If you could endlessly keep admiring the beauty of a temple, you sure would choose the divine Brihadeeswarar Temple. In the heart of Tamil Nadu is the majestic temple of Brihadeeswarar. Known as the Big Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, this 11th-century architectural marvel astonishes you and wanderers alike.
You must be wondering why the Brihadeeswarar Temple receives immense fame. Well, it is adored for its sheer scale, mathematical precision and timeless elegance. You get to see the blend of history, culture and devotion right here. If you are ready to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, this blog is for you. Let’s get going on this journey of sacredness.
History of Brihadeeswarar Temple
You must have been to multiple famous temples in India. No wonder each has its own story to tell. That’s exactly the case of Brihadeeswarar Temple. Also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, it stands as a monumental testament to political power and religious devotion.
Did you know it was built in the early 11th century CE by the Chola ruler? It was Rajaraja Chola I who constructed this one. Due to his contribution, he is known to be one of the greatest emperors in South Indian history. Unlike many temples that evolved over generations, this temple was conceptualised and executed within the vision of a single ruler.
Construction of the temple began around 1003 CE and was completed by 1010 CE. That was also the time when the Chola Empire was at its peak. Interestingly, Thanjavur served as the imperial capital. Due to this, the Cholas had established their dominance across large parts of South India.
Continued Significance of Brihadeeswarar Temple
After Rajaraja Chola I’s reign, his successors continued to support and enrich the temple. Even after the capital shifted, locals as well as rulers continued to retain the temple’s cultural importance and religious significance among locals.
Did you know this place of worship has witnessed the rule of the Pandyas, Vijayanagara kings, Nayakas and the Marathas of Thanjavur? Despite these changes, the temple continues to receive love and devotion from all around the world.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Receiving Global Recognition
Right from the colonial period, Brihadeeswarar Temple was recognised as an architectural marvel. It drew the attention of scholars and archaeologists pretty quickly. However, it was in 1987 when the temple received formal acknowledgement. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Great Living Chola Temples.”
Religious Heritage of Brihadeeswarar Temple
Talk about its architecture or the historic connection; Brihadeeswarar Temple surprises you in all ways. Do you know it is one of the most sacred Shaivite temples in India? Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the lord is worshipped in the form of Brihadeeswarar (Peruvudaiyar).
Being one of the prominent Shiva temples in India, it houses a massive Shiva Lingam. The Shiva Lingam symbolises the infinite cosmic energy. Devotees believe that worshipping here brings spiritual liberation (moksha) and inner strength. If you wish to seek blessings, book affordable hotels in Thanjavur for a comfortable stay.
As you enter the temple, you can see the massive Shiva Lingam. It very well reflects the Chola belief in Shiva as the supreme. As you step further, the temperature drops, the sounds fade and a profound sense of reverence takes over. The architecture intentionally directs focus inward.
What’s more? The temple also has a shrine of Goddess Brihannayaki (Parvati). She represents divine balance and completeness. Devotees worship the sacred couple together for marital harmony and prosperity.
On special occasions, you can hear rhythmic hymns and devotional compositions. You can also be a part of daily rituals and abhishekams. In fact, the festivals are also performed according to Agamic traditions. Hence, you get to witness ancient religious practices. The aura during that time is indeed unmissable!
After seeking blessings, you must try the famous food of Tamil Nadu and soak in the tantalising flavours of the cuisine.
Architecture, Interiors and Engineering
When you talk about temples in Tamil Nadu, their architecture and intricate details cannot be missed. It is in the small paintings and large murals that make travellers wonder about a temple’s creation. You are sure to get a similar feeling here.
Being one of the important places to visit in Tamil Nadu, Brihadeeswarar Temple was envisioned by Rajaraja Chola. He wanted to showcase his devotion for Lord Shiva. However, he also wanted to display the imperial grandeur and administrative strength of his dynasty. That’s exactly why every corner here is architecturally significant.
1. Inscriptions
When a temple receives recognition, the first thing that comes to your mind is how and why? For Brihadeeswarar Temple, inscriptions are the answer. They provide detailed records of land grants and donations of gold received during ancient times. What’s more? You also get to see the donations of livestock and lamps. That sure is interesting!
Well, that is not it! The inscriptions tell you how the Cholas celebrated festivals and their participation in daily rituals. You can see dancers, musicians, priests, accountants and guards being mentioned here. It can be said that the temple functioned as a major socio-economic institution.
2. Vimana
You cannot miss watching one of the striking features of the Brihadeeswarar Temple. Yes, we are talking about its 66-metre-rising Vimana (tower). While most North Indian temples have their shikhara curves inward, this one is different. The Dravidian tower ascends in perfect symmetry, layer by layer.
Interestingly, atop this vimana sits a massive monolithic stone (Kalasam). You must be surprised to know that it weighs approximately 80 tonnes. Imagine the transportation and placement of such a stone without any modern machinery. No wonder it is still an architectural mystery for the world out there.
Many historians say that a long and inclined ramp was used to roll the stone into this position. It sure is one of the engineering marvels in India, showcasing the capabilities of the Chola dynasty. To witness it all, you can book budget-friendly hotels in Thanjavur, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Now that you are here, do not miss seeing historical Thanjavur tourist places for a fulfilling journey.
3. The Majestic Nandi
When you think about taking blessings of Lord Shiva, you cannot forget the divine cow named Nandi. Brihadeeswarar Temple has a colossal statue of Nandi facing the Shiva Lingam. Interestingly, it is carved from a single block of granite.
The massive structure is approximately 16 feet long and 13 feet high. This makes it one of the largest monolithic Nandi sculptures in India. Travellers often whisper their wishes into Nandi’s ears. So, do not forget to whisper your wishes, as it is a divine practice here.
Polished to a smooth finish, the statue exudes quiet strength and devotion. Devotees believe that whispering wishes into Nandi’s ears brings blessings, a practice still observed today.
4. Vibrant Murals
Even the simplest details can offer a lot about this temple’s history. As you move through the inner corridors, you get to see exquisite Chola-era murals. While they were later overlaid by Nayak paintings, they showcase scenes from Shaivite legends. You can also learn a lot about Rajaraja Chola’s life and ritual practices from them. Though faded with time, they offer invaluable insight into mediaeval South Indian life.
5. The Shadow That Never Falls
One of the most fascinating features of the Brihadeeswarar Temple is the belief that the Vimana casts no shadow at noon. Even when you actually visit, you cannot see any shadow. That’s what attracts many devotees and enthusiasts.
Technically, the shadow becomes minimal and falls beneath the structure. It is because of the precision with which the temple was built. The structure aligns with the sun in an exact position to not cast any visible shadow. This demonstrates advanced astronomical knowledge and understanding of cosmic rhythms.
Best Time to Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple
Winter (November to February)
If you are planning to visit Brihadeeswarar Temple, it is important to check the best time to do so. Winter is the most comfortable time to seek blessings from the lord. The temperatures usually range from 22°C to 30°C. Early mornings and evenings are cool, making it easier to walk barefoot.
It gives you comfortable weather to explore the complex conveniently. As the heat is less, enjoying it here becomes easy. You can click pictures, meditate or be a part of rituals during this time. Make sure to book affordable hotels in Thanjavur for a pleasant stay.
Summer (March to May)
Summer in Thanjavur can be very hot. The temperatures range between 32°C and 40°C. In this season, the stone floors inside the temple become extremely warm. You cannot explore easily, as walking barefoot can be uncomfortable. If you are planning to visit the temple, go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat.
Monsoon (June to October)
Thanjavur experiences lush greenery as the monsoon hits the land. Temperatures usually range from 25°C to 33°C. The rain brings some relief from the summer heat. However, humidity is high and sudden showers are common.
If you are someone who loves exciting adventures, monsoon might be a wonderful time to visit Brihadeeswarar Temple. The temple floors may become slippery when wet, so take care while walking. Morning or late afternoon visits are best, as the rainfall is lighter.
How to Reach Brihadeeswarar Temple?
By Air
The nearest airport to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple is the Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ). It is approximately 61 kilometres from here. So, you can book budget-friendly hotels in Thanjavur for a comfortable stay. You can also plan a one-day journey to the best places to visit in Trichy before heading ahead.
By Train
Thanjavur Junction (TJ) is the closest and main railway station to Brihadeeswarar (Big) Temple. It is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu, making it easy to travel. It is just 1.6 kilometres from the station. So, you can opt for an auto, a cab or self-drive to the temple. You can easily book affordable hotels in Madurai, Kumbakonam or Trichy for a pleasant stay.
By Road
Brihadeeswarar Temple is easily accessible by road. It is well connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu and you can reach it through NH-36.
If you are looking for a cheaper option, there are regular bus services operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. They are available from cities such as Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, Coimbatore and Trichy.
Apart from this, you can opt for private buses, taxis and self-driven cars too. Once in Thanjavur town, the temple is located about 2 kilometres from the central bus stand.
Practical Tips for Visiting Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Visit early in the morning or after sunset to avoid heat and crowds.
- As it is an active place of worship, it is best to dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees to showcase respect.
- Be prepared to walk barefoot on stone floors that can become extremely hot during the day. Carry socks if needed.
- Photography is permitted only in the outer courtyard. Cameras and phones cannot be used inside the sanctum.
- Maintain silence and follow temple customs to respect ongoing rituals.
- Keep small denominations of cash handy for offerings, donations and local vendors.
- Weekends, Mondays, Pradosham days and festival periods can be crowded. Plan your visit accordingly.
- Allocate at least one to two hours to appreciate the architecture and sculptures.
- Stay hydrated, especially during summer months.
- Consume food and drinks only outside the temple premises.
- Some people may offer special entry or fast darshan for money. Use only official guides or avoid guide services entirely.
A Divine Journey to Brihadeeswarar Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple is not just a destination. It is more of an experience that unfolds layer by layer for you. No matter if you wish to admire the architecturally stunning vimana or feel the deep silence in the inner sanctum, there is something soulful waiting for you.
Standing beneath its shadowless tower, you realise that this temple was built not merely to impress the eye. It is a place where time slows down and history breathes. Brihadeeswarar Temple is indeed the space where human creativity finds eternal expression. So, pack your bags and seek blessings at this place of absolute divine grace.
