Day 2 – Overnight in Tanjore Hi Hotel
After visiting the 3 temples in Tiruchirappalli, we drove to our hotel in Thanjavur. After resting for a few hours, we continued our temple tour with a visit to the famous Brihadishvara Temple.
- Brihadishvara Temple
- Neelamega Perumal
- Aiyarappar Temple
- Thanjavur Maratha Palace
Brihadishvara Temple – Also called Rajarajesvaram by its builder (King Rajaraja Chola), and known locally as Thanjai Periya Kovil (Thanjavur Big Temple), this Shiva temple was built between 1003 and 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Rajaraja Chola 1.
- The temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ along with the Chola-era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavateswara temple.
- One of the largest Shiva temples in the world and houses one of the tallest lingams, probably only second to the one at Gangai Konda Cholapuram.
- Was used as an army Garrison by the British during their battles with the French.
- Because of the upcoming kumbabishekam, access to the lingam was closed and was cluttered with a lot of construction material and activity.
- If you plan to visit, be sure to use a guide because the details are extensive and some knowledgeable person providing explanations is important.
At a height of more than 200 feet (60 meters), the main shrine of the temple is the highest pyramidal shrine tower in south India. Legend says its domed cupola—which weighs more than 80 tons—was transported to the structure’s apex via a gently sloping ramp that was 4 miles (6.5 km) long.
The temple stands as a fitting example of the might and power of the Chola dynasty that once ruled over the region. It is believed that the construction of the massive temple complex took only 7 years for completion, which is a huge accomplishment considering the scale of the sculptures, art and the complex itself.
Neelamega Perumal – Also called Sowriraja Perumal, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Neela Meghar.
The temple has a huge temple tank in front of it. The temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas in the 9th century CE, with later additions from the Thanjavur Nayaks.
Aiyarappar Temple – The temple is dedicated to God Shiva who is worshiped as Aiyarappar. This temple is known as Dakshina Kailasam (Kailasa of the South). The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions, including the towering gopuram, are attributed to later periods, up to the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century. There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Pandyas, Thanjavur Nayaks, and Thanjavur Marathas.
Near the Shiva temple is the one-roomed house where Thyagaraja composed some of his greatest works. On the banks of the river is the samadhi of the saint composer and it is here that the greatest music festival in the country takes place annually.
Thanjavur Maratha Palace – This place was within walking distance from our hotel. Locally known as Aranmanai, It is today the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674-1855. The Royal Palace also has an Art Gallery that contains some splendid collection of Chola bronze and stone statues.
