Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur History, Architecture And Facts

Brihadeeswarar Temple is an ancient temple located in Thanjavur (Tanjore) of Tamil Nadu, India. Brihadeshwar is a major temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple was built by Raja Chola (I) in 1010 AD. The idol of the deity in the temple is situated in the dance posture. He is called Nataraja. The temple is also known as Rajeshwara Temple, Rajarajeshwaram and Periya Kovil. This 1000-year-old temple is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The temple is famous for its historical and cultural values. Brihadeshwara Temple is a magnificent architectural construction. The viewer of the temple is astonished to see its structure. More than 130,000 tonnes of granite was used to build the temple. This temple reflects the architectural prowess and affinity of the South Indian kings. If want more information about Brihadeshwara Temple. So do read this article.

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History of Brihadeeswara Temple

The Brihadeshwara Temple was built by the Chola ruler Maharaja Rajaraja I in a span of 5 years between 1004 AD and 1009 AD. After the king built the temple, this temple was named Rajarajeshwar after his name. Chola Rajaraja was a devotee of Lord Shiva. And he had built many temples of Shiva, including the Brihadeshwara temple. The Brihadeshwara temple was built by the king to bless the empire. This temple, more than 1000 years old, is one of the largest structures of that time.

Best Time To Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple

Brihadeshwara Temple Best time to visit Tanjore Brihadeshwara Temple is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. Due to this, there is a tropical climate throughout the year. It is hot in summer here. But monsoon is accompanied by light rain. The best time of the year to visit Brihadeshwara Temple is during the winter season. Because of the pleasant climatic conditions, this temple is the best to visit.

Architecture of Brihadeshwara Temple

Brihadeshwara Temple is a major temple of India. And the temple is built using more than 130,000 tons of granite. The main attraction of the temple is the 216 feet tall tower. It is built above the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Travelers can see this tower from a distance when they enter the city. Another astonishing Nandi bull statue in the temple. Its height is two meters, six meters in length and two and a half meters in width. The weight of the statue is about 20 tons.

Various asanas of the famous classical dance Barathanatyam are carved on the upper storey walls of the temple. Many rulers like Pandyas, Vijayanagara rulers and Marathas have added many temples to the temple. This is the most prominent feature of the temple. That the shadow of the temple never falls on the ground at noon. The architecture of the temple is so cleverly done that the temple does not cast any shadow on the ground when the sun is at its peak.

Interesting Facts

The Brihadeshwara Temple is constructed from 1,30,000 tonnes of granite.

This granite was not brought from the nearby area.

Where did this granite come from, it is still a big mystery.

Because bringing such quantity of granite at that time is a big deal.

Brihadeshwara Temple is one of the largest temples in India.

It is a fine example of the architecture of the Chola dynasty.

The entire construction of Brihadeshwara temple is made of granite.

The temple has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Brihadeshwara Temple is known for its distinctive architecture.

The most special thing about this temple is that the shadow of the dome of this temple does not fall on the earth.

Its miraculous architecture attracts many tourists.

How To Reach Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur

Thanjavur is situated on a good network with roads connecting cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Coimbatore and Tiruchirappalli. There are many regular private and state-run bus services available as well. One can book a private taxi from Thanjavur. Tiruchirappalli is the largest railway station in Thanjavur city. Here Tiruchirappalli is connected to major cities by rail.

Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the nearest airport to Thanjavur city. And regular taxis and some bus services run between the two cities. Chennai port is the nearest port to Thanjavur city. The port also serves some passenger liners from surrounding countries and some regions. If a tourist wants to travel by water, they can enjoy the sea voyage by boarding one of the passenger ships.