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Brihadeeswarar Temple – The Majestic Chola Marvel of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is one of the grandest architectural masterpieces of ancient India. Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a shining example of Dravidian temple architecture and a testament to the engineering brilliance of the Chola dynasty. Built by the great Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I in the early 11th century (1010 CE), the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and stands as a symbol of Tamil cultural heritage, devotion, and artistic excellence.
Often referred to as the Big Temple, Brihadeeswarar Temple is renowned for its towering vimana (temple tower), which rises to a height of 216 feet (66 meters), making it one of the tallest temple structures in the world. What makes it even more astounding is that the temple is entirely built of granite, a material not found in the region, raising intriguing questions about the logistics and craftsmanship involved in its construction. The crowning stone, or kalasham, weighing approximately 80 tons, remains an architectural marvel to this day.
The temple complex is adorned with exquisite sculptures, mesmerizing frescoes, and inscriptions that provide a deep insight into the socio-cultural and religious life of the Chola period. The gigantic Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single stone, adds to the temple’s grandeur. The temple is not just a place of worship but also an embodiment of the Bhakti movement, reflecting the deep spiritual fervor and artistic patronage of the Chola rulers.
Brihadeeswarar Temple continues to be a major pilgrimage site and a beacon of South Indian temple architecture, attracting devotees, historians, and architecture enthusiasts from all over the world. Its enduring legacy makes it a priceless jewel in India’s cultural and historical landscape.
Festivals
Here is a list of the major festivals celebrated at Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, along with their typical timings and highlights:
🎉 Major Festivals at Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur
| Festival Name | Approx. Time of Year | Key Timings & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Maha Shivaratri | Feb–March (Maasi month) | Night-long vigil, special abhishekams from 4:00 AM, cultural programs and deepa aradhana |
| Rathotsavam (Car Festival) | April–May (Chithirai month) | Morning 6:00 AM onwards – Deity taken in procession on a grand wooden chariot |
| Raja Raja Cholan Guru Pooja | Oct (Aippasi – 18th day) | Commemorates the great king; special poojas from early morning till night |
| Navaratri | Sept–Oct | Daily evening music & dance performances in temple courtyard; special Devi poojas |
| Pradosham (Bi-monthly) | Every 13th day of each fortnight | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Lord Shiva taken in procession inside the temple |
| Thiruvathirai | Dec–Jan (Margazhi month) | Early morning abhishekam (around 4:00 AM), traditional offerings, and dance tributes |
| Karthigai Deepam | Nov–Dec | Evening lamp-lighting ceremony; temple lit with thousands of lamps |
| Arudra Darshan | Dec–Jan (Margazhi month) | Special early morning darshan (before sunrise) of Lord Nataraja |
📌 Notes
- Timings may vary slightly based on the temple calendar.
- Major festivals often begin before sunrise with abhishekams, and end late evening with deepa aradhana.
- Cultural programs and classical music/dance performances are held especially during Navaratri and Raja Raja Cholan Guru Pooja.