Brihadeeswara Temple at Thanjavur, the world's first complete granite temple is a brilliant example of dravidian temple architecture. It was built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD. The prime deity of the temple is Lord SIVA. This temple is a part of UNESCO world heritage site.
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| Inner Gopura, Brihadeeswara Temple |
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| Roof Decoration of Inner Gopura |
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| Main Shrine in the Rain |
The fortified walls of the temple were probably added in the 6th century AD. The temple tower is 66 metres high.
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| Temple Tower |
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| Nandhi Pavilion |
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| North Collonade |
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| Inner Wall of the Temple |
It is one of the rare temples which has statues of 'Ashtadik palakas' (Lords of eight directions) like Indra, Varuna, Agni, Eesana, Vayu, Niruthi, Yama and Kubera.
Thanjavur can be reached easily by road, rail and air. State Governments runs frequent buses from nearby towns and cities like Trichy, Chennai, Kumbakonam, Tirunelveli, Karur, and Coimbatore.
Rail services to Thanjavur Junction is provided by Indian Railways from many cities.
The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli located 65 kilometres away.
