Brihadeshwara Temple also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil in Tamil is a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Brahadeeshwarar (Lord Shiva). Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple is also popularly known as Rajesvara Peruvudaiyar, RajaRajeswara Temple, Rajarajeswaram and Tanjore Big Temple (Thanjai Periya Kovil in Tamil). This ancient Shiva temple is situated in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. This Big Temple is one of the largest temples in India. This temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I and was completed in 1010 AD in a Dravidian Architecture style. The age of the temple is on 2000 in 2010.
The temple has fortified walls that were probably built in the 16th century. The vimanam (tower of the temple) is 216 feet /66 meters high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the top or bulbous structure at the top) of the temple is carved into a single rock and weighs about 80 tons. There is a large statue of Nandi, carved from a single rock about 16 feet/4.9 meters long and 13 feet/4.0 meters high at the temple entrance. The whole structure of the temple is made of granite. The temple is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
According to inscriptions in the temple, Kunjara Mallan Raja Raja Perumthachan was the engineer and architect of this famous temple.
The niches on three sides of the temple contain images of Shiva, Vishnu and Durga. The southern wall has sculptures of Ganesha, Vishnu with its Sridevi and Bhudevi consorts, Lakshmi, a pair of dvarapala, Vishnu Murti anugraha, Bhikshatana, Virabhadra, Dakshinamurti, Kalanta and Nataraja. On the west side, there are images of Harihara, Ardhanarishvara, a pair of dvarapala and two Chandrasekharas, one with and one without halo. In the north, in the lower series, the representation of Adhanarisvara, Gangadhara, a pair of dvarapala, Virabhadra (with a sword and shield), Alingana Chandrasekhara, Shiva holding a Sula (spear), a pair of dvarapala, Sarasvati, Mahishasuramardini and Bhairava. The northern series shows a number of Tripurantakas repeated in each niche. In the small upper space circular niches are sculptures of Ganesha, Vrishabavahana, Bhikshatana, Narasimha and Varaha.
In addition to this, each temple wall and surrounding architecture are full of sculptures and paintings depicting the rich history of art, culture, mythology and the science of the time.
The Huge Cap of Tanjore big temple is constructed in such a way that the shadow of the big gopuram will not fall on the ground an noon in any season.
The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “Great Living Chola Temples”, with the Brihadeeswarar Temple, the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple and the Airavatesvara Temple.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Timings:
Morning: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Festivals celebrated at Thanjai Periya Kovil:
1) Chithrai Bramothsavam April-May Chithirai – 18 Days
2) Shivarathiri February Maasi – 1 Day
3) Navarathiri September -October Purattasi – 9 Days
4) Aaruthra Darsanam December-January Margali – 1 Day
5) Sathayavizha October Aypasi – 2 Days
6) Pradosham Once in fortnight
7) Panchami Abhishekam for Goddess Varahi Every Panchami in a Fortnight
8) Asada Navarathiri for varahi – 12 Days
9) Astami Abhishekam for Lord Bairavar Every Asthami in a fortnight
10) Girivalam Every full Moon day
11) Aadi pooram,
12) Chithrai Brahmothsavam,
13) Thanoormadha Pooja.
Attractions near Brihadeeswarar Temple:
Thanjavur Palace
Manora Fort
Saraswathi Mahal Library
Schwartz Church
Siva Ganga Garden
Thiruvayaru Temple 13 km
Darasuram Airavatheswar Temple 8 km
Kumbakonam 42 km
Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple 6.5 km
Brahmasirekandeswarar and Harshavimochana Perumal, Thirukandiyur 10 km
Lord Subramanya, Swamimalai 32 km
Thanjavur Big Temple Address:
Membalam Road,
Balaganapathy Nagar,
Thanjavur,
Tamil Nadu 613007
Telephone No: +91-4362- 274476