Great Shiva Temples

Brihadeeswarar, Thanjavur

Built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I and completed around 1010 CE, the "Big Temple" is one of the great achievements of Indian architecture.

LocationThanjavur
State / RegionTamil Nadu
Worshipped asPeruvudaiyar / Brihadeeswara
Best time to visitNovember to February

Religious significance

Its vimana (tower) rises to about 66 metres, crowned by a massive stone capstone. The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples" and contains a large monolithic Nandi and remarkable Chola frescoes.

Traditional story

Inscriptions on the temple walls record its construction, endowments and the dancers and musicians attached to it — a rare case where history and devotion are documented side by side.

Legends are presented as they are told within the tradition; they hold spiritual meaning for devotees and are not offered as historical record.

Visitor guidance

  • Visit at sunset when the granite glows.
  • Combine with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, the other Great Living Chola Temples.

Continue the journey

More great shiva temples

All sacred places