Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil or RajaRajeswaram, is one of India’s most iconic temples and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Located in the historic city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, this grand temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands as a testament to the artistic brilliance and engineering genius of ancient India. Built over 1,000 years ago, the temple continues to awe visitors with its grandeur, precision, and spiritual energy. The temple has a nickname of Tanjore Big Temple or Thanjai Periya Kovil.
| Temple Name | Brihadeeswarar Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil / RajaRajeswaram) |
| Location | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu |
| Deity | Lord Shiva (Brihadeeswarar) |
| Built By | Raja Raja Chola I |
| Year of Completion | 1010 AD |
| Architectural Style | Dravidian Architecture |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site – “Great Living Chola Temples” (since 1987) |
| Main Features | 216-feet Vimana, Giant Nandi, Frescoes, Inscriptions |
| Material Used | Granite |
| Festivals Celebrated | Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, Raja Raja Chola’s Birthday |
| Darshan Timings | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March |
| Nearest Airport | Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) – 60 km |
| Nearby Attractions | Thanjavur Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple |
Historical Background
The Brihadeeswarar Temple was commissioned by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I in the year 1003 AD and completed in 1010 AD. The temple was constructed during the height of the Chola Empire, which was renowned for its contributions to art, culture, and architecture in South India.
Raja Raja Chola I intended the temple to be a symbol of his empire’s wealth, power, and devotion to Lord Shiva. Inscriptions found on the temple walls detail donations made to the temple, including lands, gold, silver, and precious jewels. These records also provide insights into the administrative and social practices of the time.
Architectural Grandeur
Brihadeeswarar Temple is an outstanding example of Dravidian architecture. Constructed entirely out of granite, the temple complex spans a large courtyard with several shrines, halls, and gateways. The main sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a massive lingam, representing Lord Shiva.
One of the most remarkable features is the vimana (temple tower) that rises to a height of 216 feet (66 meters), making it one of the tallest temple towers in the world. The dome on top of the tower, weighing around 80 tons, was placed without the use of cranes—an engineering marvel for its time. Legends suggest that a long inclined ramp was constructed to roll the stone to the top.
The temple is adorned with intricate sculptures, frescoes, and carvings. From depictions of gods and goddesses to dancers and musicians, the artistry reflects the rich cultural life of the Chola period. The outer walls are decorated with detailed inscriptions in Tamil and Grantha scripts.
Religious Significance
As a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Brihadeeswarar is a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites. The primary deity is known as Brihadeeswarar or Peruvudaiyar, and the Shiva lingam in the sanctum is one of the largest in India.
The temple is also famous for its Nandi (sacred bull), which is carved out of a single stone and measures about 13 feet high and 16 feet long. It is housed in a separate mandapa and faces the main shrine, in keeping with traditional Shaivite temple layout.
Festivals such as Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, and the annual Raja Raja Chola birthday celebration are observed with great devotion. During these occasions, the temple becomes a vibrant center of religious and cultural activity.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1987, Brihadeeswarar Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Great Living Chola Temples” group, which also includes the temples at Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram. This recognition highlights its global significance as a living cultural and architectural legacy.
UNESCO praised the temple for its monumental scale, harmonious proportions, and artistic excellence. The temple continues to be preserved and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Cultural and Artistic Heritage
Apart from its religious value, the temple is a treasure trove of art and music. The walls of the temple contain murals that depict scenes from Hindu mythology, court life, and stories of the Chola kings. These frescoes are considered among the finest surviving examples of Chola painting.
The temple also has historical associations with classical dance and music. Devadasis (temple dancers) performed Bharatanatyam here as part of daily rituals. The musical inscriptions on the walls mention ragas and talas (musical scales and rhythms), offering a glimpse into the musical traditions of the time.
Visiting the Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple is open to visitors and devotees throughout the year. The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant. Early mornings and evenings offer a peaceful atmosphere to explore the temple complex.
Footwear must be removed before entering the inner sanctum, and visitors are expected to dress modestly out of respect for the sacredness of the site. Photography is permitted in most areas, though restrictions may apply inside the sanctum.
Thanjavur is well connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy), which is about 60 km away. From there, taxis and buses are available to reach Thanjavur.
Temple Timings Table
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 6:00 AM |
| Morning Darshan | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Temple Closed (Afternoon Break) | 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM |
| Special Poojas | During Pradosham, Shivaratri, and Full Moon Nights |
Note: On festive occasions and temple processions, timings may vary.
Nearby Attractions
Thanjavur Palace – A historic palace with museums and art galleries.
Saraswathi Mahal Library – One of the oldest libraries in Asia.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple – Another architectural marvel from the Chola dynasty, about 70 km away.
Art Galleries – Featuring Tanjore paintings and bronze sculptures.
