Where is Brihadeeswara Temple Located? - Complete Guide

The Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is located in the heart of Thanjavur (Tanjore) city in Tamil Nadu, India. Considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple stands tall within the Thanjavur Fort Complex, a fortified area that once served as the political and cultural hub of the mighty Chola Empire.

The Brihadeeswara Temple is situated near the southern bank of the Cauvery River and the exact address is:

Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007

This makes it easily accessible for pilgrims and travelers exploring South India's spiritual heritage.

Exact Geographic Location & How to Reach

Geographically, Thanjavur lies in the fertile Cauvery Delta region, which is approximately 350 kilometers (or 217 miles) southwest of Chennai and about 55 kilometers (or 34 miles) northeast of Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). The temple is situated within the old walled city area, surrounded by historical structures like the Thanjavur Palace and the Saraswathi Mahal Library.

For those using GPS navigation, the temple's coordinates are 10.7828° N latitude and 79.1318° E longitude, which can be easily located on Google Maps or any navigation app.

Why the Location Matters

The Brihadeeswara Temple's location in Thanjavur Fort features its historical importance as the spiritual and main center of the Chola dynasty. Built by Emperor Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE, the temple was designed to show the empire's greatness, and its location was carefully chosen to dominate the city's skyline. Even today, the temple remains a crucial point for devotees, historians, and architecture lovers.

For travelers planning a visit, the temple's central location in Thanjavur means you can easily explore nearby attractions like the Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Schwartz Church, and the Tamil University Museum, all within a short distance.

Pro Tip for Visitors

To avoid crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or on weekdays. The temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.

For accurate temple timings and rituals, please check our visitor information page.

Wondering how much time you'll need? Read our guide on how much time is needed to explore the temple.

Nearby Attractions

Thanjavur Palace - Just 500m from the temple
Saraswathi Mahal Library - Ancient library with rare manuscripts
Schwartz Church - Historic colonial-era church
Tamil University Museum - Showcasing Tamil culture and history

Plan Your Visit

Now that you know exactly where the Brihadeeswara Temple is located, you can plan your pilgrimage or cultural visit to this magnificent Chola-era wonder. Don't forget to check: