Brihadeeswara Temple
Brihadeeswara Temple
Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the “Big Temple,” is a majestic shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and a masterpiece of Chola architecture. Built entirely of granite, it is renowned for its towering vimana and grand scale. This UNESCO World Heritage Site reflects the glory, devotion, and engineering brilliance of ancient India.
Features of Brihadeeswara Temple
- Massive vimana (tower) rising over 60 meters high
- One of the largest Shiva Lingams in India
- Huge monolithic Nandi statue at the entrance
- Intricate Chola-era carvings and murals
- Built entirely using granite without modern tools
Features of Brihadeeswara Temple
- Massive vimana (tower) rising over 60 meters high
- One of the largest Shiva Lingams in India
- Huge monolithic Nandi statue at the entrance
- Intricate Chola-era carvings and murals
- Built entirely using granite without modern tools
Brihadeeswara Temple Location
Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Around 350 km from Chennai, well connected via road and rail networks
Brihadeeswara Temple Location
Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Around 350 km from Chennai, well connected via road and rail networks
History of Brihadeeswara Temple
Constructed in the 11th century by the great Chola king Rajaraja I, the Brihadeeswara Temple stands as a symbol of the empire’s power and devotion to Lord Shiva. It was built to showcase architectural excellence and spiritual dedication. Even after a thousand years, the temple remains a living heritage site, admired for its precision, strength, and timeless beauty.
History of Brihadeeswara Temple
Constructed in the 11th century by the great Chola king Rajaraja I, the Brihadeeswara Temple stands as a symbol of the empire’s power and devotion to Lord Shiva. It was built to showcase architectural excellence and spiritual dedication. Even after a thousand years, the temple remains a living heritage site, admired for its precision, strength, and timeless beauty.
- Best Time to Visit
- October to March
- Timings
- Open: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Reopens: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
- Entry Fee
- Free entry for all visitors