Arulmigu Brihadeeswarar Temple

Arulmigu Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple), Thanjavur

Temple Details

Presiding Deity Lord Shiva as Sri Brihadeeswarar (Peruvudaiyar / Rajarajeswarar)
Goddess Sri Brihannayaki (Periyanayaki) Amman
Temple Type UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the Great Living Chola Temples, and one of India's finest examples of Dravidian architecture
Location Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu – 613001.

Historical Significance

  • The temple was built by the great Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I and consecrated in 1010 CE, making it over 1,000 years old. It is one of the greatest architectural achievements of the Chola Empire.
  • Constructed almost entirely of granite, the temple features a majestic 216-foot (66 m) Vimana, one of the tallest temple towers in India.
  • The temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 as part of the Great Living Chola Temples, recognizing its outstanding cultural and architectural significance.

Religious Importance

  • The temple enshrines one of the largest Shiva Lingams in India and is an important pilgrimage centre for Shaivites.
  • It is renowned for its monolithic Nandi, carved from a single stone, measuring about 6 metres long, 2.6 metres wide, and 3.7 metres high, making it one of the largest Nandi statues in the country.
  • The temple continues to follow traditional Agamic worship and hosts grand celebrations during Maha Shivaratri, Pradosham, and Aippasi Annabhishekam, attracting thousands of devotees every year.

Temple Timings

Morning 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Evening 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Contact

Phone : +91 4362 274476
Address : Brihadeeswarar Temple, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu – 613001.