The Legacy of Tanjore Brihadeshwara Temple - The Big temple of Tanjore
- Benjamin John
- Sep 17
- 5 min read
The Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur stands as a monumental testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural richness of Chola Dynasty of Southern India. This magnificent temple, built a thousand years ago, continues to captivate visitors with its grandeur and historical significance. Exploring this temple offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the artistic and engineering marvels of its time.
Exploring the "Big Temple of Tanjore" Guide: Architecture and History
The Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple of Tanjore, was constructed in the early 11th century by Raja Raja Chola I. It is a prime example of Dravidian architecture, characterised by its towering vimana (temple tower) that rises approximately 66 meters high. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is renowned for its massive granite structures, intricate carvings, and detailed frescoes.
The temple complex is designed with precision, featuring a sanctum sanctorum, a massive Nandi (a sacred bull in Hinduism who serves as the vehicle (vahana), gatekeeper, and faithful companion of the Hindu God Shiva ) statue carved from a single stone, and numerous mandapas (pillared halls). The vimana is one of the tallest of its kind in the world, and its construction without the use of modern machinery, a thousand years back is a marvel in itself.
Imagine how an eighty ton single rock structure was elevated up to the top of the towering Vimana, which is around 220 feet high. It was elephants and ramps that actually did this in an age where powerful machineries were not available. This is something unimaginable even in modern contexts.
Temple worked like the heart of the city where everyone used to come, and it was often a meeting place for the villagers. The festivals, the events and all important ceremonies where all in and around this massive temple. Imagine happening this ten centuries back.
The walls and pillars are adorned with sculptures depicting various deities, mythological stories, and scenes from everyday life during the Chola period. In one of the carvings there is man with a hat, which is considered to be Marco Polo. These carvings not only serve a religious purpose but also provide valuable insights into the social and cultural fabric of the time.
Practical Brihadeshwara Temple Guide: Visiting Tips and Cultural Insights
When planning a visit to the Brihadeshwara Temple, it is essential to consider a few practical tips to make the most of your experience:
Best Time to Visit: The temple is open year-round, but the months from October to March offer pleasant weather for exploring.
Dress Code: Modest clothing is recommended as the temple is a place of worship. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to enter the temple, it is a place of worship.
Guided Tours: Hiring a local guide can enrich your visit by providing detailed historical context and pointing out lesser-known features and facts surrounding the temple as well as the Chola kingdom.
Festivals: Attending during festivals like Maha Shivaratri can offer a vibrant cultural experience with traditional rituals and celebrations.
Dance events: At times during my visit I have seen first stage performances of trained dancers happening just before the Nandi Statue, this is more like a ritual. The temple has hosted large-scale dance events, such as a grand spectacle involving 1,000 Bharatanatyam dancers in 2010, organised to celebrate the temple's 1,000th year of inception.
The temple is not only a religious site but also a hub of cultural activities. Visitors can witness classical dance performances and music concerts held in the temple premises during special occasions.
How much time is needed to see Thanjavur temple?
To fully appreciate the grandeur and details of the Brihadeshwara Temple, it is advisable to allocate at least 2 hours. This allows enough time to:
Explore the main sanctum and the towering vimana.
Observe the detailed sculptures and frescoes.
Visit the temple museum nearby, which houses artifacts and provides historical context.
Participate or observe any ongoing rituals or cultural events.
always plan for the visit by morning or evening, during mid day cannot walk around as the granite flooring becomes unbearably hot and you are not allowed to wear footware inside the temple complex.
For history enthusiasts or those interested in architecture, spending half a day can be even more rewarding. Taking breaks to absorb the atmosphere and capturing photographs will enhance the overall experience. Twilight here is a great time for photographers.
The Cultural and Spiritual Significance of the Temple
The Brihadeshwara Temple is not just an architectural wonder but also a living centre of spirituality. It has been a place of worship for over a thousand years, continuously serving devotees and pilgrims. The temple’s design reflects the cosmic principles of Hinduism, symbolising the connection between the earthly and the divine.
The temple’s massive Nandi statue, positioned directly facing the sanctum, is one of the largest monolithic sculptures in India. It represents strength and devotion, embodying the spirit of the temple.
Moreover, the temple played a crucial role in the Chola dynasty’s political and cultural dominance. It was a symbol of power and prosperity, showcasing the dynasty’s commitment to art, religion, and governance.
Preserving the Legacy: Conservation and Modern Relevance
Preserving the Brihadeshwara Temple is vital for maintaining its historical and cultural legacy. Various conservation efforts have been undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India and other organisations to protect the temple from environmental damage and wear.
Visitors are encouraged to respect the site by following guidelines such as not touching the sculptures, avoiding littering, and adhering to photography rules (No tripods allowed). Sustainable tourism practices help ensure that future generations can also experience this marvel. Having said that I would like to add that the Big temple of Tanjore survived six recorded earth quakes in the past 1000 years.
The temple continues to inspire architects, historians, and artists worldwide. It stands as a reminder of India’s rich heritage and the timeless beauty of its ancient craftsmanship.
The Brihadeshwara Temple remains a beacon of history, art, and spirituality. Its legacy invites all who visit to step back in time and witness the grandeur of a civilization that valued beauty, devotion, and innovation. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, this temple offers an unforgettable journey into India’s glorious past.
The Epic South India tour that is available on our website (15 days South India tour starting from Chennai and ending at Kochi) has a visit to Brihadeshwara temple during the stay at Tanjore. this tour also includes some of the most magnificent temple along with a local guide giving you farm more insights into dravidian people, art, culture and temples. This tour further takes you to Kerala across the Western Ghats where you see a completely different mosaic of people, art, culture and life and finally fly back from Kochi.
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