brihadeeshwara temple

It's gorgeous. And then go early the next morning before it gets too hot. Sit and people watch. Wonderful.

Fulfilled my longtime dream of visiting the UNESCO Heritage site, Brihadeeshwara Temple. Engaged a freelance guide by accident and got to know a bit more about the details of the sculptures, history and additions/renovations to this 1000+ year old monumental creation.

This 1000 year old temple is a standing example of the great cholas, built by raja raja chola 1, it is one among the tallest tower in the world . This UNESCO world heritage site is also known as big temple. It adds a great glory to our ancient indian architecture. Art lovers couldn't get out of this place

This is without doubt one of the finest works of art in the world. It is rightfully an UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenes you see here are ore or less unchanged for a thousand years. Once you enter through the 2 Gopurams (gates), you have to take off your shoes and keep them in a stand on the right. You also have to keep any backpacks or big bags that you have. Wallets, cameras, ladies' purses and bags are however, allowed inside. Once you enter through the 3rd gate, you will come to the structure (mandapa) containing the giant monolith bull - Nandi. It is one of the 3 biggest monolith bulls in the world. Immediately on the right of this structure lies a one storey temple which is still used today and run via donations from the erstwhile king. The attraction for this is its painted ceilings - the Nayaka rulers painted the ceiling with murals depicting gods and myths. On the left of the Nandi mandapa lies a small temple dedicated to Vishnu's Varaha avatar. The idol here is shaped like a boar/pig. The actual temple is a spectacular creation. The walls are intricately curved with numerous magnificent sculptures. The entrance is flanked by two colossuses/colossi. Unless you are religious there is not much poin going in, since its too dark and there are not many sculptures inside. The Chola murals are on another level. Unfortunately, due to conservation and restoration work, you can't see it nowadays.On the left of the main temple, ASI has opened an interpretation centre containing copies/images of the Chola art. Behind the main temple lies three small temples dedicated to Karthik, Ganesha and a goddess. All have nice sculpted walls and roofs. If you come in the evening, you can see people sitting and singing prayers and hymns in front of one of them. Behind all of them there is a continuous chamber containing the Nayaka murals. Some of them have been vandalised, some have decayed on their own, but some are still in a quite preserved state. There is also a chamber with hundreds of Shiva lingas.

Even after so many centuries temple stands tall.great to watch this temple and so much detailing.spend some quality time to see the details

It you want atmosphere visit the temple just as the sun begins to set and walk barefoot (you can wear socks but barefoot gives you the feel) amongst the immaculately carved stone buildings. Of all the temples visited in southern India during 3 weeks this place presented the greatest atmosphere.On a toilet point - the best ones are left and 100 yards as you come out of the temple rather than those on the right!

Deservedly a World Heritage Site. Incredible, awesome 1000-year-old stone art that ranks at the top of the world in mastery. Welcomes all religions. Go in the morning for best photography. Sure does feel like a power place. The sun, the moon, the skies and all the planets seem to be bonding with this temple.

It is a huge temple located in Tanjore and can be reached from Tiruchhirapalli. Make sure you combine your temple tour of Srirangam, Trichy, Tanjore and Kumbakonam together. It is a cholan temple built some 1000 years ago. The architecture of the temple is simply breath taking. Also make sure that you visit during correct hours.

We were fortunate to have Mr. K. T. Raja as our guide (enquire at Tourist Information Centre for him). The temple in itself is fascinating and over 1000 years old. The detail of the carvings and the symmetry, including the 80 ton single block of solid granite at the top, was all explained by Mr. Raja with humour, intelligence and passion. We can only recommend you visit it yourself, take time, don't rush it and make sure you see all it offers. It's well worth leaving your shoes outside and walking all around.

Much of the information you need to know is available in the net at a click. I would focus more on how you can reach the Temple.It is just 45 KM from Kumbakonam, another temple Town and about 55 Km from Trichy which is famous for Ranganatha Swamy Temple. If you book accommodation in Swamimalai, which is about 8KM from Kumbakonam and 38 Km from Tanjavur,it would be convenient for you to visit all important places in a span of 5 days within a budget of Rs3000 -Rs4000/-without much difficulty.Number of buses are available from Swamimalai to Tanmjavur and Kubakonam. Since, Swamimalai is a small place and most hotels are situated very near the Swaminatha Swamy temple, your can ensure a safe stay if not very comfortable in terms of other facilities available in expensive hotels.Do not miss the the Velli Vinayagan Temple at Swamimalai.Though it is not well maintained,its architecture and grandeur will leave you speechless with wonder.As for the Big temple, suffice it to say that it is beyond words. Kumbakonam is just 10 to 15 minutes from Swamimalai .The first bus starts at 6.30 am and the last bus back to Swamimalai is at 10PM from Kumbakonam. You can visit all the important temples in Kumbakonam in just one day and be back at the Hotel by 5 pm to relax. If you start at Kumbakonam at 6.30Am ,you will reach Trichy by 9.30 AM and visit all important places.You can be back at the Hotel by 7 PM.Bus fares are very reasonable in Tamilnadu and people are very hospitable.The reason why I am suggesting stay at one place only is a lot of time can be saved by avoiding checking in checking out at each place.You need one full day to visit all the Navagraha Temples.To the best of my knowledge, no bus service is available either from Swamimalai or Kumbakonam for a visit to the Navagraha Temples.A taxi will cost you anywhere between Rs3000/-to Rs4000/-depending upon the rush. but you have no choice.However the visit is worth more than what you pay for taxi. All the temples are marvellous and majestic .If you are from Bangalore,the 06.20PM Myladurattai Express is most convenient as it reaches Kumbakonam at 6 am giving you a night's rest. Buses are available from Railway Station to Kumbakonam bus stand.Buses are also available from Kumbakonam bus stand to Swamimalai.The return journey can be booked by the same train which starts at Kumbakonam at 06.20 PM and reaches Bangalore at 6 am.I recommend this itinerary for those who would like to visit Tanjavur,Kumbakonam ,Swamimalai and Trichy within a budget of Rs8000/-to Rs 10,000/- or may be less even depending upon your needs and spending habits.

It is a thousand year old temple built by Raja Raja Chola1, it's beauty, presence , architecture takes the breath away.It needs to be visited early morning when the Sun is not too hot and one should take time to enjoy all it's various temples, architecture, attention to detail.I have been many times and hope to go again. Each time I come away even more in awe.

A free world heritage site that is so worth the trip to Thanjavur. Stayed at the Lotus Hotel, walked to the temple to get my exercise both in the early a.m. and at dusk ... easy to locate by following the road signs. No rules about "Non-Hindus" not allowed in the temple. Shoe check in was easy and hassle free. Cameras allowed except in the innermost part of the temple. People there were mellow and friendly. By chance, we were there for an evening dance festival. Amazing! Will go down as one of our top India experiences. The Chola dynasty has always had a special place in my heart and mind. Initially, the historical data on site said this was a bhakti religious center. Was moved to be there.

It is worth having a guide and spending some time here. Best time is early evening when the sun is low as the colour of the stone is at its best. Very non-Hindu friendly - for 10 rupees you can receive a blessing - and a banana!

This great temple is also called Thanjai Peruvudaiyar Kovil. This belongs to Chola dynasty, it is one of the largest temples, and it is also a very very valuable architectural site. This was built by King Raja Raja Chola. First of all, let me tell you this. People who are fit, who can walk a lot, will find it more convenient to roam around the huge praakarams and visit all lords. There is a very very big Nandhi, carved out of a single rock, measuring about 15' in height and 16-17' in length. The entire temple has been made of granite. Moolavar is Lord Shiva, who is also around 13' in height. And the ambal Brihannayaki is also big, measuring 9' in height.one has to really walk a lot, even to circulambulate the temple once, and also has to climb so many steps. There is a very powerful Varahi amman sannidhi, and it is always believed that Varahi settles all property related issues and problems. Even Dakshinamurthy, Surya, Chandra......everything is huge. This is a very rare temple, which has the idols of Guardians of directions...........Indra, Yama, Agni, Nirrti, Kubera and Ishana..........for each of them, there is a life sized 6' statue. The gopuram is also very very tall, and there is a belief that it is sooooo high that it's shade never falls on ground. Trichy is the closest, which is about 60 kms by road. You can go to Thanjavur by train also. In 1954, Reserve Bank of India released 1000rs. Currency notes to honour this great temple, with its picture on the currency. This great Brihadeeshwarar temple was built in the 11 th century and it is called the Big Temple too, and that name is very very apt.

The sheer size and the intricacy of the architecture. Apart from that, the fact geometric precision of the placement of the kalasam, which does not allow its shadow to land on the ground.