Brihadeeswarar Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tamil Nadu is one of the most significant and important temples in India. This grand temple was built by the Chola King Rajaraja I in the early 11th century, and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its elaborate architecture and sculptures. This blog post takes a closer look at this temple – its interesting facts, information and travel guide. We explore the history, architecture, sculptures and other interesting facts associated with the temple. We also provide helpful travel tips to ensure that your visit to this divine temple is smooth and enjoyable.

Interesting Facts About Brihadeeswarar Temple

1. The origins of the temple are unknown, but it is believed to have been built by the Cholas during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I (AD 985-1014).

2. The temple is one of the tallest temples in India, rising to a height of 216 feet (66m).

3. The temple is constructed out of more than 130,000 tonnes of granite and is said to have been constructed by a single piece of stone.

4. The temple is home to a 1250kg Shiva Lingam and contains many intricate carvings and sculptures, including a 108ft (33m) high sculpture of a Nandi bull.

5. The temple was an important centre of the Bhakti Movement, and is believed to have been home to the great devotional leader, Adi Shankaracharya.

6. The temple towers above the rest of the city, and its shadow has been known to fall on the other buildings located nearby.

7. The temple is located in a large courtyard surrounded by fortified walls and high towers.

8. The temple celebrates the Tamil New Year each year with a grand procession involving the Lord Brihadeeswara on a caparisoned elephant.

9. The temple is believed to house many ancient musical instruments and statues, and is also home to a museum dedicated to showcasing the temple’s historical artifacts.

10. The temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.

• Bibi Ka Maqbara : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

History & Information About Brihadeeswarar Temple

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is an 11th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It was built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola I in the 11th century CE. This temple turned 1000 years old in 2010 CE.

The design of this temple is unique for its time, as it was constructed in Dravidian architecture style. The temple features an impressive vimana (shrine) which rises to a height of 61.9 m (203 ft) and is topped with a monolithic cupola made of a single granite stone weighing 80 tonnes. The most interesting feature of this temple is that it does not use mortar between the stones.

The walls of this temple are covered with sculptures of Hindu Gods and detailed narratives from Hindu mythology. The presiding deity at the temple is Shiva, and is called ‘Brihadisvara’ (‘The Great Lord’).

The temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It also holds immense religious and historical significance in South India.

• Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Travel Guide For Visiting Brihadeeswarar Temple

The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a major Hindu temple located in the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Built in the 11th century CE, the temple is dedicated to Shiva and was once the royal temple of the mighty Cholas. The temple is one of the most important temples in the region and has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, making it a popular tourist destination.

Getting There:

The nearest airport is in Tiruchirapalli, which is about 55 km from the temple. You can take a bus or a train from the Tiruchirapalli airport to reach the temple. The nearest railway station is the Thanjavur Junction that is around 3 km from the temple and provides direct trains from many cities in India.

Things To See:

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, true to its name, is a grand temple dedicated to Shiva. The temple is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture and is surrounded by a huge compound wall. It is built on an elevated structure and is well-preserved. The inner sanctum of the temple features several shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses. There is a large Nandi bull sculpture in front of the temple. Other features include intricately carved gopurams (gateways) and a mandapa (hall).

Things To Do:

There are a variety of activities that you can do around the temple. You can explore the carved sculptures and the architecture of the temple. There are several shops around the temple selling souvenirs. You can visit the Thanjavur Royal Palace and Museum located very near to the temple. If you are looking for more spiritual experiences during your visit, then you can attend any of the many pooja (ceremonies) held daily in the temple.

Nearby Attractions:

The city of Thanjavur is full of attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the attractions near the temple include:

• Thanjavur Palace Complex: A large complex with many buildings located near the temple.

• Thanjavur Art Gallery: An art gallery located in the royal palace complex. It houses art from the region’s rich history.

• The Saraswati Mahal Library: Established in 17th century, this is one of the oldest libraries in India. It has more than 30,000 manuscripts and palm-leaf documents.

• Chidambaram Temple: One of the five holy Pancha Boodha Shiva Temples located 85 km from the temple.

• The Annamalai University: A university in nearby Chidambaram that is a center for learning and research.

• Amaravati Stupa : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide
• Rajasthan: Interesting facts, History, Culture & Information
• Amaravati Stupa : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Brihadeeswarar Temple

Q1. How many stories does Brihadeeswarar Temple have?

A: Brihadeeswarar Temple stands tall with 12 stories.

Q2. What is the main deity of Brihadeeswarar Temple?

A: The main deity of Brihadeeswarar Temple is Lord Shiva.

Q3. When was Brihadeeswarar Temple built?

A: Brihadeeswarar Temple was built in the 10th Century, in 1010 AD.

Q4. What is the height of the tallest tower in the Brihadeeswarar Temple?

A: The tallest tower of Brihadeeswarar Temple stands at 216 feet in height.

Q5. What is the architectural style of the Brihadeeswarar Temple?

A: The architectural style of the Brihadeeswarar Temple is Dravidian or South Indian.

• Interesting Facts,History & Unique Things About Humayun’s Tomb