingams.
• The inside walls of the sanctum sanctorum display 108 dance poses, called “karmas.” It is believed that Lord Shiva performed these dance poses.
• The temple has a pillared hall, plus an assembly hall called mandapas, along with several sub-shrines. The inner mandapas are important part of the temple. They are divided into various levels through sculptures and pilasters.
• This temple became one of the rarest ones in India due to the presence of Idols of “Ashta-dikpaalakas”, known as Guardians of Directions. There are six feet tall statues of Indra, Agni, Varuna, Vayu, Kubera, Isana, Nirriti and Yama in a separate temple.
• According to a belief, the shadow of the tower at the temple’s gateway never falls on the ground, particularly in the temple premises.

Temple Festivals

In the month of Vaisakha or May, an annual festival is organized for nine days. During this festival, devotees bathe the deity with water containing the soaked Champaka flowers.

The Day of Ruling or Satabhishag is celebrated as a festival day every month. It signifies the ruling star when the builder of this temple, Raja Raja, was born.

Best Time to Visit

The best months to visit Brihadeeswarar Temple are from October to March. Tourists planning a short trip can also visit the place from June to September.

How to Reach

Thanjavur is well connected by road, rail, and air. Tourists can avail themselves of buses, which are in frequent service to Thanjavur from nearby cities. Private buses and Tamil Nadu State Government buses are available.

Thanjavur junction has the nearest railway station. Tiruchirapalli Airport is the nearest airport. It is about 65 km from Thanjavur.