Built in 1010 CE by the Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I, the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur is a monumental achievement of Dravidian architecture. As a key part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Great Living Chola Temples,' it is renowned for its towering 66-meter granite vimana, a monolithic Nandi statue carved from a single 20-tonne rock, and exquisite frescoes, sculptures, and inscriptions. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Brihadeeswarar, it remains an active center of worship where daily rituals are performed, seamlessly blending ancient heritage with living tradition.
Darshan & Daily Rituals
Temple is open for morning darshan and rituals.
Temple is closed for the afternoon after Uchikala Pooja.
Temple reopens for evening darshan and Sayaratchai Pooja.
Ardha Jama Pooja (final ritual). Temple closes for the night.
General Entry
Free entry for all visitors to the temple complex. No ticket is required for general darshan.
Special Darshan Pass
A paid pass for a separate, faster-moving queue to reduce waiting time.
Periyanayaki Amman
Consort (Parvati)
Vinayaka
Son (Ganesha)
Subramanya
Son (Murugan)
Mahashivratri
The grand night-long festival for Lord Shiva, featuring special abhishekam, cultural performances, and continuous prayers.
Pradosham
A significant fortnightly ritual for Lord Shiva, observed with special poojas during the twilight hours on the 13th day of the lunar cycle.