About
Built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features a 216-foot tall vimana (tower) topped with an 80-ton granite capstone. The temple's shadow never falls on the ground at
The Brihadeeswara Temple stands in Thanjavur, a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was built by Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 CE, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see
The temple's most striking feature is its vimana, or tower, which rises to 216 feet. At its summit sits a capstone of granite weighing around 80 tons. The sheer height of the structure is the first thing most visitors notice as they approach through the surrounding complex.
What kind of visit it makes
- A historic temple visit suited to those interested in Chola-era architecture and the wider heritage of southern India.
- A chance to look closely at the tower and its granite capstone, which are the focus of the site's reputation.
- An unhurried walk through the temple grounds, allowing time to take in the scale of the structures.
Around the temple
Thanjavur itself is a city with a long history, and the temple is its best-known landmark. Visitors planning a day here can combine the temple with other sights in the city, making the most of their trip to this part of Tamil Nadu.