About Brihadeeswarar Temple
Brihadeeswarar Temple, also called Peruvudaiyar Kovil or the Big Temple, stands in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of a massive lingam. Built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I, it is one of the greatest achievements of Indian temple architecture. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Great Living Chola Temples' and remains an active place of worship more than a thousand years after it was built.
Rajaraja Chola I began the temple to celebrate the power of his empire and his devotion to Shiva, and it was completed around 1010 CE. Inscriptions on its walls record gifts, temple staff, dancers and musicians, giving a rich picture of Chola life. The temple later received additions from the Pandyas, Nayaks and Marathas of Thanjavur, including some of the smaller shrines and mandapams you see in the courtyard today.
The granite vimana over the sanctum rises about 66 metres, among the tallest of its kind, topped by a huge stone finial. A giant monolithic Nandi rests in its own pavilion facing the sanctum. The walls carry fine sculptures, and the inner corridors have Chola-era frescoes. The wide courtyard is enclosed by a long colonnade lined with lingams.
Brihadeeswarar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open about 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Pooja | Around 6:00–8:30 AM |
| Uchikala Pooja | Around noon |
| Sayaratchai (evening) Pooja | Around 6:00 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja | Night, before closing |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple
By air
Tiruchirappalli International Airport – about 60 km.
By train
Thanjavur Junction – about 2 km.
By road
Thanjavur is well connected by bus to Tiruchirappalli, Kumbakonam, Chennai and Madurai; autos and taxis reach the temple easily.
Festivals at Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Maha ShivaratriFeb/Mar
- Sadhaya Vizha (Rajaraja's birth star)Oct/Nov
- Chithirai BrahmotsavamApr/May
- Pradosham (Nandi abhishekam)Twice a month
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Entry to the temple is free. Non-Hindus may visit the complex, though the inner sanctum may be restricted. Footwear must be left outside.
- Go early morning or late afternoon; the stone courtyard gets very hot at midday.
- Visit on a Pradosham evening to see the special abhishekam for the great Nandi.
- Allow time to see the sculptures and inscriptions along the outer walls.
- Combine with the other Great Living Chola Temples at Darasuram and Gangaikonda Cholapuram.
- Carry socks for walking on the hot stone floor.
Places to visit near Brihadeeswarar Temple
- Thanjavur Palace and Saraswathi Mahal LibraryMaratha-era palace and historic library, about 2 km
- Airavatesvara Temple, DarasuramUNESCO-listed Chola temple, about 35 km
- KumbakonamTemple town with many famous shrines, about 40 km
- Gangaikonda CholapuramChola temple built by Rajendra Chola I, about 70 km
Frequently asked questions
What are the Thanjavur Big Temple timings?
It is usually open from about 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
Who built the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
It was built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola I and completed around 1010 CE.
Is there an entry fee at Brihadeeswarar Temple?
No, entry to the temple is free.
Is Brihadeeswarar Temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, it is part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples' World Heritage Site.
How tall is the Thanjavur temple tower?
The vimana over the sanctum rises about 66 metres.
What is the aarti time at Brihadeeswarar Temple?
Morning Pooja: Around 6:00–8:30 AM; Uchikala Pooja: Around noon; Sayaratchai (evening) Pooja: Around 6:00 PM; Ardhajama Pooja: Night, before closing. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Brihadeeswarar Temple?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
How to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple?
By air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport – about 60 km. By train: Thanjavur Junction – about 2 km. By road: Thanjavur is well connected by bus to Tiruchirappalli, Kumbakonam, Chennai and Madurai; autos and taxis reach the temple easily.
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