About the Temple
Discover the magnificence of India's greatest architectural treasures
An Architectural Masterpiece
The Brihadeeswara Temple is a magnificent testament to Raja Raja Chola I's legacy and the skill of ancient Tamil builders!
Brihadeeswara Temple, a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture, is one of India's most prized architectural treasures. Built in the early 11th century by Raja Raja Chola I, it celebrates the power and artistic vision of the Chola Empire.
The temple is renowned for its grand scale, architectural excellence, and the intricate sculptures that adorn its walls. The vimana (tower) rises to a height of 216 feet (66 meters), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.
What makes the Brihadeeswara temple even more remarkable is that it was built using interlocking techniques without the use of mortar, showcasing the advanced engineering knowledge of the Chola period. The entire structure is made of granite, with some stones weighing up to 80 tons having been transported from quarries over 60 kilometers away.
The Brihadeeswara Temple features a massive colonnaded prakara (enclosed corridor) and houses one of India’s largest Shiva Lingas. Celebrated for its exquisite sculptures, the temple also commissioned the iconic 11th-century brass Nataraja statue, depicting Shiva as the cosmic dancer. The sprawling complex includes dedicated shrines for Nandi, Parvati, Murugan, Ganesha, and other deities like Dakshinamurti, Varahi, and Thiruvarur’s Thiyagarajar, reflecting the Chola era’s spiritual diversity.
The entire temple complex is built on a granite foundation that rises 5 feet above ground level.
Key Facts
| Temple Name | Brihadeeswara Temple / Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil |
| Also Known As | Rajarajeswaram, Thanjavur Big Temple |
| Dedicated To | Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswara or Peruvudaiyar) |
| Built By | Raja Raja Chola I |
| Construction Period | 1003-1010 CE (during the Chola dynasty) |
| Location | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Heritage Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987) |
| Architecture Style | Dravidian Architecture |
Legacy & Significance
Cultural Icon
The temple has become a symbol of Tamil pride and cultural identity, representing the artistic and architectural achievements of the Tamil people.
Religious Center
For over a millennium, Brihadeeswara Temple has remained an active center of worship, continuing ancient rituals and traditions without interruption.
Historical Record
The temple's walls contain inscriptions that provide valuable information about the political, economic, and social systems of the Chola period.
Location
Brihadeeswara Temple is located in the city of Thanjavur (formerly known as Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu, southern India. The temple sits at the center of the city, serving as its cultural and spiritual heart.
The temple complex covers an area of approximately 25 acres (10 hectares), enclosed by massive walls. The main entrance to the temple faces east, which is traditional for Shiva temples.
Thanjavur itself is accessible by:
- Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) International Airport, about 55 km away
- Rail: Thanjavur Junction is well-connected to major cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy
- Road: Well-connected by buses and highways to all major cities in Tamil Nadu