About
The Brihadeeswarar Temple stands in Thanjavur, a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is also known locally as the Big Temple, Rajarajeswaram, or Peruvudaiyar Kovil.
What you will see
The temple was built by the Chola king Rajaraja I, and it is described as the world's first complete granite temple. Its most striking feature is the massive vimana, the tower rising above the sanctum, which dominates the skyline of the old city. Visitors also come to see the great Nandi statue, the bull that faces the main shrine.
What kind of visit it makes
A visit suits anyone interested in architecture, Chola-period history, or the living religious life of a South Indian temple. The scale of the complex rewards slow walking, and the granite surfaces and the tower are worth looking at from several angles.
- Best for: architecture lovers, history travellers, and anyone curious about South Indian temple traditions
- Around it: the rest of Thanjavur, a city with its own long history as a Chola capital
- Contact: +91-4362-230208
- Address: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007, India
Because the temple is an active place of worship, visitors are expected to dress modestly and behave respectfully within its grounds. Allow time to explore the surrounding area of Thanjavur as well, so that the temple becomes part of a wider day in the city.