Thanjavur Big Temple

• The greatest of Chola emperors Rajaraja-I (985 A.D - 1012 A.D) the son of Sundara Chola (Parantakaa-II) and Vanavanmahadevi built this magnificent temple named Brihadisvaram at Thanjavur - the capital of Chola dynasty.

• From the epigraphical evidence it is known about Rajaraja-I started building this temple on his 19th year and completed on 275th day of his 25th year. It took just 6 years to complete this work on 1010 A.D.

• The Big temple of Thanjavur was called as Rajarajeeswaram, abode of the Lord of Rajaraja Chola or the Temple for Lord Iswara built by Raja Raja Chola the great.

• Temple is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. This temple is unique to have the tallest tower over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. It is 216 feet tall.

• The stupa at the top is made of bronze. The walls of the sanctum are covered, with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods, comparable to the famous Ajanta cave frescoes. Guarding the inner shrine of the temple, is the gigantic statue of Nandi the Bull.

• Today the world knows Rajarajeeswaram as the big temple or Brahadeswara temple, an UNESCO world heritage monument, but what the world does not know is about the all round skills of its builder Rajaraja Chola the Great, the architectural intricacies of the temple and the sculptures and arts which have lasted a millennium.