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For a long time, I have wanted to visit Brihadeshwara Temple and the other Chola Temples of Thanjavur. And finally, when I did, I realized with wonderment, why UNESCO has described them as the “Great Living Chola Temples!”
Thanjavur is forever etched in history as the home of one of the greatest kingdoms that India has ever seen, the Cholas. With a historic rule stretching well over four hundred years, from the 9th to the 13th centuries, they, in their prime ruled most of south and central India and even expanded their territories to the River Ganges in the north.
Among their many contributions, the Three Great Living Chola Temples—Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram—stand as magnificent testaments to their artistic brilliance and spiritual devotion.
Having planned a family budget trip to Thanjavur and visited all three Chola temples by public transport, I have amassed quite a wealth of knowledge about the place and its attractions. In this blog, I’ll take you through the 15 most handy information you will need to plan a visit to the Brihadeshwara Temple and the other Chola Temples of Thanjavur. You will find here many practical tips on planning the Chola temple visit, including where to eat, and where to buy souvenirs in Thanjavur.
15 Things to Know for Planning a Visit to the Chola Temples of Thanjavur
#1 Location of the Three Chola Temples
The first thing you need to know for planning a visit to the Chola Temples of Thanjavur is that there are three of them not just the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur town.
The Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD is the oldest and the most famous of them all.
This was followed by the Brihadeshwara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram by Rajendra Chola I in 1035 AD.
Finally, the Airavatesvara Temple is at Darasuram, on the outskirts of the city of Kumbakonam, completed in 1166 AD by Rajendra Chola I
While Brihadeshwara Temple is in the heart of Thanjavur town, Airavatesvara Temple is located just outside Kumbakonam, at Darasuram. The farthest temple, Brihadeshwara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is over 70 kilometers from Thanjavur.
#2 The Temples’ UNESCO Status
The Chola Temples of Thanjavur are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are collectively referred to as the “Great Living Chola Temples” as they have kept the Chola traditions and ancient rites of worship alive for over a thousand years. While Brihadeshwara Temple at Thanjavur was conferred UNESCO status in 1987, the other two temples were added to the list only by 2004.
#3 Best Time to Visit the Chola Temples
The best time to visit the Chola Temples of Thanjavur is from October to February. I would recommend you plan your visit during this time for its pleasant weather. Thanjavur may experience occasional rain from November to early December so that is something you should watch out for. We visited in November and got to explore Thanjavur town is cool weather, even in the afternoon. We were lucky to not have rain on our days of visit.
During March to September, Tamil Nadu experiences extremely hot and humid weather. This time is not suitable for outdoor exploration in Thanjavur as you could get sick due to heatwave or dehydration.
#4 How to Reach the Chola Temples
How to Reach Thanjavur: Thanjavur is well connected with the major cities of Tamil Nadu like Chennai and Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). Thanjavur has its own railway station, located just 1.4 kilometers from the Brihadeshwara Temple, which is why the train is the best mode of transportation to Thanjavur if you want to explore the Chola temples.
The nearest airport to Thanjavur is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 61 kilometers from Thanjavur Town.
Thanjavur is also connected to major cities of Tamil Nadu, such as Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy, by state and private bus services.
How to Reach the Chola Temples: Once you are in Thanjavur, you can reach Brihadeshwara Temple by simply hiring an autorickshaw. To plan a visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram, you will need to either hire a taxi or use public transport.
If you plan to take public transport, head to Thanjavur Old Bus Stand to board a state bus to Kumbakonam. The journey would take almost an hour. From here, you can hire an autorickshaw to Darasuram (4 kilometers) to reach Sri Airavateshwara Temple.
To visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram, you will first need to get a bus to Kumbakonam from Thanjavur and then board a bus for Jayankondam and deboard at Gangaikonda Cholapuram. The temple is by the roadside and you could ask the bus conductor to inform you when you arrive at the stop.
#5 Chola Temple Timings
The Thanjavur temples have different opening and closing times. Brihadeshwara Temple is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:30 pm; however, the darshan time at Brihadeswara Temple is from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and then again from 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm. You will be able to see inside the temple only during the darshan hours; at all other times, it will be closed.
Sri Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 am to noon and then again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Brihadeswara Temple at Gangaikonda Cholapuram is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. The temple is open for darshan from 6:00 am to noon and then again from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
#6 Entry Fees for Visiting Chola Temples
There is no entry fee to visit Brihadheswara Temple or the other Chola temples despite their UNESCO status as they are religious sites.
However, at Brihadeshwara Temple, you will need to leave your footwear at a counter next to the cloakroom. The person at the desk will provide you with a sack to put your group’s footwear in and hang the sacks at the counter with token numbers You need to pay Rs. 5 per person and show the receipt to collect your sack after matching it with the token number on the sack.
At Sri Aitavateswara Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple, there is no special procedure for footwear management as they do not get as huge a crowd as Thanjavur Brihadeshwara Temple.
#7 Dress Code and Etiquettes at Chola Temples
The dress code for the Chola temples includes wearing modest Indian dresses like salwar kameez or sarees for women and shirts and pants/normal fit jeans for men. Women should avoid wearing sleeveless or shorts, or anything exposing their arms or knees, while men should avoid shorts, low-waist jeans, and t-shirts with inappropriate graphics or texts.
The dress code is not strictly imposed, meaning, no one will deny you entry for dressing inappropriately; however, you can try your best to respect the local religious and cultural sentiments.
#8 Photography Rules at Thanjavur Temples
Photography and videography are allowed in all three Chola Temples. However, you cannot take photos from inside Brihadeshwara Temple’s inner sanctum.
#9 Accommodation Options
You will need to plan an overnight stay in Thanjavur to visit all three Chola temples. I feel it is best to stay in Thanjavur town and plan a day trip to visit Airavateshwara Temple and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temples as I did not find many accommodation options in these places when I checked for my trip.
#10 Should You Get Guided Tours for the Chola Temples?
Yes, you should consider a guided tour of the Chola temples to enrich your visit with fascinating facts and details you might otherwise miss. These temples feature intricate architectural and cultural elements, and having a guide will significantly enhance your experience, especially at the Brihadeeswarar and Airavateswarar temples.
At both temples, you can hire a local guide for just Rs. 800 from the information desk. The guided tour lasts around 1 to 1.5 hours at each site. However, keep in mind that only a few guides are available, so securing one depends on availability. Be cautious of fake guides and ensure you hire only from the official information counter.
If you do not plan to hire a guide for your Brihadeshwara Temple visit, I would recommend watching this audio-visual 3D Virtual Tour on the Tamil Nadu government’s website.
#11 Toilet Facilities at the Chola Temple Premises
The Chola Temples, being UNESCO World Heritage Sites and major pilgrimage destinations, have basic public toilet facilities on their premises. These restrooms are maintained by temple authorities and local administration, but the cleanliness can vary. It’s advisable to carry personal hygiene essentials like tissues and hand sanitizers. We found them all to be clean, though.
#12 Nearby Attractions
Thanjavur is surrounded by several historical and cultural landmarks that complement a visit to the Chola temple. The Thanjavur Maratha Palace, with its grand Durbar Hall and Saraswathi Mahal Library, offers a deep dive into royal history. Thanjavur Royal Palace Museum, Thanjavur Museum, and Rajali Birds Park are other must-visit attractions in Thanjavur.
When you are at Darasuram, you can visit famous temples like the Sarangapani and Adi Kumbeswarar temples in Kumbakonam.
#13 Souvenir Shopping
Thanjavur is a paradise for art and heritage lovers, offering a variety of unique souvenirs. The most sought-after items include Tanjore paintings, known for their intricate gold foil work and divine depictions. Thanjavur dancing dolls (Thalaiyatti Bommai), with their mesmerizing bobblehead movement, make for delightful keepsakes.
Traditional bronze idols, handcrafted using the lost-wax technique, are perfect for those who appreciate heritage craftsmanship. You can also find Thanjavur silk sarees, famous for their luxurious feel and intricate designs. Local markets and government-run handicraft emporiums are the best places to shop for these treasures.
#14 Festivals to Experience
Thanjavur comes alive during its vibrant festivals, offering visitors a chance to witness its deep-rooted cultural traditions.
The Natyanjali Dance Festival, held at the Brihadeeswarar Temple during Maha Shivaratri, brings together classical dancers from across India in a mesmerizing celebration of Bharatanatyam and other dance forms. Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival in January, is a joyous occasion marked by traditional cooking, kolam art, and cultural performances.
Nearby Mahamaham Festival, held every 12 years in Kumbakonam, is a grand religious event where devotees take a holy dip in the Mahamaham tank. Navaratri is another major festival, during which temples and homes are adorned with golu (doll displays), celebrating Tamil traditions and mythology.
#15 Essentials to Carry
A trip to Thanjavur, especially to explore its temples and heritage sites, requires some essentials for a comfortable experience. Carry light cotton clothing if visiting during summer, as the heat can be intense, and don’t forget a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Keep a water bottle to stay hydrated, as sightseeing can be tiring.
History and Significance of the Chola Temples
Brihadeshwara Temple Thanjavur
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 CE, is a towering masterpiece of Tamil architecture and a symbol of the Chola dynasty’s power and devotion.
Commonly referred to as the Periya Kovil or “Big Temple,” it was constructed to commemorate Raja Raja Chola’s military victories and artistic excellence. The temple’s most striking feature is its colossal vimana (tower), which rises to 216 feet, making it one of the tallest in the world. The Shiva Linga housed within the sanctum is massive, as is the monolithic Nandi statue, which measures over 13 feet in length and 16 feet in height.
The walls are adorned with exquisite frescoes and carvings, depicting royal life and mythological stories. Architecturally, the temple is a marvel, constructed entirely from granite, a material transported from distant quarries.
The 80-ton capstone at the top of the vimana is believed to have been placed using an inclined plane, a feat of engineering ingenuity.
Interestingly, the temple’s vimana is designed in such a way that its shadow never falls on the ground at noon, adding to its architectural mystique.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, built by Rajendra Chola I in 1035 CE, stands as a tribute to his victorious campaign up to the Ganges River. Located in the Chola capital of Gangaikonda Cholapuram, this temple reflects the grandeur and cultural dominance of the Chola empire.
Like its counterpart in Thanjavur, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and features an enormous Shiva Linga, over 13 feet tall. The temple walls are intricately carved with mythological stories, depictions of celestial beings, and scenes celebrating Rajendra Chola’s conquests.
Though its vimana is shorter than the one in Thanjavur, it is more ornate, showcasing a refined architectural style. The octagonal kalasa (finial) at the top of the vimana is a rare feature, adding to its uniqueness. The carvings include remarkable sculptures, such as Lord Shiva performing the Tandava dance, showcasing the temple’s artistic excellence.
Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
The Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, built by Raja Raja Chola II in the 12th century CE, is a gem of Chola artistry and devotion.
Named after Airavata, the white elephant of Lord Indra who worshipped Shiva here, the temple is renowned for its intricacy. Its most iconic feature is the stone chariot, part of the mandapa (hall) designed to look like a chariot being pulled by horses. The temple is adorned with sculptures depicting stories from the Vedas, Puranas, and Chola-era daily life.
A unique architectural feature is the musical steps at the entrance, which produce different notes when tapped, demonstrating the Cholas’ advanced understanding of acoustics. Although smaller in scale than the Brihadeeswarar and Gangaikonda Cholapuram temples, it is celebrated for the exquisite detailing of its carvings, where even the finest jewelry and expressions are visible.
The temple’s design allows sunlight to illuminate the sanctum at specific times of the year, adding to its mystical charm.
Winding Up: Planning a Visit to the Chola Temples of Thanjavur
Visiting the Brihadeeswarar Temple and the other Great Living Chola Temples of Thanjavur is a journey through history, spirituality, and architectural brilliance. With careful planning—choosing the right time to visit, hiring a knowledgeable guide, and exploring nearby attractions—you can fully immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Chola era.
I hope you found my guide to planning a visit to Brihadeshwara Temple and other Chola Temples of Thanjavur useful. Let me know of your experience in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
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