Bṛhadīśvara Temple
Thanjai Periya Kovil
The Chola granite mountain, a World Heritage Site
From the official temple website
Managed by Tamil Nadu HR&CE (worship) with ASI custody of the monument
⭐ Why it is famous
A 66-metre vimāna crowned by an 80-tonne capstone, a 4 m monolithic Nandi, and Rājarāja Chola's inscriptions covering the plinth.
📜 Pilgrimage history
Completed in 1010 CE by Rājarāja Chola I; part of the UNESCO 'Great Living Chola Temples' along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram.
🕰️ Temple timings
- 06:00 – 12:30 and 16:00 – 20:30
🙏 Darśan details
- Free entry
- Abhiṣekam in the early morning
- ASI monument — best light at sunrise
🚉 Location & getting there
📍 Bṛhadīśvara Temple, Thanjavur, ThanjavurThanjavur Jn (TJ) — 2 km
Thanjavur bus stand — state transport buses stop here.
Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) — 60 km
Buses from Trichy (1.5 h) and Kumbakonam.
🪔 Poojas, sevās & tickets
This temple does not publish a rate list. Darśan is free; ārcanā, abhiṣeka and other sevās are booked at the counter inside the temple on the day.
🧭 Around the temple
Places to see besides the temple — tap any one to open it in Google Maps.
🛏️ Where to stay
- Heritage hotels in Thanjavur
- Budget lodges near the bus stand
₹ Indicative trip cost (per head, 2 days)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₹2,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹10,000 |
🛕 Nearby temples
📌 Other attractions nearby
- Thanjavur Royal Palace & Saraswathi Mahal Library
- Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram