Brihadeeswarar Temple
Address
Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007 Thanjavur Tamil Nadu, IndiaMap
Description
The Brihadishvara Temple, also known as Rajarajesvaram or Thanjai Periya Kovil, is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE and is considered one of the largest and most remarkable Hindu temples in India. The temple is built in a Chola architectural style and is an outstanding example of Tamil architecture. It is sometimes referred to as Dakshina Meru, which means "Meru of the South". Along with the Chola-era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple, the Brihadishvara Temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples". The other two temples are located about 70 kilometers (43 mi) and 40 kilometers (25 mi) to the northeast respectively.
Tales
The main temple, along with its gopurams, dates back to the early 11th century. Over the next 1,000 years, the temple underwent additions, renovations, and repairs. The temple suffered damage during the raids and wars, especially between the Muslim Sultans who controlled Madurai and the Hindu kings who controlled Thanjavur. However, the Hindu dynasties that regained control repaired the damages. In some cases, the rulers attempted to renovate the temple with faded paintings by ordering new murals on top of the older ones. In other cases, they sponsored the addition of shrines. The significant shrines of Kartikeya (Murugan), Parvati (Amman), and Nandi belong to the 16th and 17th-century Nayaka era. Similarly, the Dakshinamurti shrine was built later. It was well-maintained by the Marathas of Thanjavur.
History
Between the fifth and ninth centuries, a range of Dravidian temple styles continued to develop in the Chalukya era over the rule, as evidenced in Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal. This development continued with the Pallava era, as witnessed in Mamallapuram, and other monuments. Later, between 850 and 1280, the Cholas emerged as the dominant dynasty. During the early Chola period, the focus was on securing their geopolitical boundaries, and less emphasis was given to architecture. However, in the tenth century, a new Chola style emerged with features such as multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals. George Michell states that this signaled the start of the new Chola style. This South Indian style reached its full potential in scale and detail in the Brihadeshwara temple built between 1003 and 1010 by the Chola king Rajaraja I.
Features
Deities:
Timings:
All week: 6 am to 12:30 pm and 4 pm to 8:30 pm
Built:
1003 and 1010 CE
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