Explore the sacred temples of Thanjavur — home to the UNESCO World Heritage Brihadeeswara Temple and many other ancient shrines built by the great Chola dynasty.
Discover the sacred temples in the Tanjore region
This temple is one of India's most prized architectural sites. A UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as Periya Kovil, RajaRajeswara Temple.
The main deity at the temple is Lord Shiva who is worshipped here in the form of Kailasanthar.
Lord Shiva graces in the temple as swayambumurthi. Sage Mrigandu and his wife Maruthuvathi were praying to Lord Shiva for child.
Thiruvelliangudi near Kumbakonam is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Visiting here is equivalent to visiting all the 108 Divya Desams.
Lord Shiva in the temple is a Swayambumurthy. Sun God dedicates his puja through his rays on the Shivalinga in Aavani month.
Moolavar - Akshayapureeswarar, Ambal - Abhivruddhi Nayaki. Poosam/Pushya starrers are generally respectful to elders and pious.
The Swaymbulinga in the place was buried under the sand due to heavy floods during the reign of a Chola king.
Moolavar - Varadaraja Perumal, Thayar - Perundevi. A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in the holy city of Kanchipuram.
Moolavar - Brahammagnana Pureeswarar, Ambal - Pushpavalli. Avittam star people are generally well to do and popular.
Moolavar - Tiruvaneshwar, Ambal - Kamakshi Amman. Poorattadhi star people are capable of understanding others.
Moolavar - Abhaya Varadeeswarar, Ambal - Sundaranayaki. Tiruvadhirai star have pleasant characters making friends.
Explore temples across Tamil Nadu
Temples in the silk city
Sacred temples in the temple town
Ancient temples in Trichy
Temples in the temple city of Madurai
Temples in and around Chennai
Complete guide to Tamil Nadu temples
Marvel at the magnificent Gopurams and intricate carvings of ancient Dravidian temple architecture found across Tamil Nadu.
Home to both Saivite and Vaishnavite traditions with temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu and other deities.
Embark on a divine journey across Tamil Nadu's sacred temple towns, each with unique spiritual significance.
Thanjavur (Tanjore) is one of the most important cultural and temple cities in Tamil Nadu. The city was the capital of the great Chola dynasty and is home to the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, this temple is a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture with its 66-meter high vimana (tower).
The Chola kings were great patrons of temple architecture and the Thanjavur region is dotted with temples from their era. The Big Temple (Periya Kovil) is the crown jewel, but the surrounding areas also have numerous Shiva and Vishnu temples that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Cholas.
Thanjavur is well connected by road and rail from Chennai and Trichy. Devotees can plan to visit the major temples in one to two days. The city is also famous for its Tanjore paintings and classical music heritage. The best time to visit is between October and March.