Brihadeeswara Temple
A Masterpiece of Dravidian Architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Temple Timings
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Location
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India - 613001
Best Time to Visit
October to March (Winter Season)
UNESCO Heritage
Recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1987
Thanjavur's Architectural Marvel
Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century and standing tall at the center of Thanjavur, this magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple represents the pinnacle of Chola dynasty's architectural brilliance. The temple's vimana rises to 216 feet, making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world.
Dedicate to Lord Shiva, the temple showcases the engineering mastery of ancient Tamil architects. The massive stone blocks were transported from quarries over 60 kilometers away using just manpower. It is believed that the temple complex was constructed in just 7 years!
The temple complex, spread over 40 acres, features intricate sculptures, pillars, stunning murals, and the famous 80-ton capstone at its summit - a testament to the to the Dravidian architecture of the Chola Period.
The temple's architecture follows sacred geometry principles, with each element precisely calculated and positioned.
Plan Your Visit Today
Experience the magnificence of this Brihadeeswara Temple, (locally known as Thanjavur Periya Kovil), in person. Our website provides temple timings, history, and tips to help you plan a seamless visit to Thanjavur!