Brihadishwara Temple in Thanjavur is a Chola-era temple that remains a centre of worship and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage property known as the Great Living Chola Temples. Its vimana, shrines and sculptures make the complex a significant place to understand the city’s history and living religious traditions.
- Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Typical visiting hours: Open daily
- Heritage status: part of the Great Living Chola Temples, inscribed in 1987.
Where the temple stands in Thanjavur
Brihadisvara Temple stands in Thanjavur, in Tamil Nadu, India. Its place within the city makes it a natural anchor for a day of sightseeing; the one-day Thanjavur route linking temples, the palace and a park can help you arrange other stops around it.
The temple belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage property called the Great Living Chola Temples. The group was inscribed in 1987, and Brihadisvara remains a working centre of worship rather than only a historic monument.
A short history of Brihadishwara Temple
Rajaraja I built the temple, which dates to 1010 CE. Its Chola origins are also visible in the complex’s sculptures, reliefs and architectural elements, while its continued use connects the site’s history with worship today.
The Archaeological Survey of India has protected the temple complex since 1922. Over time, six sub-shrines were added within the courtyard, giving the complex further layers beyond its original design.
What to notice in the temple complex
The complex includes the vimana, subsidiary shrines, sculptures, reliefs, bronze images and paintings. As you move through the grounds, the courtyard and its range of structures give you a sense of how the temple developed beyond its central shrine.
Chola paintings survive in the passageway of the garbhagriha, while the vimana’s upper floor has sculptures depicting dance karanas. Of the 108 planned karanas, 81 were completed. The Thanjavur guide to the Royal Palace, Art Gallery and Saraswathi Mahal Library covers other nearby heritage sites for a wider city visit.
Planning a respectful visit
Incredible India gives the temple’s visiting hours as 6:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. Hours can be time-sensitive, so check the official site before you go.
The temple remains a place of worship, so keep that context in mind while you visit. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the UNESCO temple sites, and basic visitor amenities, including water and toilets, are provided. For seasonal context when arranging a wider trip, use this guide to Thanjavur’s weather and festival calendar.
How do you get to Brihadishwara Temple?
From Hotel Yagappa, the temple takes about 13 minutes by car or 29 minutes on foot, from a three-star hotel in Thanjavur. Thanjavur Junction is a rail access point; from the station, you can continue to the temple by local bus or taxi.
The Thanjavur Old Bus Stand is 0.5 km from the temple. If you are planning around train or bus arrival, allow for the onward local journey when deciding when to enter the complex.
FAQs
Who built Brihadishwara Temple?
Rajaraja I was the temple’s builder. It dates to 1010 CE.
Is Brihadishwara Temple part of a UNESCO World Heritage property?
Yes. It is included in the Great Living Chola Temples, inscribed in 1987.
What can you see in the temple complex?
The complex includes a vimana, subsidiary shrines, sculptures, reliefs, bronze images and paintings. It also contains dance-karana sculptures on the vimana’s upper floor.
Does the temple still serve as a place of worship?
Yes. Brihadisvara Temple continues to serve as a centre of worship.