The imposing vimanam at the Brahadeeshwara temple Scenically one of the most enchanting districts in the state, green, airy, Thanjavur lies to the east of Trichy and has the reputation as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. It is not surprising that the great Cholas chose Thanjavur as the location of some of their most magnificent creations, since this now small city once occupied the proud position as their capital and most treasured territory. Though the history of Thanjavur is far older than the Chola period itself, it is during their reign between the 10th and 14th centuries that the city rose to dizzying heights, becoming the centre of Tamil learning and culture.
One of the best temples in South India, the Brahadeeshwarar temple or the Big Temple built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola, is that dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidan temple architecture. What makes the construction so unique is the diversion from the usual temple building norms of having a tall gopuram and a smaller vimanam (the tower over the sanctum). At the Big temple the vimanam soars high while the gopuram remain stunted. The 64.8m tall, 14 tiered pyramid shaped vimanam rises from a square base and is topped by a huge monolithic cupolas carved out from an 81.3 tonne block of granite that was installed with the aid of a 6km long inclined plane. The tower is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction in such a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground.

In keeping the 'bigness' of the temple is the gigantic Mahalingam in the shrine and the massive Nandi at the portals. Measuring 6m in length, 2.6m in breath and 3.7m in height, it is the second largest monolithic Nandi in the country.

City Sights:
The Palace : The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas.

Art Gallery : In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Timings 9 a.m to 1. p.m., 2.p.m. to 6.p.m.

Saraswathi Mahal Library : In another section of the palace is a library where over 30,000 palm leaves and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages are preserved. (Closed on Wednesday). Timings 10 a.m to 1 p.m.and 1.30p.m. to 5.30p.m.

Hall of Music : Also in the Palace is the acoustically perfect ancient music hall.

Royal Museum : Located in the palace complex, this museum has mixed collections like manuscripts, weapon dresses, Utensils, Musical instruments used by the Royal Family of Thanjavur.

Schwartz Church :Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev. C.V.Schwartz of the Danish Mission.(In the Palace Garden).

Rajagopala Beerangi : A very big Beerangi is there in Thanjavur East Kothalam (ramport)of the Fort. The place is called 'Beerangi Medu'. It has been remarked as "Dasmedu". Once upon a time that place was used as a Bell announcement stage.

Sharja Madi : It is located in the Palace complex. It is opened for Tourists. One can have panaromic view of Thanjavur city. The wooden Sculptures are inside the Sharja Madi.

Tholkappiyar Sadukkam : During the 8th World Tamil Conference, this Sadukkam(Square) was built. One can have a panaromic view of Thanjavur Town from the Tower.

Uppliyappan Koil : This place is 6 kms., from Kumbakonam and 46 kms. away from Thanjavur. Lord Venkatesaperumal dedicated like Tirupathi Balaji "Oppil Upper" is the other name . It is connected by bus route from Kumbakonam to Nachiarkoil.

EXCURSION

Kumbakonam: (36 kms.)Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Nageswarar and the Ramaswamy temples are located here. Mahamagam congregation takes place once in 12 years; last held in 1992.

Swamimalai: (32 kms.) One of the six Abodes (Arupadaiveedu) dedicated to Lord Subramanya.

Thirubuvanam: (45 kms). 13th Century Chola Temple dedicated to Lord Siva and this is renowned for silk weaving.

Thiruvaiyaru (13 kms.) : Where the famous Saint Thyagaraja lived and attained Samadhi. Music festival is held here every January in honour of the saint composer.

Grant Anicut (48 kms.) : Known for its engineering marvel, this ancient Dam consisting of solid mass of rough stone and clay, stretching across the River Cauvery in a serpentine fashion. It is a fine picnic spot.

ACCESS
AIR: The nearest Airport Tiruchirapalli is 58 kms.
RAIL: Thanjavur is connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore and Chennai directly. ROAD:Thanjavur is connected with all major cities.

Climate
Max. Min
Summer 36.6°c 32.5°c
Winter 23,5°c 22.8°c

Clothing:
Summer: Light Tropical
Winter: Light Woolen

Access:
Saint Thyagaraja Aradhana Musical Festival - Thiruvaiyaru - January.

Pongal (Tourist) Festival - Thanjavur - 14th to 16th January.

Mahamaham Festival at Kumbakonam - February & March once in 12 years. Last held in 1992.

Annai Velankanni Festival - August-September.

Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Car Festival - Thiruvarur - March and April.

Muthupallakku Thiruvizha - Tiruvarur - May.

Rajaraja Chola's Birthday - Sathaya Thiruvizha - October every year at Thanjavur.