Thanjavur – A short trip to the Chola Capital

Recently I had an opportunity of visiting Thanjavur, the occasion being my neighbour’s marriage. I had visited Thanjavur many times in the past, but this time I just had half a day of free time before my return journey, just visited the big temple and sat there till it got dark. 

Vimana of the temple

Brihadeeshwara temple at dusk

Thanjavur, is a name which comes first, when one speaks of arts, literature and culture of Tamilnadu. Everything in Thanjavur finds a special place in its class, whether it is the Thanjavur talai aati bommai (the special doll which shakes its head) or the Thanjavur paintings. The temples, the dance forms of Bharathanatyam, Carnatic music or a simple south Indian coffee everything finds a special mention with the name Thanjavur prefixed for some of the things. The town was the capital of the Chola Empire until it was replaced with Gangai konda Cholapuram. The town is famous for the Brihadeeshwara temple built by Raja Raja Chola. Thiruvaiyaru the place where Thyagaraja Aradhana, an annual Carnatic music festival held to commemorate the attainment of Samadhi of singer and saint Thyagaraja is located near Thanjavur.

The temple

The Gopuram on the main entrance

Inscriptions on the temple walls

Temple surroundings at dusk

Brihadeeshwara temple, Rajarajeshwara temple, Peruvudaiyar temple, Tanjai periya kovil (big temple) called by various names, has become synonymous with Thanjavur. The 1000 year old magnificent temple is built in pure Dravidian style. The temple stands as a testament to the expertise of the Cholas in the field of engineering and architecture. The temple showcases the prosperity and grandeur of the Chola Empire during Raja Raja Chola’s period. The temple’s architecture is different from most of the Dravidian temples. The Vimana or the tower above the sanctum sanctorum is taller than the Gopuram on the main entrance, which is not common. In 2010 celebrations were held by the state government for commemorating the completion of 1000 years of the temple. The temple was granted the World Heritage site status in 1987. Later the Brihadeshwarar temple at Gangaikondacholapuram, Airavateshwara temple at Darasuram, Kampahareshwarar temple at thirubhuvanam were added to heritage site and is now collectively called as the Great Living Chola Temples.