Popular Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site — the pinnacle of Chola architectural achievement
At a glance
- Location
- Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu
- Presiding deity
- Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswarar)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Shaiva
- Nearest railway station
- Thanjavur Junction (~2 km)
- Nearest airport
- Tiruchirapalli International Airport (~60 km)
- Best time to visit
- November to February.
History
The Brihadeeswarar temple was built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I around 1010 CE, constructed entirely of granite — even though the nearest granite source is estimated to be about 60 km away, a remarkable feat of engineering for its era. The temple's vimana (tower) rises roughly 66 metres, capped by a single-stone kalasha estimated to weigh about 80 tonnes.
Spiritual significance
The temple is part of the "Great Living Chola Temples" group alongside Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, collectively inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Thanjavur Junction connects to Chennai and Tiruchirapalli; the temple is a short auto or taxi ride from the station.
Continue your Shiva bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.