About Brihadishwara Temple

The Brihadishwara Temple, also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Koyil, is one of the most visited attractions in Tamil Nadu. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, although there are also shrines to Ganesha, Chandra, and others. The temple’s monuments were built around a moat in the 11th century, with a fortified wall built sometime in the 16th century.

The Brihadishwara Temple is one of the largest temples in southern India in Dravidian architecture. It acclaims to be one of the largest Shiva lingams in India. He stands 29 feet high, which is two storeys of the sanctum. The tower, built out of a single block of granite, with a cupola dome weighing 25 tons set on top of it, is also a sight to see.

The sanctum is only open to priests, but you can see the splendid murals and frescos that cover the pathway walls from floor to ceiling. The two mandapa also have artwork and shrines.

Painters have been using natural pigments infused in the wet limestone to restore the 7,200 sq ft Chola frescos. They tell the story of Hindu mythology, as well as noble and common life in India.

Must See

  • Keralantakan Tiruvasal 
  • Rajarajan Tiruvasal 
  • Nandi Mandapam 
  • Sri Vimana of Brihadeeswarar Temple 
  • Cloister mandapa of Thanjavur temple 
  • Ganesha Shrine 
  • Subramanya Shrine 
  • Amman Shrine 
  • Nataranjan  Mandapam  

How to reach

By Car

It takes about 5-7 minutes to reach the Temple.

By Foot

The Temple is at walking distance of approx. 1.8 km.

Tips

  • Shoes are not allowed in the temple premises.
  • Women should wear a long dress covering arms and legs.
  • Taking pictures inside the shrines is not allowed.
  • Tanjore paintings are quite famous, you can look for them if you are an art connoisseur.
  • Carry strollers along for children.
  • Do not litter on the premises.
  • Maintain proper etiquette.

Visit Time

Sunday                                6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Monday                               6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Tuesday                              6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday                         6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Thursday                             6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Friday                                  6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Saturday                              6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m, 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

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Waiting Time

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Entrance Fee

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Time you can spend

1-2 hours

 

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Weather

Overcast Clouds 32.61°C

 

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