Brihadeeswara Temple ( Tamil Nadu)

Location: Thanjavur
State: Tamil Nadu, India
Deity: Lord Shiva
Creator: Raja Raja Chola I
Completed: 1010AD
Elevation: 66m ( 217feet)
Area: 18.07ha ( 44.7 acres)
Known for: Dravidian architecture
The temple is a perfect illustration of the Dravidian architecture by the Chola rulers. It is also known as Peruvudaiyar kovil which is the dedicated Lord Shiva. Located in South bank of Kaveri river in Thanjavur. The temple is a part of  UNESCO World heritage site.

               ( Map.of Brihadeeswara Temple )
History: 
The main temple is from the early 11th century. Wars between Muslims & Hindu Kings caused damage. These were repaired by Hindu dynasties the regained control. Many rulers renovated the temple with painting. Some shrines like Kartikeya ( Murugan ), Parvati ( Amman) , Nandi ( Bull) are from the 16th &  17th century.
          ( The statue of Raja Raja Chola I )

          ( Painting on the ceiling )
                    ( Paintings on the wall pic.2)
 ( Goddess Laxmi painting on the wall pic. 3 )
Architecture:
Brihadeeswara Temple is one of the splendors of the country. It is erected amidst the great walls made in 16th century. There is a temple tower famous as Vimana situated inside the temple. The tower has an elevation 66m. It is the tallest temple tower on the earth. Nandi bull is also located at the entry of this temple which is approx. 13 feet in elevation & 16 feet in length. This is made by a single rock carving. An intreintere fact is that Vimana of the temple doesn't cast a shadow at noon. The temple is fully made of granite. The temple walls have many inscription in Tamil and Granth scripts. Many of these begin with the customary Sanskrit & Tamil.

       ( Main temple shaped like a Vimana)
( Entrance of the temple called as 
Gopurams)
        ( Another view from the entrance )
       ( Nandi bull Statue)
      ( Kalpa brikshya carvings on the wall )
( Another stone carvings of God & Godess on the wall )
                      ( Wall inscription)
How to reach:

By air: Thanjavur doesn't have airport but tourists can reach Tiruchirapalli by air then catch a taxi, bus or train.
By train: The nearest railway station from Thanjavur is Trichy junction located at a distance of 58kms from Thanjavur.
By Road: 
Thanjavur is well connected the cities of Tamil Nadu by road. NH67, NH45C & NH226 pass through the city which connected to Tiruchirapalli , Coimbatore, Pudokottai etc.
Timings: 
Morning: 6am to 12.30pm
Evening:  4pm to 9 pm.
Inner sanctum closed between 12.30pm. to 4pm.
Special darsan tickets costs 5rs.
Daily Ritual timings:
Morning puja: 8.30am kala sandhi
Mid Noon puja:12noon Utchi kalam
Evening puja: 5.30pm sayaratchai
Night puja: 8.30pm Artha jaman 
During festivals puja timings are changed without notice.


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