Introduction of Brihadisvara Temple
In the heart of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, rises a monument so grand that it has defied the passage of over a thousand years the Brihadisvara Temple, also known as the Big Temple in Thanjavur, Tanjore Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, or simply Periya Kovil in Tamil. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is part of the celebrated Great Living Chola Temples, alongside the Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temples.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, revered here as Brihadeeswarar or Peruvudaiyar, the temple is not just a place of worship but a living chronicle of the Chola dynasty’s architectural genius, cultural richness, and spiritual devotion. Its towering vimana, intricate sculptures, and legendary murals make it a magnet for historians, architects, pilgrims, and travelers alike.
The name Big Temple is no exaggeration its scale, ambition, and artistry remain unmatched in South Indian temple architecture. For the people of Tamil Nadu, it is a symbol of pride, faith, and identity.
Historical Background of Brihadisvara Temple
The Chola Dynasty and the Birth of a Masterpiece
The Brihadisvara Temple was commissioned by the great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 CE. At the height of Chola power, the empire stretched across South India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Raja Raja Chola envisioned a temple that would reflect his empire’s might and devotion to Lord Shiva.
The temple’s construction was a feat of engineering and logistics. Built entirely of granite despite the absence of quarries nearby it required transporting massive stone blocks over long distances. The temple’s completion in just seven years is a testament to the Cholas’ organizational skill.
Connections to Nearby Heritage Sites
The Brihadisvara Temple is part of a sacred geography that includes Chidambaram, Kumbakonam, and other Thanjavur temples. Chidambaram’s Nataraja Temple celebrates Shiva as the cosmic dancer, while Kumbakonam is famed for its Mahamaham festival and numerous shrines. Together, these sites form a spiritual and cultural circuit that draws millions of devotees.
Architecture and Design
Dravidian Grandeur
The Brihadisvara Temple architecture is the pinnacle of Dravidian style. The temple complex is laid out in a perfect axial and symmetrical geometry, enclosed within massive walls.
- Vimana (Main Tower): Rising to about 66 meters, the vimana is crowned by an 80-ton granite kumbam (capstone). Remarkably, it was placed using a 6 km-long inclined ramp a marvel of ancient engineering.
- Gopurams (Gateway Towers): The eastern entrance features a monumental gopuram adorned with intricate carvings of deities, guardians, and mythological scenes.
- Sanctum (Garbhagriha): Houses one of the largest Shiva lingas in India, symbolizing the cosmic pillar of creation.
- Sculptures: The walls and pillars are alive with depictions of gods, goddesses, celestial beings, and episodes from Shaiva mythology.
- Mandapas: Spacious pillared halls used for rituals, dance, and music performances.
Murals and Paintings
The paintings in Tanjore Big Temple are among the finest examples of Chola frescoes. They depict scenes from Shaivite traditions, royal processions, and devotional themes. Later Nayak period paintings added layers of artistic richness.
Thanjavur Temple Idols
The temple houses exquisite bronze and stone idols, including forms of Shiva, Parvati, Nataraja, and various Shaiva saints. These Thanjavur temple idols are not just art but living embodiments of divinity, used in daily rituals and festivals.
Art & Paintings
The Tanjore Big Temple paintings are a treasure trove of medieval South Indian art. The Thanjavur Periya Kovil paintings in the circumambulatory corridors narrate stories from the Periyapuranam and other Shaiva texts. Their vibrant colors, natural pigments, and intricate detailing have survived centuries.
Preservation efforts by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have helped protect these murals from humidity, soot, and human touch. These paintings are invaluable for understanding Chola aesthetics, costume, and iconography.
Cultural & Religious Importance
The Thanjavur Shiva Temple in Hindu Culture
The Tanjore Shiva Temple is a major center of Shaivism. Lord Shiva here is worshipped as Brihadeeswarar, the Great Lord, representing the infinite cosmic force.
Major Festivals
- Maha Shivaratri: All-night vigils, abhishekams, and devotional music.
- Chithirai Brahmotsavam: A grand procession of deities through the streets of Thanjavur.
- Navaratri: Celebrations blending Shaiva and Shakta traditions.
- Aarudra Darshanam: Special worship of Nataraja.
Tourism & Travel Guide
How to Reach Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple
- By Air: Nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (60 km).
- By Train: Thanjavur Railway Station is just 2 km from the temple.
- By Road: Well-connected to Chennai, Madurai, and Kumbakonam.
Nearby Attractions
- Thanjavur Palace and Art Gallery
- Saraswathi Mahal Library
- Schwartz Church
- Thanjavur Temple Miniature Art workshops
Best Time to Visit Brihadisvara Temple
October to March offers pleasant weather for exploration.
Accommodation
- Rooms near Tanjore Big Temple: Budget lodges and guesthouses within walking distance.
- Rooms near Thanjavur Big Temple: Mid-range hotels with temple views.
- Hotel near Big Temple Tanjore: Premium stays like Svatma, Ideal River View Resort.
Interesting Facts
- The temple’s shadow never falls on the ground at noon — a mystery of its design.
- Built without mortar; interlocking stones hold the structure.
- The Nandi statue is carved from a single granite block and weighs about 25 tons.
- Legends say Raja Raja Chola had a divine vision instructing him to build the temple.
Preservation & UNESCO Recognition
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Brihadisvara Temple is recognized for its outstanding universal value. The ASI conducts regular conservation, structural monitoring, and mural restoration. The temple remains a living place of worship, balancing heritage preservation with religious practice.
Conclusion
The Brihadisvara Temple is more than an architectural wonder it is a living testament to Tamil Nadu’s spiritual depth, artistic brilliance, and cultural resilience. Whether you come as a pilgrim, historian, or traveler, the Big Temple in Thanjavur offers an experience that transcends time.
Visiting this temple is not just about seeing a monument; it’s about stepping into a thousand-year-old story still unfolding in chants, lamps, and stone.