The Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is one of the most majestic and spiritually significant temples in South India. Located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, this architectural masterpiece stands as a proud testimony to the grandeur of the Chola Dynasty.
Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century (completed in 1010 AD), this UNESCO World Heritage Site is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is part of the famed trio called the “Great Living Chola Temples”.
About Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple
| Temple Name | Brihadeeswara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil) |
|---|---|
| Location | Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Deity | Lord Shiva |
| Built By | Raja Raja Chola I |
| Year of Construction | 1010 AD |
| Dynasty | Chola Dynasty |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site – Great Living Chola Temples |
| Architectural Style | Dravidian Architecture |
| Main Tower (Vimana) | Approx. 66 meters (216 feet) |
| Nandi Statue | 6 meters long, carved from a single granite stone |
| Material Used | Granite |
This temple is not only a place of worship but a perfect blend of divinity, architectural brilliance, and historical depth. One of the most fascinating features is that the temple casts no shadow at noon, a mystery that adds to its divine aura.
Brihadeeswara Temple Timings 2025
The temple is open daily from early morning to late evening. Devotees come here for darshan, pooja offerings, and to simply bask in the spiritual ambiance of this ancient site.
Temple Opening Hours
| Session | Opening Time | Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | 6:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Evening | 4:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
Note: Entry is free for all visitors. Footwear must be removed before entering the sanctum premises.
Brihadeeswara Temple Pooja/Aarti Timings (Daily Sevas)
The daily rituals and aartis offer a chance for devotees to connect deeply with Lord Shiva. Below is the regular pooja schedule followed every day of the week:
| Pooja Name | Time | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Palabhishekam | 08:30 AM | Monday to Sunday |
| Vucha Kalai Pooja | 12:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Sai Rakchay Pooja | 06:00 PM | Monday to Sunday |
| Arthajamam | 08:30 PM | Monday to Sunday |
During festivals like Krithika Deepam, Shivratri, and Navaratri, special sevas and celebrations draw thousands of devotees. It’s advised to arrive early during festivals.
Unique Architectural Highlights
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Vimana (Shiva Tower): Soaring 66 meters high, it is one of the tallest of its kind in South India.
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Nandi Mandapam: A gigantic Nandi statue measuring 6 meters in length and 3 meters in height, carved from a single stone.
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Granite Construction: The temple is built entirely with granite, a feat especially astonishing considering there’s no granite quarry within 100 km.
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Shadowless Design: The main tower casts no shadow on the ground at noon, a mystery of Chola engineering.
Best Time to Visit Brihadeeswara Temple
The ideal time to plan your trip is between October and March, when the weather is cooler and perfect for exploring both the temple and the beautiful city of Thanjavur.
Temple Contact Information
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Temple Name: Brihadeeswara Temple (Peruvudaiyar Kovil)
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Address: South Main Street, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur – 613001, Tamil Nadu
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Phone Number: +91 4362 271799
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Fax: 04362 235536
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Official Website: www.brihadeeswaratemple.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Brihadeeswara Temple famous for?
A: It is renowned for its 66-meter-tall Vimana, massive Nandi statue, shadowless tower, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q: What are the darshan timings of the Brihadeeswara Temple in 2025?
A: Morning darshan is from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and evening darshan is from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM daily.
Q: Is there any entry fee to visit the temple?
A: No, entry to the temple is free for all devotees.
Q: When is the best time to visit the Brihadeeswara Temple?
A: October to March is the most comfortable season to visit.
Q: Are pooja services available for devotees?
A: Yes, regular daily poojas such as Palabhishekam, Vucha Kalai, and Arthajamam are conducted every day.
Final Thoughts
The Brihadeeswara Temple is more than just a temple—it’s a timeless symbol of India’s glorious past. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker, history lover, or architectural enthusiast, a visit here will leave you enchanted.
With its magnificent Dravidian architecture, spiritual energy, and UNESCO acclaim, this temple offers a divine experience like no other. Don’t forget to plan your visit around the darshan and aarti timings to soak in the full spiritual essence of this iconic Shiva temple.