Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Brihadeshwara Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is also known as  Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple and Rajarajeswaram. It was built during the rule of Chola Dynasty for Rajaraja Chola 1. Being one of the largest temple in India, it is one among the first temples to showcase power and vision of the emperor. Brihadeshwara Temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples", with the other two being the  Brihadeeswarar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.

location TamilNadu, Thanjavur, Chennai

Legend

According to the legends, it is believed that the main purpose of building the temple is to comply to the divine command that Rajaraja Chola 1 received in a dream.

Architecture

The temple's unique structure has made it a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the Great Living Chola Temples. It is a splendid example of Dravidian Architecture with minor variations. The temple layout is administered by an axial and symmetrical geometry. The temple is an illustration of the glorious Tamil civilization under the Chola Dynasty. The fact that the temple has been built exclusively of granite and without any binding material is a cause of mystery and discussions all over the world.

Culture

The temple itself is an ode to the Tamil culture. Frescoes, murals, and wall carvings exhibit influence of art in the ancient Chola Kingdom.There is a great tradition of classical dance, music, and literature in both Tamil and Telugu.

Darsan Info

Special Darshan Ticket is available on Sundays to speed up the Darshan Time.

Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple.

Darsan Dresscode

No specific dress-code

Pooja Samagri

 

The accessibility to good quality pooja articles in today's adulterated world as well as availability of all the items required is a major concern for many devotees. Please check out our P-STORE page for various high quality Pooja Samagri for your Pilgrimage or mail us :- [email protected] or call us directly on Mobile :- +919619899406 .

Special Rituals

On festival day, the deity is bathed with water in which fragrant champaka flower has been soaked.

Additional Info


Sathars Restaurant, Devars Cafe, Nandhis South Indian Traditional Homely Restaurant

 

  Supermarket : Available