Brihadisvara Temple History

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and Rajarajeswaram, is a historical marvel constructed in the 11th century by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I. Located in Thanjavur city, Tamil Nadu, it stands as one of India’s largest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.

An intriguing feature of this temple is its unique ability to not cast a shadow on the ground at noon. The Brihadeeswarar Temple showcases exceptional craftsmanship and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, a testament to the prowess of Raja Raja Chola I. Constructed using an astounding 1,30000 tons of granite stones, it stands as a testament to the Chola emperor’s vision. The fortified wall around the temple, known as Thanjavur Periya Kovil, was added in the 16th century.

The temple’s towering structure reaches an impressive height of 216 feet, making it the tallest of its kind in the world. Remarkably, the top of the temple is carved from a single stone weighing approximately 80 tons. At the entrance, you’ll find the Nandi, a sacred bull, which measures 16 feet in length and stands 13 feet tall. The Brihadeeswarar Temple stands as a tribute to South Indian architecture, boasting an astonishing 1,30,000 tonnes of granite stones in its construction.

In a testament to its cultural significance, on April 1st, 1954, the Reserve Bank of India issued the first 1000 rupees note featuring an illustration of this iconic temple.

Brihadisvara Temple Timings:

The following are the timings of the Brihadeeswarar temple.

• The temple will be opened by 6:00 a.m and will be closed by 12:30 in the noon
• The temple will be again opened in by 4:00 p.m in the evening and finally, the temple will be closed by 8:30 p.m

Daily Pooja Timings Of Brihadeeswarar Temple:

The daily rituals and pooja details of the temple Brihadeeswarar temple are as given below. The pooja to the lord Brihadeeswarar will start from the morning of the day by 8:30 a.m, the pooja and the temple will be closed by 8:30 p.m.

• By 8:30 a.m Palabhishekam will be started
• By 12:00 p.m Vucha Kalai Pooja will be done to lord shiva
• Arthajamam will be started by 8:30 p.m
• Darshan will be available for 30-45 minutes
• Abhishekam will be held once in a year on Thai Masam
• Naivedyam will be provided with all the varieties of rice

How to reach Brihadeeswarar temple?

To reach the Brihadeeswarar temple, you have three options:

1. By Air:
   • The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, located 61km away from the temple.
2. By Train:
   • There is a direct train route available from Chennai to Thanjavur.
3. By Road:
   • If you’re traveling by road from Chennai, the temple is approximately 382 km away.
   • It takes about 1 hour to reach the temple from Tiruchirapalli.
   • Kumbakonam provides the most straightforward roadway access to the Brihadeeswarar temple.

Brihadeeswarar Temple Stay Options

Here are some details about accommodation options near the Brihadeeswarar Temple:

1. Devasthanam Guest Houses: The temple management often provides guest houses for pilgrims and visitors. These guest houses are usually clean and provide basic amenities. They may have different categories of rooms to choose from, ranging from budget to more comfortable options.
2. Private Hotels and Lodges: There are many private hotels and lodges in Thanjavur where you can stay. These range from budget accommodations to more luxurious options. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak seasons or festival times.
3. Online Booking Platforms: You can use various online booking platforms like Booking.com, MakeMyTrip, or Airbnb to find accommodation options near the temple. These platforms offer a range of choices and allow you to read reviews and compare prices.
4. Government Tourism Accommodations: The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) or similar government agencies may operate guest houses or lodges in Thanjavur. These can be good options for a comfortable stay.
5. Local Homestays: Some locals in Thanjavur may offer rooms for rent in their homes. This can be a more personalized and immersive experience.
6. Ashrams and Spiritual Retreats: There may be ashrams or spiritual retreats in the vicinity of the temple that offer accommodation. These can provide a unique spiritual experience along with a place to stay.

Remember to plan your accommodation well in advance, especially if you’re visiting during a festival or peak season, as accommodations tend to fill up quickly.

Please note that availability, quality, and prices of accommodations can vary, so it’s a good idea to read reviews and do some research before making a booking.