Brihadeeswarar Temple

History & Historical Heritage

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is an outstanding masterpiece of Chola architecture located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. Built by the great Chola Emperor Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'Great Living Chola Temples'. The temple tower (Vimana) stands at an imposing height of 216 feet (66 meters), making it one of the tallest of its kind in the world. Interestingly, the Kumbam (the bulbous structure at the top) is carved out of a single granite block weighing about 80 tons, and it is a engineering marvel how this massive stone was transported to the top of the tower in the 11th century. The temple complex is built entirely of granite, a material not found locally within a 100-kilometer radius, which implies an extraordinary logistical effort. The entrance features a massive monolithic statue of Nandi (the sacred bull), measuring about 13 feet high and 16 feet long. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings depicting various manifestations of Shiva, as well as Bharatanatyam dance poses. Over the centuries, the temple has stood as a symbol of the Chola empire's wealth, artistic achievements, and religious devotion, surviving numerous earthquakes and historical changes while continuing to function as a vibrant center of worship today.

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