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Brihadeeswara Temple

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Brihadeeswara Temple

🛕About Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The principal deity is Brihadishvara, also known as Peruvudaiyar. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Great Living Chola Temples and is renowned for its Chola-period architecture, inscriptions, sculptures and murals.

ℹ️Temple Information

🛕 Presiding Deity
Brihadishvara
👸 Goddess
Brihannayaki
⭐ Temple Classification
Shiva Temple | UNESCO World Heritage Site
📍 District
Thanjavur
📅 Built Period
Early 11th century CE; completed in 1010 CE
🏛 Dynasty
Chola dynasty
🙏 Sampradaya
Shaivism

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⭐Temple Significance

The temple is significant as one of the finest surviving monuments of Chola architecture and as part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples. It is also an important Shiva temple with major historical inscriptions that document Chola-period religion, administration, arts and patronage.

📜History

The temple was built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I and was completed in the early 11th century CE. It was historically known as Rajarajesvaram. The temple contains extensive Chola inscriptions that record royal gifts, endowments, temple administration and details of ritual and cultural activity. Later periods also contributed to the temple complex, including paintings and additions associated with later rulers.

🏛Architecture

Brihadeeswara Temple is a major example of Dravidian temple architecture under the Cholas. It is known for its massive stone vimana above the sanctum, axial layout, large Nandi, sculptural program, inscriptions and mural paintings. The temple complex is enclosed within fortified walls and includes shrines, mandapas and gateways that reflect Chola monumental planning.

✨ Temple Highlights

✨ UNESCO World Heritage Site
Brihadeeswara Temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription known as the Great Living Chola Temples.
✨ Built by Rajaraja Chola I
The temple was commissioned by the Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I and completed in the early 11th century CE.
✨ Monumental Vimana
The temple is renowned for its towering stone vimana above the sanctum, one of the defining features of Chola architecture.
✨ Historic Inscriptions
The temple contains important Chola inscriptions recording royal endowments, administration and temple activities.
✨ Murals and Sculptures
The complex preserves important mural paintings and sculptural works associated with the temple’s long history.

🚗 How to Reach

🛣️ By Road
Brihadeeswara Temple is located in Thanjavur town and is accessible by road within the city.
🚆 By Rail
Thanjavur Junction is the railway station serving Thanjavur.
✈️ By Air
The nearest major airport serving Thanjavur is Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

🔗 Related Temples

Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadisvara Temple
 •  Part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples
View Details
Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
📍 Darasuram  •  Part of the UNESCO-listed Great Living Chola Temples
View Details
Brihadeeswara Temple

Visit Information

🕒 Temple Timings
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM

⭐ Why Choose Karthi Travels for Temple Tours?

🛕 Expertly Planned Temple Pilgrimages
We specialize in temple tours across Tamil Nadu, helping you visit famous temples as well as hidden spiritual destinations with carefully planned itineraries.
🚗 Private Cab Throughout Your Journey
Travel in a dedicated chauffeur-driven vehicle with complete comfort, flexibility, and privacy throughout your pilgrimage.
🕉️ Well-Planned Darshan Experience
Our itineraries are designed around temple timings and darshan schedules, helping you make the most of your spiritual journey.
🏨 Comfortable & Verified Accommodation
We arrange clean, well-rated hotels near major temple destinations to ensure a peaceful and comfortable stay.
🍽️ Hassle-Free Travel Arrangements
From accommodation and sightseeing to route planning, parking, tolls, fuel, and driver allowances, we take care of every detail.
🌄 Temple Circuits & Nearby Attractions
Visit nearby temples and important spiritual attractions in a single trip with well-optimized travel routes.
👨‍✈️ Experienced Local Chauffeurs
Our courteous drivers are familiar with temple routes, local customs, and important pilgrimage destinations across Tamil Nadu.
💰 Transparent Pricing
Enjoy clear pricing with no hidden charges, ensuring complete peace of mind while planning your temple tour.
🏆 40+ Years of Trusted Travel Experience
Since 1986, Karthi Travels has been helping pilgrims and families explore Tamil Nadu with reliable service and personalized travel solutions.
❤️ Dedicated Customer Support
Our travel experts are always available before and during your journey to assist with any travel-related requirements.

Planning a Pilgrimage?

Our travel experts can help you with transportation, darshan timings, nearby sightseeing and complete temple tour planning.

💬 WhatsApp Chat Now 📞 Call 96555 02002
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Disclaimer

We strive to provide accurate and authentic information based on well-established historical, cultural, religious, and publicly available sources. However, temple timings, entry fees, rituals, festivals, special poojas, facilities, and other visitor information may change without prior notice.

While every effort is made to keep this information current and accurate, visitors are advised to verify the latest details directly with the official temple authorities before planning their visit.

Image Disclaimer: The images displayed on this website are digitally generated or AI-enhanced representations created for illustrative purposes. They are intended to reflect the appearance and atmosphere of the destination but may not exactly represent the current real-world condition, colours, surroundings, or architectural details of the temple or location.