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Brihadishwara Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyaar Kovil, is one of the most prominent heritage temples located at the heart of Thanjavur city. This is the magnificent UN World Heritage Site temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is not only highly recognised for its brilliance in Dravidian architecture and sculptural beauty but also known for enormous architectural skills. Built in the 11th century of the Chola Dynasty, Brihadishwara Temple is the epitome of artistic and architectural brilliance for its era. The temple has a sole central deity in an enormous Shiva Linga, the divine presence.
Quick Facts About Brihadishwara Temple
Brihadishwara Temple Address: Rajarajan Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613001
Brihadishwara Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12.30 PM and 4 PM – 8.30 PM
Brihadishwara Temple Ticket Price: None
How To Reach: Bus, taxi, and autorickshaw
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport, 62 km
Nearest Railway Station: Thanjavur Railway Station, 3 km
Best Time To Visit: October till March
Location
Photo: Nandhinikandhasamy / Wikimedia Commons
Brihadishwara temple is located in the heart of Thanjavur city in Tamil Nadu. The temple area is found directly on the main roads, making it easily reachable. The roads connected are Membalam Rd, Shivaji Nagar Main Road, and Giri Road. The Grand Anicut Canal, local eateries, and other similar temples surround the temple. The area includes local shops selling traditional handicrafts, pieces of cloth, and souvenirs. The nearby landmarks are Shivagangai Pak, Coffee Palace, Vijay Ice Cream, and Abu Bakkar Siddeeq Masjid.
How To Reach
Photo: Алексей Задонский / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
You can easily reach Brihadishwara Temple:
By Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is 62 km from here. From the airport, taxis and buses are available going to Thanjavur.
By Rail: Short drives can be taken from the Thanjavur Railway Station to the temple, and autorickshaws and taxis are available 3 km from the Thanjavur Railway Station.
By Road: All the significant cities of Tamil Nadu operate scheduled buses and taxis. The temple is centrally located within the city, and it is not difficult to reach. You can either rent a vehicle or use public and private transportation services.
Things To Do
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The Brihadishwara Temple is one of the wonders of Dravidian architecture. It contains a huge gopuram adorned with elaborate sculptures of various deities and other mythological figures that speak much about the rich cultural heritage. The vimana, a towering shrine above the sanctum, is one of the tallest in the world, made from a single stone that weighs about 80 tons. Devotees can participate actively in the puja held in the morning by chanting hymns, ringing temple bells, and offering puja flowers to Lord Shiva. The enormous Nandi statue forms an exciting focal point of the temple complex. This magnificent Nandi, the holy bull and chariot of Lord Shiva, is carved from one single stone, measures over 16 feet in length, and dramatically stands at the gateway to the temple.
Places To Visit Around Brihadishwara Temple
Here are the places you can visit near Brihadishwara Temple to add to your trip:
1. Thanjavur Palace
Photo: R.K.Lakshmi / Wikimedia Commons
Thanjavur Place was built during the golden age of the powerful Chola kings. Years ago, it was the magnificent abode of the great Chola royal kings and is a treasure house in terms of architectural beauty. Upon reaching the palace, you can explore the spectacular walls and carvings narrating the glorious history of the kingdom. Inside the palace is a museum, mainly housing most of the marvellous collections of artefacts from the Chola dynasty. This includes armour and textiles, among other objects used in life for people within the royalty.
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Distance: 1 km from Brihadishwara Temple
2. Saraswathi Mahal Library
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
Saraswathi Mahal Library is one of the oldest and biggest libraries in Asia. It lies almost out of sight near the Brihadishwara Temple. The collection of ancient manuscripts, texts, and documents gives interesting glimpses of the cultural as well as literary heritage of Tamil Nadu. It acts as a treasure for historians as well as literature lovers. One can see how scholars studied over centuries in this neat atmosphere. To ensure people adopt awareness regarding historical collections, the library organises exhibitions and even workshops from time to time.
Timings: 9 AM – 1 PM , 2 PM – 5 PM
Distance: 1.5 km from Brihadishwara Temple
3. Maratha Palace
Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons
A little away from the Brihadishwara Temple comes the Maratha Palace, with genius architectural designs and a glorious past of the kingdom. These complexes stand with enormous courtyards and gracefully designed rooms. It also contains pieces of work that embody the perfect harmonisation of Maratha and Tamil architectural styles. Besides being the royal palace, it was also highly important in the management and administration of the Maratha kings. The various visions of the sumptuous lifestyles led by the royals through the different sections of the palace are open to public view.
Timing: 10 AM – 5 PM
Distance: 1.5 km from the Brihadishwara Temple
Where To Stay
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Thanjavur has budget hotels to high-class rooms. One of the guests’ favourite accommodations in this category is Hotel Tamil Nadu Thanjavur. It has very well-equipped rooms and quality services. The guests enjoy an easy approach to nearby attractions while taking advantage of modern facilities and a warm atmosphere. For a middle price range, the Sangam Hotel is also worth mentioning, featuring guests with a series of modern facilities, such as an all-equipment fitness centre and a peaceful pool.
Where To Eat
Photo: Agung Pandit Wiguna / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hotel Anandha Bhavan is one place one should visit, as their vegetarian meal has gained a reputation that fulfils the taste buds of both locals and tourists. There are wide-ranging dishes served with authentic South Indian hospitality. Sree Mangalambiga Vilas is another good eatery renowned for its authentic South Indian fare served on banana leaves, adding a touch of tradition to the dining experience. This restaurant is much loved for its delicious meals and thali options that showcase the rich diversity of South Indian cuisine.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Brihadishwara Temple is between October and March. A pleasant, cool climate prevails during the entire month of Thanjavur, making it the best time to visit the temples and other sites along it.
Tips For Travellers:
- Wear modest clothing with respect for the holy place. Devotees are encouraged to wear traditional Indian attire, sarees for women and dhotis for men.
- The footwear needs to be removed inside the temple complex, so easy-going sandals or slip-on shoes are advised.
- Never forget to take enough water since the area is pretty big, and a lot of walking is done there.
Brihadishwara temple is not only a holy worship place but also an exemplary wonder of art and architecture. It remains in the minds and hearts of visitors. Plan your visit during one of the grand festivals and add beauty to your visit to the Brihadishwara Temple for a divine experience that you shall never forget. So, finalise your Tamil Nadu trip with TripXL today.
Cover Photo: Richard Mortel / Wikimedia Commons
