History
Brihadisvara Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Built by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD, it stands as a masterpiece of Tamil architecture and a symbol of the Chola dynasty's grandeur. Constructed entirely of granite, the temple features a towering vimana (temple tower) that rises to 66 meters, making it one of the tallest in the world. The temple is renowned for its massive Nandi statue, intricate carvings, and frescoes. It reflects the advancements in engineering, sculpture, and religious art during the Chola era. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains an active place of worship and a cultural landmark. The Brihadisvara Temple not only showcases the Cholas' devotion to Shiva but also their architectural genius and influence on South Indian temple design.
Greatness:
Brihadisvara Temple stands as a timeless symbol of Tamil architectural brilliance and spiritual grandeur. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, it showcases the peak of Chola engineering and artistry. The temple’s vimana, soaring 66 meters high, is among the tallest of its kind and is crowned with a single granite capstone weighing around 80 tons—an engineering marvel even today. The temple’s intricate sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions reveal rich details of Chola culture, religion, and governance. The majestic Nandi statue, carved from a single stone, adds to its grandeur. Unlike many ancient structures, Brihadisvara remains a living temple, continuing its rituals for over a thousand years. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is not only a center of devotion but also a cultural beacon, attracting scholars, tourists, and pilgrims alike. Its design, scale, and spiritual depth make it one of India’s greatest temple achievements.
Specialities:
Brihadisvara Temple is renowned for its remarkable architectural and artistic specialities. One of its most striking features is the towering vimana, rising 66 meters high, making it one of the tallest temple towers in the world. Topped with a single 80-ton granite capstone, the engineering feat behind its construction remains awe-inspiring.
The temple houses a 13-foot-tall Shiva Lingam and a massive monolithic Nandi (sacred bull), weighing about 25 tons, carved from a single rock. The walls are adorned with detailed Chola-era frescoes and sculptures, depicting deities, dancers, and mythological stories with incredible precision. Uniquely, the temple was constructed using interlocking stones without mortar. Its inscriptions offer invaluable records of Chola administration and donations. Brihadisvara Temple also stands out as one of the first temples to use axial and symmetrical geometry in Dravidian architecture. Still an active place of worship, it symbolizes the spiritual and artistic zenith of the Chola dynasty.
Festivals:
- Maha Shivaratri
- Arudra Darshan (Thiruvathirai)
- Panguni Uthiram
- Navaratri
- Raja Raja Chola’s Birth Anniversary
Timings:
- 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
FAQs
The temple features a 66-meter tall vimana (tower) made entirely of granite, a massive Nandi (bull) statue, and exquisite Chola-period sculptures and frescoes.
Yes, it is part of the “Great Living Chola Temples” recognized by UNESCO.
The best time to visit is between October and March when the weather is pleasant.
It was built by Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD during the Chola dynasty.
