About Thanjai periya kovil - Brihadeeswarar Temple

 

"Thanjai Periya Kovil" refers to the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the largest and most magnificent temples in India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its architectural and cultural significance.

Here are some key features and information about Thanjai Periya Kovil:

1.      Built by Raja Raja Chola I: The Brihadeeswarar Temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. It is believed to have been completed in 1010 AD. Raja Raja Chola I was a prominent ruler of the Chola dynasty.

2.     Architectural Marvel: The temple is known for its outstanding Dravidian architecture. The main temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a towering vimana (temple tower) that stands at about 66 meters (216 feet). The vimana is capped by a massive monolithic cupola or shikhara, weighing around 81.28 tonnes.

Big Temple, Thanjavurr

3.     Nandi Statue: In front of the temple, there is a large Nandi (sacred bull) statue, carved out of a single rock, which is one of the largest in India. The Nandi is about 13 feet in height and 16 feet in length.

4.     Frescoes and Inscriptions: The temple walls are adorned with intricate frescoes depicting various legends and stories from Hindu mythology. Additionally, numerous inscriptions on the walls provide valuable historical information about the Chola dynasty.

5.     Architectural Layout: The temple follows the traditional Dravidian architectural style with a central shrine, pillared halls, and various other structures within the complex. The main sanctum houses a massive lingam, a representation of Lord Shiva.

6.     UNESCO World Heritage Site: In 1987, the Brihadeeswarar Temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Great Living Chola Temples" category, along with the Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temples.

7.     Religious Significance: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts devotees and tourists worldwide.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Chola dynasty and continues to be a symbol of cultural heritage in Tamil Nadu.