Some lesser-known facts regarding Brihadeeswara Temple mentioned below: –
The actual name of the deity present in the temple was Rajarajeshwar. Later, Marathas gave the name Brihadeeswara to it. Apart from Rajarajeshwar, other deities are also present in this temple.
130,000 tons of granite stones were used to construct this temple. Many big stones are used while constructing this massive temple. The entire structure is stacked without any binding agent.
The Inscriptions in the temple towards Kunjara Mallam Raja Raja Perunthachan serves as the chief architect of the temple. The inscriptions are mainly in Tamil and Sanskrit.
The temple has depictions of Nartakis showing more than a hundred karanas in Bharatanatyam style. Brihadeeswara temple also has a platform that showcases dances of talented performers to showcase their talents.
There is no binding material used anywhere in the construction of the temple. The entire monument is built by only interlocking stone – something which is rarely found in tall buildings today. It is still a mystery how workers and architects of those times managed to do it.
The inscriptions also mention the different kinds of jewels used in the period. Each of these jewels is mentioned in detail. A total of twenty-three different types of pearls, eleven varieties of diamonds and rubies are mentioned in these inscriptions.
The temple doesn’t have a shadow. Its Vimana is larger than its pinnacle. So, at noon the shadow of the temple gets merged on itself.
At the entrance of sanctum sanctorum, one can see the two idols of Lord Ganesha in the corridor. On tapping the two, you will feel the sound traveling the stone in one idol and through metal on the other.
The entire massive structure of Nandi is carved from a single stone. This structure is beautiful and worth exploring.
The Vimana of the temple is 200 feet and is popularly known as Southern Meru. It is one of the tallest structures in the world.
The temple has a portrait of Raja Raja Chola of the Chola Dynasty posing as Nataraja. It marks the first instance of a royal portrait and depicts the lifestyle of people at that time.
This temple is believed to have more than a hundred underground passages that connect each floor and room of the temple. It is said that it was constructed so that kings and queens can reach different parts of the temple, especially during festivals, to avoid large crowds.
The Brihadeeswara Temple has a capstone on the top that weighs around 80 tonnes. The Shivalinga located in the Garbhagriha is said to generate electromagnetic energy. This cap channelizes the energy in the inner region of the temple and sustains the divinity of the temple.
Millennium Commemoration
This temple recently completed its 1000 years in September 2010. To commemorate this big event, the government has organized many cultural events and performances. It was jointly organized by the Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India (ABHAI) and the Brian Natyanjali Trust, Thanjavur. To celebrate this auspicious event, thousands of dancers came from different parts of the world. 11 verses of music were composed by Karuvur deva.
The small-town Thanjavur turned into a cultural hub for two days beginning 26 September 2010 as street performers and dancers performed throughout the town. This event witnessed thousands of audiences across the world. This beautiful event was one of a kind.
Temple
Donation and Wealth of Brihadeeswara Temple
The inscription in the temple has 66 bronze idols of Raja Raja Chola, Kundavai, and his queens. These inscriptions are embedded with precious stones like diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and pearls. Raja Raja Chola donated many gold vessels to the temple.
Thanjavur Brihadeeswara is a treasure for Tamilnadu. The revenue that is generated by the devotees of the temple directly goes to the government and its prerogatives, and the money collected is used for the maintenance of the temple. Devotees usually donate large amounts during festivals and special occasions.
Brihadeeswara Temple
Shopping Near Brihadeeswarar Temple
There are many options for shopping near Brihadeeswarar Temple. Several joints are available for shopping that includes government and private stalls and shops. You can also find craftsmen who sell genuine and authentic artifacts and items at a reasonable price.
The city is best known for its traditional and authentic artifacts by skilled artisans. The traditional craft of the Thanjavur is silk weaving. Tourists usually pick silk sarees weaved with broad borders from here. Tanjore is also famous for its beautiful paintings.
Other items for shopping include Tanjore plates, brass and bronze idols, and Thalaiyatti Bommai. The tastefully designed paintings of Tanjore, mostly of Hindu Gods, are also of great demand among the tourists who want to shop in Tanjore.
Tanjore is Tanjore plates (with sombu, coconut), brass and bronze idols, bowls and vessels, and the exclusive Thalaiyatti Bommai, which serve as great souvenirs of a tour to Tanjore. There is a lot to explore in Tanjore. Traditional Artefacts are the specialty of this place. It is also famous for its traditional outfits.
People in Temple
Tourist Places near Brihadeeswarar Temple
Thiruvanajozhi Temple
This temple is approximately 16 km from Kumbakonam. Lord Dakshinamurthy is worshipped here. It has a beautiful collection of art and shows that depict the tradition and culture of the Chola dynasty. The entire structure of the temple is worth exploring. However, it somehow resembles Tanjavur’s main temple and is a not to miss place.
Bangaru Kamakshi Temple
The temple is located on the main street in the city of Thanjavur. The word “Bangaru” in Telugu means gold. The name is because the deity of Goddess Kamakshi is made up of gold. The idol of the deity is brought from Kancheepuram during the time of the Muslim invasion in the city.
Right next to it, Vijaya Rama Temple, Navaneetha Krishna Temple, and Pratapa Veera Anjaneya temple are also there. All these temples are pretty big and worth exploring.
The Serfoji Sarasvati Mahal Library
It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia and was established during the 16th century. It displays a rare collection of manuscripts and paper written in Tamil, Sanskrit, and a few other foreign languages. The collection comprises well over 49,000 volumes. Only a tiny fraction of these are on display. The library has a complete catalog of holdings, which is being made available online. It serves as a haven for book lovers. It is one of the most visited libraries in India.
Thanjavur Royal Palace and Art Gallery
This museum has antiques, clothing, artifacts, headgears, and many more of royals. The upper floor has a skeleton of 92 feet whale and was found in 1955. It is also famous for its art gallery that comprises paintings, books, and other memorabilia. The bronze sculptures of Hindu God and Goddess from the 9th century to the 19th century.
Swami Malai Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan. It is located in Swamimalai which is 5 km from Kumbakonam. Situated on the banks of a tributary of river Kaveri in Thanjavur District, it is 250 km from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. This temple is the second abode of Murugan out of six.
Rajarajan Manimandapam
This temple is located in the Southern part of Thanjavur. It was constructed in the year 1991 in the style of the Chola Dynasty. The temple has a small and beautiful garden inside it that is suitable for children. It was built to commemorate the 1000 birth anniversary of Raja Raja Chola.
Related: Vellore Tourist Places
Thiruvalanchuzi
This temple is situated in Thiruvalanchanchuzi village that is about four kilometers from Kumbakonam. The deity worshipped in the temple is Kapardiswarar with Ambaal Brihannayaki. This beautiful temple is worth exploring.
Ramaswamy Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama. It was constructed in the16th century. This is the only temple in India where you can witness Lord Ram along with his wife Sita, brothers Lakshman, and Bharatha.
The temple celebrates Rama Navami with great joy and enthusiasm on the 9th day after the New Moon in March/April. It is one of the five temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in India.
Sukkiran Temple
It is one of the famous pilgrimage sites for visitors located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Sukran, one of the nine planets of the solar system. Its structure is magnificent. The deity in the temple is Lord Shiva which is worshipped in the form of Agneeswarar.
Schwartz Church
This Church is situated in Thanjavur, India. It was constructed by Friedrich Schwarz in 1779. John Flaxman, an Italian sculptor had sculpted the statue in 1807 at the request of King Serfoji II. This beautiful statue was installed in the year 1811. Within the precincts of the church is a 1797 sculpture of Schwartz on his death-bed with the Thanjavur Maratha King Serfoji II.
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