The Brihadeshwara Temple, also known as the Tanjore Brihadeeswara Temple or Periya Kovil, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Thanjavur (formerlyTanjore), Tamil Nadu, Southern State of India. Known for its significant artwork and sculpture (Including Gopurams and main Shrines) are more attractive factors in this temple. Its architectural brilliance and cultural values are a must-see and explore one.
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Here are some key details about the Temple
1. History
This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, which was built between 1003 and 1010 CE by King Rajaraja Chola 1. Popularly called “Big Temple”. This temple is witnessed as the hub of religious, cultural, and economic activities center during Cholo Dynasty. In 2010, Bruhadeshwara temple celebrated its 1000th year and tried to symbolize the country’s great culture and traditions.
2. Architecture
Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple is made and shining in Dravidian Architecture. The total height of this temple is around 200 feet and the main shrine of this temple is the highest pyramid shrine in south India. Vimana (Main Shrine) is around 66 meters high, considered one of the top structures during the Chola period. You will see a good number of paintings and sculptures that show carvings, frescoes, and pictures of Ramayana and Mahabharata and other mythological events.
3. Temple Complex
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Brihadeshwara temple spreads over 29 acres of land including multiple gopuras. The Temple complex includes the main temple (Includes Gopuras), Nandi Mandapa, (Nadi Sculpture), Gopurams (Tower gateways), and other smaller shrines. The main temple is covered by a large rectangular fortified wall, Called Prakara, with ornate entrance gates.
4. Architecture Highpoints
Tanjavoor Brihadeswara temple itself is a symbol of iconic artwork. We can see a good number of artistic masterworks like massive Nandi sculptures, which are carved in single stones, and about 25 tons of weight. This temple includes other inner walls depicting pictures and sculptures of different gods and goodness. Hindu mythology, saints, dancers, and animal paintings are must-watch paintings here.
5. Cultural Significance
You will get mutual benefits when you see Tanjore temple, where Worship and temple is a great platform for cultural hubs. As we said it holds numerous paintings, sculptures, and idols which attract devotees, tourists, historians, and artists around the globe.
6. Festivals
Yearly or occasionally, temples celebrate various religious festivals. The most important festival “Maha Shivaratri” is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva. This festival attracts a large number of devotees from around the world. During these festivals, music, and dance performances are common.
7. Conservation
This temple is an example of many renovations and restoration activities over the years to protect and secure the temple’s architecture. The authority has taken many timely measures to save the temple from vicious environmental factors like pollution and bad weather conditions.
One of the worth visiting south Indian temples apart from other Dravidian architecture which shows eye-catching artwork. Where you will feel ancient Indian architecture and spirituality considered India’s most iconic and most celebrated temple.