Brihadeeswara Temple

Hindu temple · Thanjavur

Brihadeeswara Temple

Hindu temple · Thanjavur
Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001, India

Photos

Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null
Brihadeeswara Temple by null

Highlights

Vast Chola temple, intricate carvings, stunning Dravidian architecture  

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Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001, India Get directions

asi.nic.in

Information

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Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613001, India Get directions

+91 4362 274 476
asi.nic.in

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance

Last updated

Oct 26, 2025

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ᎪᏴᎻᏆ

Google
One of the most awe-inspiring temples I’ve ever visited. The scale, the detail, the feeling of walking through centuries … The towering vimana (temple tower) is majestic, and the carvings on the walls and pillars tell stories in stone. Even in the heat, the cool interiors and the shades make it a comfortable walk. The Nandi statue is carved from a single rock, huge and elegant. The temple is well maintained, with good pathways, signage, and security. A must-visit for anyone coming to Tamil Nadu history, spirituality and architecture all together.

Nitya Sri

Google
One of the most majestic and peaceful temples I’ve ever visited! The Brihadeeshwara Temple truly lives up to its name - grand, serene, and full of history. The Chola architecture is breathtaking, with intricate carvings and an atmosphere that feels timeless. I visited in the afternoon and stayed till evening. During the afternoon, the whole temple complex felt calm and soothing - I even took a short nap under the shade in the temple for a few hours and it was so relaxing. Later in the evening, when the temple lights came on, the entire structure glowed beautifully against the twilight sky. It was truly magical - the perfect blend of spirituality and artistry. A must-visit if you’re in or around Thanjavur. Make sure to stay till evening to see the temple illuminated - it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Thank you to the temple authorities for maintaining it so beautifully. 🙏 You can also plan to go to nearby temples along with Thanjavur like Srirangam, Chidambaram, Dindigul, Kumbakonam, Palani.

Saravana Perumal

Google
My visit to Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur was an experience I’ll never forget. The moment I saw the towering vimana from a distance, I was completely awestruck. Standing in front of this thousand-year-old marvel, it’s hard not to feel amazed at what people achieved so many centuries ago without any modern technology. The temple is massive yet perfectly balanced, and every single carving tells a story from our history and faith. As I walked through the courtyard, I could feel the spiritual energy in the air. The stone floor, warm under the sun, seemed to carry centuries of prayers and footsteps. Despite the crowd, there was a calmness that made me want to stay longer. The Nandi statue, carved from a single stone, is unbelievably beautiful, and the details on the walls are so intricate that you can spend hours just admiring them. The temple is also very well maintained, with clean surroundings and helpful guides who share the fascinating history of Raja Raja Chola and the temple’s construction. Visiting at sunset made the place look even more divine — the golden light on the stones was simply magical. Brihadeeswara Temple isn’t just a monument; it’s a living piece of history and devotion. A must-visit for everyone who loves art, culture, and peace.

Devassia Manobin

Google
An architectural marvel and a true testament to the glory of the Chola dynasty. Built over 1,000 years ago by Raja Raja Chola I, this UNESCO World Heritage Site impresses with its towering vimana (temple tower), intricate stone carvings, and sheer scale. The temple complex is clean, well-maintained, and filled with a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a devotee, or simply a curious traveler, this temple is an unmissable landmark in South India. Visit during early morning or evening for a truly serene experience.

Gold Trader

Google
Visiting the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur is an awe-inspiring experience that stays with you forever. Built between 1003 and 1010 AD by the Chola king Rajaraja I, this temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and stands as a symbol of the grandeur and power of the Chola dynasty. The soaring vimana (temple tower) rising about 208 feet is impressive beyond words — its sheer scale and the precision of granite stone construction without mortar is mind-boggling. Inside, the massive Shiva lingam and beautifully carved sculptures evoke deep reverence. The temple complex includes a huge Nandi statue pavilion added by later rulers, adding to its majestic aura. Walking through the spacious halls and pillared corridors, you truly feel connected to centuries of culture, devotion, and artistic brilliance. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit for anyone recognizing India’s architectural and spiritual heritage

Santosh Salgar

Google
Words are not enough to write a review about this marvellous Brihadisvara Temple. It’s truly a wonder — you’ll be stunned to believe it was built over 1000+ years ago by the great Chola king Rajaraja Chola with such perfection and imagination. The scale, design, and detailing are beyond belief.. The towering vimana, the huge Nandi carved from a single stone, and every sculpture speak of unmatched craftsmanship. Morning sunlight makes the carvings glow, while the evening lighting gives a divine ambience — both times are magical. It’s clean, well maintained, and peaceful, with good pathways and signs. More than just a monument, it’s a living temple — a blend of history, devotion, and timeless art. A must-visit for anyone who loves architecture, history, and spirituality. Let’s honour this masterpiece by keeping it clean and respecting the space, not just taking photos.

Gokul

Google
An architectural marvel and a true pride of Tamil heritage. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is simply majestic — its towering vimana, intricate carvings, and divine atmosphere leave you in awe. The temple complex is clean and well maintained. Evening lighting enhances the beauty even more. A must-visit destination for anyone visiting Thanjavur. PS: Puliogare was tasty ✌️

P V

Google
The Brihadisvara Temple in Thanjavur is an awe-inspiring architectural marvel — a cornerstone of India’s cultural heritage. But witnessing the way it’s being treated today is nothing short of heartbreaking. Crowd behaviour is chaotic: people rush in as if the temple might disappear, with zero sense of queue or basic discipline. Line formation seems to be an alien concept. Add to that the constant barrage of selfies, loud camera clicks, and a general disregard for the sanctity of the space — it completely disrupts the spiritual and historical experience. The lack of maintenance only makes things worse. Garbage is strewn around, surfaces are neglected, and the atmosphere feels uncared for. Security guards, instead of guiding politely, resort to aggressive whistling — often treating visitors with a tone that lacks even basic courtesy or human dignity. This temple deserves so much more. Not just better upkeep by the authorities, but better behaviour from us as visitors. Respecting our heritage doesn’t end with taking a photo — it begins with how we carry ourselves in spaces like these. Let’s stop treating places of such immense cultural and architectural significance like casual tourist spots. The Brihadisvara Temple is not just a monument — it is a living symbol of history, devotion, and timeless art. Let’s act accordingly.