Temples at Thanjavur

                    Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola Kingdom and went on to thrive under the Marathas and the Nayaks. Since it was a vibrant city in ancient times, Thanjavur is one of the very few historical sites in the country that still has its temples and relics preserved. Thanjavur is also known as the ‘Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu’ and is also considered to be one of the leading cultural head-quarters of the region.

Here are the top 5 places to visit when you are in Thanjavur. 

BRAHADEESHWARA TEMPLE OR THE BIG TEMPLE:

                     The biggest attraction of Thanjavur, The Brahadeeshwara Temple, is also known as the Big Temple.  Built during the reign of the Great Chola emperor, Raja Raja Chola, this temple is an architectural marvel. Protected by deep trenches on both sides and the Grand Anaicut River running through another, this temple is a favorite among the pilgrims.

                     The shrine itself is a 216 feet structure. The sanctum is dotted with paintings from the Chola and Nayak periods. The statue of massive Nandi, the Bull welcomes at the entrance. A trip to Thanjavur cannot be complete without visiting the Brahadeeshwara temple!

Temple Timings: (Opening and Closing)

Morning – 6 AM – 12:30 PM

Evening   – 4 PM – 9:00 PM

 Temple Pooja Details:

 Temple Contact Details:

 Ph: No :  04362 274476

 THANJAVUR ROYAL PALACE:

                     The original name of Thanjavur Palace is known as Sivaganga Fort. If we observe carefully, we could also notice a small moat (Ditch) around it which is built to provide security against enemy access. This palace is often mistakened as the “Thanjavur Maratha Palace” but the fact is that this was not built by Maratha Kings, but built by the Thanjavur Nayaks. However, the Marathas made some enhancements to suit their needs. It is more popularly called “Thanjavur Aranmanai” by the people of Tamil Nadu. Today, the Thanjavur Palace Complex is a tourist attraction which houses 3 separate venues: the palace, the Art Gallery and a manuscript library ,Saraswathi Mahal Library.

Timings: 

Open Every day

Morning: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Evening:  3:00 PM to 5.30 PM

Contact Details:

Phone: +91-4362-235268

            +91-4362-230984

            +91-4362-223384

SARASWATHI MAHAL LIBRARY:

                     The Saraswathi Mahal Library is located within the premises of the palace complex. The Serfoji Saraswati Mahal Library is a museum that has gathered a lot of repute for being the home to numerous old artifacts and manuscripts. It is one among a few medieval libraries existing in the world. It is an unparalleled repository of culture and an inexhaustible treasure house of knowledge built up by successive dynasties of Nayaks and the Marathas of Thanjavur. It contains very rare and valuable collections of manuscripts, books, maps and paintings on all aspects of Art, Culture and Literature. Visitors can have a glimpse of preserved books and can sit and read in the library premises and the library is open to the public.

Timings: 

Opens all days of the Week. But the gallery will be closed on National Holidays.

Morning: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Evening:  2 PM to 5.30 PM

Contact Details:

Phone: +91-4362-233568

            +91-4362-234107

GANGAIKONDA CHOLAPURAM TEMPLE:

                     Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple is another testimony to the architectural and engineering genius of one of the greatest empires of India – Chola Empire. This place was the capital city of the Chola Empire for more than two centuries. The town was built by the Chola King Rajendra in order to commemorate his victory over the Pala Dynasty. He along with his son King Rajendra I envisaged of building a city with great architectural marvels, lavish fields and great pride. It was the center of Chola Empire’s reign over much of south-east Asia.

                     The sanctum sanctorum embraces the four meter high lingam (phallic form) of Lord Shiva. To provide a private worship area for the royal family, the sanctum is encircled with two walls. The stately entrance of the sanctum is adorned by the beautiful image of Goddess Saraswati. The influence of Chalukyas is also reflected from the icons of ‘Suryapita’ (Sun worship) and ‘Navagrahs’ (Nine planets). The site has been declared as one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites and one of the Must Visit temples in Thanjavur.

Temple Timings: (Opening and Closing)

Morning – 6 AM – 12:30 PM

Evening   – 4 PM – 8:30 PM

 Temple Pooja Details:

 Temple Contact Details:

Ph: No :  97513 41108

              9788780685

AIRAVATESHWARA TEMPLE:

                     Located in Darasuram, the Airavateswara temple is one of the many Shiva temples in Thanjavur. Along with the other temples in Thanjavur, this temple is considered one of the greatest living Chola temples.

                     Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple houses a linga named Airavatesvara. According to Hindu Mythology, Lord Indra’s elephant, Airavata was cursed by sage Durvasa for disrespecting him. As a consequence of Curse, the white elephant suffered skin discoloration which was curable only after taking a dip in holy water of Airavatesvara. This is how the temple and the presiding deity got a name from the incident.

                     Airavatesvara temple is architecturally beautiful and it has intricate paintings and sculptures on the walls. The temple is a storehouse of art and architecture which display the delicate stone carvings of ancient artists. The front Mandapa of the temple is designed in the form of a big chariot drawn by horses. Further, the vimaan on the top of the temple is 85ft. high. 

Temple Timings: (Opening and Closing)

Morning – 6:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Evening   – 4 PM – 8:00 PM

 Temple Pooja Details:

Pooja will be performed 4 times a day (4 Kala Pooja).

 Temple Contact Details:

Ph: No :  0435 – 241 7157