Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur — the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, or simply the Big Temple — is the supreme achievement of Chola architecture, raised in 1010 CE by Rajaraja Chola I. Its granite vimana climbs sixty-six metres above the plain, crowned by a single great capstone, and the temple stands first among the Great Living Chola Temples honoured by UNESCO.

The towering vimana

The temple’s tower, the vimana over the sanctum, rises some sixty-six metres — about two hundred and sixteen feet — making it one of the tallest of all temple towers, and unusual in that the tower over the sanctum is far taller than the gateway gopurams. At its summit sits a single carved capstone said to weigh many tons, and a long-held tradition holds that the tower casts no shadow beyond itself at noon.

The work of Rajaraja Chola

Completed in 1010 by the emperor Rajaraja Chola I at the height of Chola power, the temple was built entirely of granite — a stone not found nearby — in a feat of engineering and art unmatched in its age. A vast monolithic Nandi guards the approach, and the walls and corridors are carved and painted with the deeds of Shiva and the glory of the Chola house.

First of the great Chola temples

Brihadeeswara is the first and grandest of the three Great Living Chola Temples inscribed by UNESCO, a living shrine where worship of Shiva has continued for over a thousand years. Maha Shivaratri and the temple festivals fill the great courtyard, and the monument draws visitors from across the world to the old Chola capital.

How to reach the temple

• By road: the temple is in the centre of Thanjavur (Tanjore).
• By train: Thanjavur Junction is about 2 km away.
• By air: Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) airport is about 55 km away.

Frequently Asked Questions

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