Brahadeshwara Temple, Thanjevur

Located on the southern bank of river Kaweri, Brahadeshwara Temple is dedicated to Hindu God Shiva. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.

It is also known as Rajarajesvaram, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is the most notable example of Dravidian architecture.

The 216 feet shrine is the highlight of this temple. The entire sanctum is dotted with paintings, and the magnificent statue of Nandi makes it one of the largest temples of South India.

The monuments of Brahadeshwara Temple, including the gopura, the main temple, its massive tower, inscriptions, frescoes and sculptures are related to Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism. The temple has one of the largest Shiva Lingham.

Thanjevur Brahadeshwara Temple is famous with multiple names. Some of them are the following:

1. Periya Kovil
2. Raja Rajeswara Temple
3. Rajarajesvaram
4. Great Living Chola Temples
5. Big Temple
6. Peruvudaiyār Kōvil

History of Brahadeshwara Temple

The legend about this temple dates back to a few centuries before the development of this grand temple. The Pallavas had set new dimensions for art. The magnificent Ratha, Shore Temple and Yali Caves emerged at that time.

Famous Rajasimha Pallavan had built two temples named ‘Paramesvara Vinnagaram’ and ‘Kailasanathar Kovil’ in Kanchipuram. Among them, ‘Kailasanathar Kovil’ was dedicated to Lord Shiva, and this is what attracted Raja Raja Cholan I. It is after this incident that he was inspired to build this colossal temple.

Temple Timing

6.00 a.m. – 12.30 Noon
4.00 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

Temple Festivals

Chitharai Madham – It is the 18 Days festival
Aipasi – Raja Raja Cholan birth-day function
Special Pooja during Deevali, Pongal, and New year

Hotels Near Brihadeeswarar Temple

1. Sangam Hotel, Thanjavur
2. Hotel Parisutham
3. Hotel Gnanam
4. Hotel Balaji Inn
5. Star Residency

How to reach Brahadeshwara Temple?

By Air – The Temple is 61 km away from Tiruchirapalli International Airport.
By Train – The Thanjavur Railway Station is only 3 km from Thanjavur Railway Station.
By Bus – Visitors can also take a bus as the Thanjavur bus stand is 5 km away from the Temple.