Among the many other temples the cholas built, the most important one is Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple, built by Rajaraja Cholan, the Great Chola king. The temple, dedicated to Nandi, the Bull is a masterpiece of the captivating Chola architecture. The mount of Lord Shiva i.e. Nandi has been made from a single granite rock. Thanjavur Brihadeeswara Temple is a great example for the Architectural Masterpiece of Chola Rule in South India, and is unique to have the tallest tower (216 ft) over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. This auspicious Temple is made over a 29 m square base and is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut River on the other side. The compound within the temples inner wall measures about 500 feet x 250 feet. The walls of the sanctum are adorned with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods. The temple has a soaring vimana and a stunted gopuram. The inner sanctum and the gopuram were constructed over a period of 12 years. The temple was constructed from a single piece of granite weighing around 80 tonnes.
The Cholas were great patrons of art and during their reign, the most magnificent temples as well as exquisite bronze icons were created in south India. Sama Varma designed the unique structure because no shadows of the temple were cast on the ground at any time of the year Travel Advice in Tamil Nadu. It has been the symbolic of the fact that the Supreme is considered to be there and yet not there. The temple is the finest contribution of the Chola dynasty to the Dravidian style of temple architecture.
Time to Visit
The best time to visit this temple is the day of the Ruling star, Satabhishag which is festival day every month as it symbolizes the ruling star at the time of birth of Rajaraja. The annual festival is held for 9 days in the month of Visaka or May according to the English calender. The deity is bathed with the water and soaked with the fragrant Champaka flower. Brihadeeswara Temple is a Beautiful Place For Vacations.