Tanjore

Want to experience an awe struck moment looking at the works of early engineers and sculptors? Head towards the most prosperous, extremely fertile and scenic city of Thanjavur in the south Indian state of Tamilnadu. It is a pilgrim destination known for art, culture, architecture and South Indian religion.

Tanjore - City Guide

Thanjavur was the royal city of Cholas, Nayaks and Mahrattas. Most of the chola temples are located in and around Thanjavur. Paddy fields, coconut groves, plantain and mango orchards are nourished by the Cauvery river and is popularly known as the “rice bowl of Tamilnadu”. Brihadeshwar temple, built in the early 11th century by Rajaraja Chola I is the prime attraction of Thanjavur. The best months to visit are from October to March.

History

Thanjavur is a city in the south Indian state of Tamilnadu. The city is of a tremendous historical significance famous for exquisite handicrafts, bronzes, handloom, silk and cotton sarees, and South Indian Musical instruments. The flow of Cauvery river makes the place so pretty with full of paddy fields and coconut palms.

It was at its glory during the period of cholas, nayaks and Mahrattas. Most of the Chola temples (74) and UNESCO world heritage monuments are located in and around Thanjavur. Brihadeshwar temple of the ancient Chola architecture has a worldwide fame for its art and sculptures. It is the grandest temple in existence.

Brihadeshwar Temple

The ‘big temple’ in the ancient India built of granite by the Chola architecture in a Dravidian style. The temple is dedicated to Nandi and the main deity here is Lord Siva. The temple is of 33,000 sq ft and stands tall of 216 ft with its tower, carvings and sculptures. It is believed that the dome is constructed from a single piece of granite weighing about 81 tonnes. The shadow of the main structure does not fall on the ground.

A royal portrait of Raja Raja Cholan paying obeisance to Lord Natarajar is remarkable. The carvings of nartakis or dancers showing eighty one of hundred and eight karanas in Bharata Natyam make this place a “UNESCO world heritage site”. This temple of Thanjavur is sure a master piece of the Chola reign and one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Visiting Hours

6.00am to 1.00pm & 4.00pm to 8.00 pm

Festivals in Tanjore
Natyanjali Dance Festival

A festival dedicated to Lord Nataraj is held for a period of five days during Mahashivratri in Chidambaram of Thanjavur district. It represents the tradition and a rich cultural heritage of the place. It is a mixed effort put by the department of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu, and The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.

The Carnatic Classical Musical Festival

It is organized in the month of January every year in memory of Carnatic musical maestro, Thyagaraja in a place called Thiruvaiyaru, 14 km away from Thanjavur. Renowned classical musicians and singers from different parts of the country display their talents. Witness the rich heritage and lavish temples of the city!

Tanjore Big temple is the prime attraction of Tanjore. The architecture of this temple is mind blowing and stands as an eminent example of Dravidian architecture.

Darbar hall at the Tanjore palace is a place to behold. The colossal hall is beautifully adorned with lovely paintings and sculptures. The centre of the hall has the majestic throne piece.

Saraswati mahal library is one of the oldest and finest libraries in Tamilnadu. This library is enclosed inside the Royal palace of Tanjore. This library has many rare manuscripts and books from different parts of the world.