Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, stands as a grand symbol of Tamil heritage, Chola architecture, and Shaivite devotion. Nestled in the heart of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this over-1000-year-old marvel is not just a religious site but also a monumental example of ancient engineering and art. Revered by devotees and admired by historians, the temple continues to draw pilgrims, tourists, and scholars from across the globe.
About
Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil or Big Temple, is one of the grandest architectural marvels of South India. Built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group “Great Living Chola Temples” and represents the peak of Chola architecture, culture, and devotion.
Temple Description
The temple is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture with a towering vimana (temple tower) that rises about 216 feet high. The temple is entirely constructed using granite and is known for its precise engineering and artistic carvings. The sanctum houses a massive Shiva Lingam, and the Nandi (bull) statue at the entrance is one of the largest monolithic Nandis in India. Temple Speciality
The Vimana (temple tower) is among the tallest of its kind.
Built entirely with granite, which is not locally available, showing the grandeur of Chola logistics.
The shadow of the main tower never falls on the ground at noon.
The temple is part of the "Great Living Chola Temples" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rich murals and frescoes from the Chola period still adorn the walls. Temple Address
Sri Brihadeeswarar Temple, East Main Street, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu – 613001, India.
Latitude & Longitude: 10.7828° N, 79.1315° E Temple Timings
Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
(Open all days of the week)
Temple Sevas
Daily poojas for Lord Shiva (Abhishekam, Archana, Aarti)
Special poojas on Pradosham, Maha Shivaratri, and Tamil New Year
Note: Sevas are mostly free as it’s a heritage site, but check locally for exact schedules. Traveling Facilities
Well-connected by road, rail, and air.
Local autos, taxis, and buses are available frequently.
Parking is available near the temple.
Food Facilities
Numerous South Indian vegetarian restaurants are available nearby.
Thanjavur town offers both budget-friendly and premium food options.
Stay Facilities
Wide range of hotels from budget lodges to star-rated accommodations.
Tamil Nadu Tourism hotels and dharmashalas are also available.
Nearby Railway Station
Thanjavur Railway Station (Station Code: TJ) – approx. 1.5 km from the temple.
Nearby Airport
Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ) – approx. 60 km from Thanjavur.
Nearby Bus Station
Thanjavur New Bus Stand – approx. 2.5 km from the temple.
Bus Routes to Temple
Regular buses from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Coimbatore, Kumbakonam, Tirunelveli.
TNSTC and private operators serve daily routes to Thanjavur.
Train Routes to Temple
Trains from Chennai, Trichy, Madurai, Rameswaram, Bangalore stop at Thanjavur Junction.
Well-connected by express and passenger trains.
Airways to Temple
Fly to Tiruchirapalli (TRZ) from major cities like Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Colombo.
Taxis or buses available from airport to Thanjavur (approx. 1.5 hrs).
Nearby Cities
Trichy – 60 km
Kumbakonam – 40 km
Madurai – 190 km
Chennai – 340 km
Pudukkottai – 50 km
Nearby Visiting Temples & Attractions
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple – 70 km
Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram – 45 km
Swamimalai Murugan Temple – 35 km
Thanjavur Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library – 2 km
Kumbakonam Temple Circuit – within 40–50 km
Preferable Visiting Season
October to March is the ideal time to visit, due to pleasant weather.
Avoid visiting during the hot summer months (April–June).
Shopping – Famous For
Tanjore Paintings (Gold-leaf artwork)
Thanjavur Dancing Dolls (Bommai)
Bronze idols & traditional handicrafts
Cotton & silk sarees
Temple souvenirs and replicas
