Brihadeeswar Temple
Thanjavur, named after the legendary asura ‘Tanjan’, is one of the oldest cities in India and rose into prominence during the rule of the Later Cholas when it served as their capital. It is home to the Brihadisvara Temple (Periya Kovil) dedicated to Lord Brihadisvara, an incarnation of Shiva.
This temple is part of the Great Living Chola Temples, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO.
Temple elephant greeting/blessing visitors at the Keralantakan Gateway
This temple was built by the Chola king Rajaraja I in the 10th Century AD.
The five level Rajarajan Gateway
This temple is an example of the architectural heights achieved by the Cholas.
View of the Vimana and Nandi Mandapam from the Rajarajan Gateway
The Nandi enclosed within the Mandapa is a 12 feet high monolith weighing 25 tons.
Nandi
View of the massive 16 level, 63 m high Sri Vimana from the grounds
The Aradhana Mandapam, which runs along the complex walls, has its walls covered with frescos from the Nayanaka Period.
Nayaka Fresco, Aradhana Mandapam
Nayaka Fresco, Aradhana Mandapam
Nayaka Fresco, Aradhana Mandapam
These frescos were actually painted over the ones painted during the Cholas . Some of the original Chola frescos have been detached from the walls and displayed in the Interpretation Center housed within the Aradhana Mandapam.
Detached Chola Fresco, Interpretation Center
Fresco, Interpretation Center
Chandeeswara, the chief of Shaiva devotees, is usually assigned a shrine in every Shiva temple.
Chandikesvara Shrine
Carved steps leading to the inner mandapam
Sculpture, Temple exterior
Sculpture, Temple exterior
Abhishekam Outlet
Sculpture, Temple exterior
Amman Shrine
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