The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, also known as Brihadeshwara Temple or Periya Kovil, is one of the grandest temples in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 11th century by the great Chola king Rajaraja Chola I, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an extraordinary masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
🌟 History of Brihadeeswarar Temple
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Built in 1003 CE by Rajaraja Chola I.
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Constructed entirely out of granite, despite the absence of nearby quarries.
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Completed in just 7 years, showcasing unparalleled engineering skills.
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Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Great Living Chola Temples" category.
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Still considered the tallest temple in India, standing at 216 feet.
✨ Architectural Highlights
1. The Tower with No Shadow
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Brihadeeswarar Temple is that the shadow of the main tower never falls on the ground at noon—an incredible feat of ancient engineering.
2. First All-Granite Temple
It is the world’s first complete granite temple, with massive stones weighing up to 80 tons used in construction.
3. The Gigantic Nandi & Shiva Lingam
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The Nandi (bull) statue is 12 feet tall and carved from a single stone.
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The Shiva Lingam in the sanctum is more than 12 feet high, making it one of the largest in the world.
4. Musical Pillars & Dance Hall
The temple hall features musical pillars that produce unique sounds when tapped. It also served as a hall for dancers and musicians dedicated to Lord Shiva.
5. Stunning Frescoes & Sculptures
The walls and ceilings are adorned with Chola and Nayak frescoes, narrating stories from Hindu scriptures.
🎉 Festivals at Brihadeeswarar Temple
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Satabhishag Day Festival – celebrated every month, marking the birth star of Rajaraja Chola.
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Annual Festival in Visaka Month – a nine-day celebration when the deity is bathed in fragrant Champaka water.
📍 Location & Travel Guide
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City: Thanjavur (Tanjore), Tamil Nadu
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Best Time to Visit: October to March (pleasant weather for sightseeing)
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Nearby Attractions: Thanjavur Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Gangaikonda Cholapuram
👉 Also read: Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India: A Journey Through History and Culture
🤔 Top FAQs about Brihadeeswarar Temple
Q1. Who built the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
It was built by Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century.
Q2. Why is Brihadeeswarar Temple famous?
It is famous for being the tallest temple in India, its shadowless Vimana, and for being the first granite temple in the world.
Q3. What is the height of Brihadeeswarar Temple?
The temple tower (Vimana) is 216 feet tall, still unmatched in grandeur.
Q4. Is Brihadeeswarar Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, recognized by UNESCO.
Q5. What is the main deity of Brihadeeswarar Temple?
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshipped in the form of a massive Shiva Lingam.
Q6. How old is Brihadeeswarar Temple?
It was completed in 1003 CE, making it over 1000 years old.
Q7. What is unique about the temple shadow?
The temple tower never casts its shadow on the ground at noon, a unique architectural wonder.
Q8. How was granite transported for the temple?
Granite was brought from over 100 km away, showcasing the advanced logistics of the Chola era.
Q9. What festivals are celebrated here?
The Satabhishag Festival and the annual Visaka month festival are major events.
Q10. What is the best time to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
The best time is October to March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing.
🏁 Conclusion
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is more than a place of worship—it is a timeless masterpiece of Indian architecture and culture. From its shadowless Vimana to its gigantic Nandi, this temple reflects the engineering genius and spiritual devotion of the Chola dynasty.
A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is not just a spiritual journey but also an opportunity to witness one of the greatest marvels of ancient India.
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