Posted by Thanjavur temple: The land of temples in India is home to some of most beautiful, architecturally and historic fabulous temples in the world. Often a hot topic for investigator when it comes to building techniques and heights achieved in ancient times as compared to the technological progress achieved in building monuments today. Which stumps historians even today the Thanjavur Temple is an architectural marvel.
Brihadeeswarar thanjavur temple history
The thanjavur brihadeshwara temple was built in the year 1010 CE by Raja Chola according to the brihadeeswarar temple history. In the Tamil language the word ‘Brihadishvan’ means ‘Big Lord’. Hence, this temple is often referred to as thanjavur big temple. It is dedicated to lord shiva. The thanjavur Brihadeshwara temple architecture epitomizes a fully-realized Tamil architecture based temple.
Interesting facts
- It is believed that the temple was made using around 130000 tons of granite.
- Thus temple has the tallest vimanam or temple tower in the world. The kumbham or the structure on the top weights around 80 tons.
- Thanjavur temple mystery: locals believe that the thanjavur temple shadow never reaches the ground.
Thanjavur temple timing & dress code
The temple timings are from 6 am to 12.30 pm and 4 pm to 8.30 pm on all days. While there is no dress code specified, it is better to be traditionally dresses and avoid modern clothes like mini-skirts, low-wait jeans, shorts, and even sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.
Thanjavur famous places
- Thanjavur Maratha palace – popularly known as aranmanai, this 16th century palace served as an armoury and watch tower of the nayak knigs.
- Lush green fields temple – the great living Chola temples and different other temples and places of religious interest
- Dancing dolls – where the weight and center of gravity are put at the bottom of the doll making it dance in oscillations.
- Silk weaving – thanjavur weaving is famous for fine counts of silk and exquisite zari work.
- It is believed that Carnatic music and bharatnatyam originated from this place.
Also Read: 6 things to must visit spiritual and beautiful temples in south India
How to reach thanjavur from Chennai
Thanjavur is connected to all cities via a network of highways and well-maintained roads. Chennai is around 350 km by road from thanjavur. You can take the Chennai – villupuram – richy – kanyakumari Rd or the ore scenic and shorter east coast Rd and NH36. You can book a Chennai to thanjavur taxi and reach within 6-7 hours.
How to reach thanjavur from Coimbatore
Coimbatore is around 270 km by road from thanjavur. You can take the NH81 for an amazing drive. You can book a Coimbatore to thanjavur taxi and reach within 5-5.5 hours.
Best time to visit thanjavur
The month October to March are the best for visiting thanjavur since the temperature is comfortable and you can make the most out of your trip. During summers, temperatures can climb up to 37 degree C making it difficult to move around during the days. Thanjavur can experience heavy rainfall during the monsoon months.
Also Read: Kumbakonam – A town filled with enormous devotion and warmth
Things to do around thanjavur
- There are many places near thanjavur that can help you make the most of your trip. Here are few tourist places near thanjavur that can be worth a visit.
Marvel at the unique architecture of houses at karaikudi. This is at a distance of around 105 km from thanjavur.
- Plan a trip to velankanni which is around 100 km from thanjavur. This town is a famous spiritual destination frequented by people of all religions and faiths.
Also Read: 7 best places to visit in South India in April 2022
Visit cuddalore, it is famous for its beaches and temples. Approximate distance is 150 km.
If you want to continue your religious pilgrimage or want to witness some inspiring temple architecture, then plan a trip to srirangam – a temple island at a distance of around 60 km from thanjavur.