Thanjavur Temples

Thanjavur, the famed capital of the mighty Cholas, is also famous for its many places of worship. Here, let us 'visit' some Thanjavur Temples, the famous Temples in and near Thanjavur, and learn briefly about their history, architectural greatness, and religious significance.

Brihadishvara Temple, Thanjavur

Brihadishvara Temple, or the Big Temple, is an architectural marvel. Built by the well-known Tamil king Raja Raja Chola in 1010 CE as Rajarajeswaram in his capital Thanjavur, this celebrated abode of Lord Shiva remains a 'Great Living Chola Temple.' It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This massive concrete structure built in the sprawling area of about 33,000 square feet includes the sanctum, housing a colossal Linga image, a majestic tower rising to a height of 216 feet above it, a Nandi hall in front, imposing corridors, sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions. With additions by the subsequent ruling dynasties, the Temple occupies a pride of place among the centers of worship of this land.

We can undoubtedly claim this as the most famous of Thanjavur Temple.

The Brihadisvara Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Another World Heritage Site and a 'Great Living Chola Temple,' this Shiva abode was raised by Raja Raja's son Rajendra in 1035 CE in his capital. Slightly smaller but more refined than the Thanjavur Temple of the same name, this is also a concrete structure built in the Dravidian architectural style, with the main shrine, a graceful Vimana of curvilinear contour, Mandapas, artworks, bronze sculptures, the Nandi image, and inscriptions.

Though not a Thanjavur Temple per se, this is definitely one of the well-known Temples near Thanjavur.

Airavatesvara Temple, Dharasuram, Kumbakonam

Another Chola architectural masterpiece of the Thanjavur belt, the Airavatesvara Temple of the 12th century CE, is the creation of King Rajarara II. Classified as Karakkoil, a Temple shaped like a chariot, it is drawn by stone horses and has 2 sundials that serve as its wheels. Airavata, the white elephant and the royal mount of the celestial king Indra, worshiped Shiva here and was relieved of his curse, giving the name Airavatesvara to the principal deity. There are 108 inscriptions here that speak about the life of Shaivite saints.

This world heritage monument can also be counted as a worth-visiting Temple near Thanjavur.

Thanjai Mamani Koil, Thanjavur

This is a Divyadesam, one among the 108 highly Sacred Vishnu temples the Alwar saints have sung about. Built by the medieval Cholas and expanded subsequently by the Vijayanagara and Nayak kings, it is a cluster of 3 temples dedicated to Lords Neelamegha Perumal, Manikundra Perumal, and Veera Narasimha Perumal. A legend claims that Vishnu killed the demon Thanjaka here and then named this place after him as per his wish; that is how Thanjavur got its name.

This is a well-worshiped Thanjavur Temple of Vishnu.

Aiyaarappar Temple, Thiruvaiyaru

The 5 rivers, Cauvery, and its tributaries give the name Thiruvaiyaaru to this fertile village and also to Shiva here as Aiyaarappar, the Lord of the 5 rivers. Nayanmars, the Shaivite saints of the 7th century, have sung hymns in this Lord's praise, while his consort Parvati, too, is enshrined in the Temple as Aram Valartha Naayagi. Thiruvaiyaru is also renowned internationally for its annual Thyagaraja Aradhana music festival, dedicated to the saint composer who lived here.

This Sacred Temple near Thanjavur can as much be taken as a Thanjavur Temple.

Bangaru Kamakshiamman Temple, Thanjavur

This famous Temple in Thanjavur town is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi. Bangaru is gold; as the idol of the principal deity is made of gold, she is called Bangaru Kamakshi. It is also said that this idol was brought from Kanchipuram Kamakshi Amman Temple, so Kanchi Shankara Mutt administers this Temple. The Maratha ruler of Thanjavur, Pratap Singh Bhonsle, built this Temple in 1760.

Swaminathaswamy Temple, Swamimalai

There are 6 chosen temples of Lord Muruga, known as Padai Veedu, his battle stations; one of them is the Swaminathaswamy Temple, located on the artificial hillock Swamimalai. Muruga is believed to have explained the meaning of the Sacred Pranava 'Om' to his father or Swami, Lord Shiva, and hence devotees worship Muruga as Swami Natha Swamy here. Thousands of devotees attend the grand celebration of Vaikasi Visakam, Muruga's day of birth. Situated near the Temple town of Kumbakonam, this remains one of the famous Temples in Thanjavur belt.

Thyagarajaswamy Temple, Thiruvarur

Thyagarajaswamy Temple in Tiruvarur, spread across 30 acres, is one of the largest in India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, worshiped here as Thyagaraja. Studded with massive gateway towers and broad Mandapams, this ancient Temple also has an equally colossal tank, Kamalalayam, one of the largest in the state. Tiruvarur remains the birthplace of Saint composers Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshithar, and Shyama Sastrigal, the celebrated musical trinity. This Tiruvarur Temple also holds the rich heritage of Thanjavur Temples aloft.

Hara Sapavimochana Perumal Temple, Thirukandiyur

This Temple is a Divyadesam, a much-revered abode of Vishnu, praised by the Azhwar saints. The Lord here is believed to have absolved Shiva of his curse and hence goes by the name Hara Sapa Vimochana. In addition to the Vishnu and Shiva shrines, we can also worship Brahma and his consort Saraswati here, which is a rarity. This Temple near Thanjavur can also be counted as a Thanjavur Temple.

Kuberapureeshwarar Temple, Thanjavur

Kubera, the Lord of riches, worshiped Shiva here to get back his wealth from Ravana and regain his position. In the process, Shiva here became Kuberapureeshwara. As Goddesses Dhana Lakshmi and Dhairya Lakshmi are also enshrined here, people can receive wealth and courage blessings through this Thanjavur Temple worship.