Brihadeeswarar Temple
About
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, completed in 1010 CE by the Chola king Rajaraja I, is a cornerstone of Thanjavur history and a masterpiece of Dravida architecture. Popularly called the Big Temple, this main Thanjavur temple has a 66-metre shikhara topped by an 80-tonne capstone, a millennia-old engineering mystery. The interior holds India's largest Shiva lingam and Chola frescoes, making it the top of all Thanjavur tourist places. Located in Thanjavur district and UNESCO-inscribed in 1987, it remains a marvel.
Highlights
What makes this place special
66-metre Shikhara
The main tower has 14 tapering storeys and is topped by an 80-tonne capstone. It was the tallest shikhara in India when built in 1010 and remains structurally intact.
Chola Frescoes
Original 11th-century Chola frescoes are found in the inner corridors. They were only rediscovered in 1931 when whitewash was removed, revealing dance, court, and religious scenes.
Things to Know
- •Open 6 AM to 12:30 PM, 4 PM to 8:30 PM
- •Free entry
- •Photography allowed outside
- •No photography inside sanctum
- •Dress modestly
