Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the most popular Hindu temples across South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is known by several names such as Brihadeeswara Temple, Rajarajeshwaram Temple, Thanjavur Big Temple, and Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil.
The temple was built in the 11th century and is one of the most popular sites of Dravidian architecture. Thousands and thousands of devotees visit here every year for cultural, historical, and religious purposes.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple's history goes back to ancient times. It was built by Raja Raja Chola 1 to showcase his devotion to Lord Shiva and the sophistication of the Chola Empire. Construction of this Thanjavur Big Temple began around 1003 CE and was completed by 1010 CE. Once the Chola Empire declined, the temple came under the control of several dynasties, including the Delhi Sultanate, the Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. Each of these contributed to maintaining and enhancing the temple's architectural beauty.
Here are more details on the location of Brihadeeswarar Temple:
The temple is located in Thanjavur City in Tamil Nadu, Southern India.
It covers approximately 25 acres and is surrounded by massive walls.
The main entrance of the Brihadeeswarar Temple faces east.
Here are more details on the Brihadeeswarar Temple timings. Consider having a look so you do not miss anything important in your next visit.
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Temple opens on |
All days of the week |
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Morning timings |
6:00 AM - 12:30 PM |
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Evening timings |
4:00 PM - 8:30 PM |
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Extended hours |
During festivals |
If you're planning to visit this Thanjavur Temple, knowing the best time to go is important.
Here are more details about the best months to visit Brihadeeswarar temple.
October to March
The weather around this time is quite comfortable and pleasant. You can enjoy a beautiful view of the temple at sunrise and sunset.
The temperature ranges from 22° C to 28° C around this time. Plus, you can enjoy the view of post-monsoon greenery. Festivals like Mahashivratri are the best times to understand the local culture and traditions.
June to September
This is the monsoon season, and tourist numbers are lower around this time. This is the right time for someone planning to visit during the off-season. Morning rains are common around this time.
March to May
This is summertime, and the temperature can reach 40° by noon. For someone planning to visit the temple around this time, it is suggested to arrive before 8:00 AM.
Note: You can also schedule your visit around special occasions, such as monthly Pradosham and full moon days, for rituals like special abhishekam.
Tanjore Brihadeeswarar Temple is much more than its architecture. It has a huge religious and cultural significance.
Religious Purposes:
For instance, the temple is one of the major pilgrimage sites for the devotees of Shiva. The main deity of the temple is Shiva in the form of a lingam. In addition, it houses other deities such as Vishnu, Ganesha, Subrahmanya, Maa Parvati, and Nataraj.
Cultural Purposes:
Additionally, the temple holds significant cultural value. It is home to thousands of inscriptions, sculptures, and carvings. It provides historical information about the Chola Empire, including its administration, economy, and much more.
Legacy
Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the most renowned and celebrated architectural structures in Southern India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While planning for a visit to Brihadeeswarar Temple, here are some rituals you might expect.
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Kaala Sandhi (Morning) |
6:30 AM |
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Uchikalam (Noon) |
12:00 PM |
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Sayarakshai (Evening) |
5:30 PM |
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Arthajamam (Night) |
8:00 PM |
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Special Pooja (Full Moon Day) |
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
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Special Abhishekam (Monthly Pradosham) |
4:00 PM |
The Brihadeeswarar Temple has no restricted registration process. There is free entry for all devotees. However, foreign tourists need to have a valid ID.
For carrying a camera, you might need to pay ₹50, and a video camera needs special permission and a charge of ₹100.
Keep the following things in mind:
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Do's |
Don'ts |
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Wear traditional attire. For example, men may wear a dhoti, a kurta, and formal pants. Women may wear churidar, saree, etc. |
Avoid wearing shorts and revealing clothes in temple premises. |
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Maintain silence in the temple premises. |
Avoid photography inside the sanctum. You may use a camera in the outer areas. |
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Follow the queue system for darshan. |
Avoid carrying valuables or plastic bags. |
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By Road |
Direct buses are available to Thanjavur from major cities in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring regions and can be booked via with redBus. |
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By Rail |
The nearest railway station is Thanjavur Junction. It is well-connected to major cities like Madurai, Chennai, and several other states. Tickets can be easily booked via redRail. |
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By Air |
The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport. Local taxis are available to commute to Thanjavur. |
Here are some popular places to visit near the Brihadeeswarar Temple:
Thanjavur Palace
Thanjavur Palace is another popular architectural masterpiece in Thanjavur. The Maratha Royalty used to reside here. The palace is famous for its corridors, large halls, and beautiful architecture.
Thanjavur Art Gallery
The Thanjavur Art Gallery is famous among art lovers. You can see a variety of artefacts, stone sculptures, musical instruments, coins, and much more that showcase the local culture.
Jambukeshwar Temple
Jambukeshwar Temple is one of the five popular temples of Lord Shiva in Tamil Nadu. Built by the Cholas, the temple has a variety of inscriptions and statues that attract visitors.