Location
Open in Google MapsQuick facts
Graha
UNESCO Heritage (UNESCO Heritage)
Deity
Sri Brihadeeswarar (Peruvudaiyar)
Goddess
Brihannayaki Amman
Timings
6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Best time
Maha Shivaratri, cool months Nov–Feb
District
Thanjavur
Address
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
History
Raja Raja Chola I completed this granite marvel in 1010 CE; its 216-foot vimanam casts no shadow at noon.
Significance
A thousand years of unbroken worship — visited for architectural wonder as much as for darshan.
Pariharam
Offer vilva to the giant lingam and circumambulate the monolithic Nandi at dawn.
Festivals
Maha Shivaratri
February – March · Four-kaala abhishekam through the night
Sadaya Vizha
October · Birth star celebration of Raja Raja Chola
Nearby stays & food
Svatma Heritage
Stay · 2 km · Boutique heritage stay
Sathars Restaurant
Food · 1.5 km · Thanjavur classic dining