Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Rajarajeswaram Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Brihadeeswarar means the temple of the great god (Brihad = great, Ishvara = Lord). The temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Architecture and History
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is built in the Dravidian style of temple architecture and is made of granite. It has a large number of sculptures and carvings, including sculptures of gods and goddesses, animals and humans. The temple is also known for its intricate stonework and its massive gopuram (gateway tower). It was built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century.
At a height of over 200 feet (60 m), the main shrine of the temple has the tallest pyramidal temple tower in South India. Legend says that its vaulted dome – which weighs more than 80 tons – was carried via a 4-mile (6.5 km) long sloping ramp to the top of the structure. Inside the main shrine is a lingam, which is 13 feet (4 m) tall and represents Shiva. Murals depicting Rajaraja I decorate the walls and are believed to be the most important examples of Chola painting, even though most of these have been partially obscured by later Nayaka frescoes. A temple and a pavilion to house a colossal stone Nandi—Shivas bull—were also built during the Nayak period in the 17th century.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a popular tourist destination and is considered a holy place by Hindus. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important temples in India.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Timings:
The Brihadeeswarar Temple remains open throughout the week and the darshan timings of the temple are from 6:00 AM to 8:30 PM.
Major festivals in Brihadeeswarar Temple:
Mahashivaratri, Navratri and Rajarajan Festival are the most important festivals celebrated in the temple in a grand manner at the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
How to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple?
Brihadeeswarar Temple is located in Thanjavur. Thanjavur city is well connected to other major cities by a network of roadways, Indian Railways, and the nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 55 kilometers away.
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