Tamil Nadu UNESCO Sites: 2025 Guide to Must-See Heritage Destinations
Tamil Nadu, often called the “Land of Temples,” is a treasure trove of history, culture, and architectural marvels. Among its many historical gems, some have earned global recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making them must-visit destinations for history lovers and travelers alike.
1. Great Living Chola Temples in Tamil Nadu
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Built in 1010 AD by Raja Raja Chola I, Brihadeeswarar Temple is an architectural masterpiece. Its 216-foot Vimana (tower), built entirely out of granite, remains one of the tallest temple towers in the world. The temple’s Nandi statue, carved from a single stone, and the stunning frescoes inside make it a must-visit.
📍 Location: Thanjavur
⭐ Why Visit? Architectural brilliance, intricate sculptures.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple, constructed by Rajendra Chola I, was meant to rival Brihadeeswarar Temple. The deity inside is a massive Shiva Lingam, and the temple walls have some of the finest stone carvings from the Chola period.
📍 Location: Ariyalur District
⭐ Why Visit? Stunning Dravidian architecture.
Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram
Smaller than the other two, this temple is known for its musical steps—when tapped, they produce different sounds. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it reflects the exquisite artistry of the Chola period.
📍 Location: Near Kumbakonam
⭐ Why Visit? Unique musical steps, intricate carvings.
2. Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram: The Pallava Wonder
Dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, Mahabalipuram (or Mamallapuram) is home to incredible rock-cut temples and sculptures built by the Pallava kings. This site, located along the Coromandel Coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a favorite among history and photography enthusiasts.
Five Rathas
These monolithic rock temples are each carved from a single stone, dedicated to different Hindu gods. They are named after the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Shore Temple
One of the oldest structural temples in South India, the Shore Temple stands against the backdrop of the sea. The temple has withstood centuries of storms and continues to be an architectural marvel.
Arjuna’s Penance & Krishna’s Butter Ball
These are two of the most famous rock carvings in Mahabalipuram. Arjuna’s Penance is a massive open-air relief, while Krishna’s Butter Ball is a giant rock that mysteriously balances on a slope.
📍 Location: Mahabalipuram | ⭐ Why Visit? Rock-cut temples, beachside views.
3. Nilgiri Mountain Railway: A Scenic UNESCO Ride
The Nilgiri Mountain Railway (NMR), part of the UNESCO-listed Mountain Railways of India, is one of Tamil Nadu’s most scenic travel experiences. This toy train, which connects Mettupalayam to Ooty, runs through lush tea plantations, misty hills, and charming tunnels.
Built in 1908, it still operates with steam and diesel locomotives, making it a nostalgic journey for train lovers.
📍 Route: Mettupalayam – Coonoor – Ooty
⭐ Why Visit? A historic train ride with breathtaking views.
Other Notable Heritage Sites in Tamil Nadu
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
One of India’s most visited temples, the Meenakshi Temple is famous for its towering gopurams (gateway towers) decorated with thousands of colorful sculptures.
Thirumalai Nayakar Mahal, Madurai
A stunning 17th-century palace built by King Thirumalai Nayak, blending Dravidian and Islamic architectural styles. The light and sound show in the evening narrates the history of the palace.
Chettinad Mansions, Karaikudi
The Chettinad region is famous for its ornate mansions, built by the wealthy Chettiar community. These palatial homes feature Italian marble, Burmese teak, and intricate Athangudi tiles.
Preserving Tamil Nadu’s Heritage
Tamil Nadu’s heritage is not just about monuments—it’s about the stories, traditions, and culture that have been passed down for centuries. The UNESCO recognition helps in preserving these sites, but it’s also important for travelers to respect and protect these places.
How can you contribute?
- ✔️ Follow eco-friendly travel practices.
- ✔️ Respect temple rules and dress codes.
- ✔️ Support local artisans and traditional crafts.
Final Thoughts
From the grandeur of Chola temples to the intricate carvings of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu’s heritage sites are windows into the past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or a curious traveler, exploring these UNESCO-listed wonders will leave you awe-inspired.
📌 Planning your trip? Visit the official UNESCO website for more details.
Narthamalai, a small town located 25 km from Trichy on the Trichy – Pudukottai highway in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is a place of both historical significance and natural beauty. The town is renowned for the Vijayalaya Choleeswaram temple, an ancient temple constructed in the 9th century. This hidden gem is home to ancient rock-cut temples, lush landscapes, and a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Temples within Narthamalai cave complex – Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple:
- Vijayalaya Choleeswaram Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest stone temples in South India which showcases the Dravida style of architecture and rock-cut architecture.
- On the way here there is a headless lion. Also there is a Kudaivara temple cut for Lord Shiva at a depth of about 15 feet. Inside this sunai there is a beautiful lingam carved in a cave in the temple of Jirahareshwarar
- In the central hall of Narthamalai, there are six impressive and meticulously carved depictions of Lord Vishnu. A life-sized portrait of Lord Vishnu within the hall is bound to astonish visitors with the extraordinary skill, painstaking effort, and the considerable time invested in its creation.
- The Sattanathar Temple, the Thayumanaswamy Temple, and the Adinathar Temple are the other temples within the Narthamalai complex.
Architecture of Narthamalai Cave Temples:
- Rock-cut temples : These temples are carved out of natural rock formations, which allows for a harmonious blend of architecture with the surrounding environment.
- Intricate Carvings: The carvings depicted various deities, mythological stories, and celestial beings is a testament to the artistic prowess of the craftsmen of that era.
- Pillared Halls: The Pillared halls with beautiful carved columns were used for various religious ceremonies and gatherings.
- Frescoes: Some of the temples also have remnants of ancient frescoes on their walls and ceilings.
- inner sanctums: Inside the temples, visitors can explore the inner sanctums, which were once the focal points of religious activities. These sanctums often house the main deity of the temple and are considered sacred spaces.
- Gopurams (Entrance Towers):While the rock-cut temples do not have towering gopurams like traditional South Indian temples, they do feature modest entrance towers that are adorned with decorative elements, including sculptures and ornamental designs.
Natural Beauty of Narthamalai:
Narthamalai, surrounded by lush greenery and gentle hills, is an ideal spot for nature lovers and trekkers. Hiking up the hills gives you beautiful views of the nearby countryside and a sense of peace and quiet, which is very different from the busy cities nearby.
How to reach Narthamalai:
Narthamalai is accessible from various nearby towns and cities. The closest major city is Trichy, which has an airport and railway station. From Trichy, it’s approximately a two-hour drive to Narthamalai. Buses and taxis are readily available for the journey.
Chitannavasal, situated near the town of Pudukottai, is a fascinating archaeological site located in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its rock-cut cave temple complex that showcases the architectural and artistic brilliance of ancient India.
Overview of Chitannavasal Cave Temple:
- The primary attraction at Chitannavasal is the Jain rock-cut cave temple, which dates back to the 9th century CE.
- These caves served as a haven for Jain monks, providing them with a place for meditation, worship, and artistic expression.
- The site is of great historical importance as it offers insights into the thriving Jain culture that once flourished in the region.
Architecture of Chitannavasal Cave Temple:
The cave temple complex at Sithanavasal comprises a series of rock-cut shrines adorned with exquisite painting. These paintings primarily depict scenes from Jain mythology, showcasing the lives of Tirthankaras (spiritual leaders) and other important Jain figures. The use of vibrant colors and intricate detailing is a testament to the artistic skills of the period. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken measures to safeguard the site and its artwork from further deterioration.
Chitannavasal Paintings:
The Chitannavasal frescoes are a collection of paintings discovered in the rock-cut temple of Chitannavasal, located in the Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu, India. These frescoes are believed to have been created by Jain monks who lived in the temple during the 9th century AD. The frescoes depict various scenes from Jain mythology and are considered to be one of the earliest examples of South Indian mural art. Sithanavasal Paintings are unique attractions of Sithanavasal Cave Temple.
The frescoes are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details. The pigments used in these frescoes were made from natural materials such as minerals, vegetables, and animal products. The frescoes have been preserved well over time and are a testament to the artistic and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.
Visting hour and Fee structure of Chitannavasal temple:
The temple’s visiting hours are from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The admission fee is Rs. 5/- for Indian nationals and Rs. 100/- for foreign tourists per person.
How to reach Sithanavasal Cave Temple:
The temple is conveniently accessible via buses or taxis. The closest airport is Trichy Airport, located 45 kilometers away, and the nearest railway station is Pudukkottai Railway Station, situated 18 kilometers away.
The monuments at Mahabalipuram are monolith beautiful sculptures depicting our rich history and culture. The monuments and temples at Mahabalipuram including the Shore Temple complex were collectively classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984.
The Mahabalipuram stone sculptures carved in stone have been inspired by the Pallava style of art. Each of the monuments at Mahabalipuram is dedicated to a deity or character from Hindu mythology and thereby represents Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Shaktism.
The monuments include – Rathas (chariot shaped temples), Mandapas (cave temples), Rock Reliefs, Structural Temples and Excavations.
The monuments at Mahabalipuram have lots in store for art lovers and history buffs. Mahabalipuram falls in Kanchipuram District and is well connected to all major cities through road. The nearest airport is at Chennai (around 60 kilometres away).
The National Fossil Wood Park located in Tiruvakkarai in Viluppuram District is maintained and protected by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) since 1957. The park was established in the year 1940 and is located 1 kilometre east of Tiruvakkarai village, 35 kilometres from Puducherry on the road to Tindivanam.
The park is an archive of preserved fossilized trees that are at least 20 million years old.The place gives a glimpse of the floral composition that belonged to the ancient times. The park also has Ancient Burial Site.
Image Attribution : Paramatamil
The Wood Fossils
More than 200 wood fossils are spread over 247 acres in nine separate enclaves around Tiruvakkarai. But the portion of the park open to public is relatively small.
It is believed that the fossils were formed during the massive flooding that occurred aeons ago. Over time, the organic matter inside the trunk got replaced by silica and they got hardened and fossilized. The colour, shape, annular rings and texture was retained. The high level of perfection in petrification process and brilliantly preserved fossil forest in Tiruvakkarai is a rare sight indeed.
The fossilized trees or trunks of trees range from 3 to 15 metres in length. The trunks are scattered and are partially buried in the ground. According to GSI, the absence of roots, barks and branches indicate that the trunks were transported and fossilized in the park.
How to reach National Tiruvakkarai Fossil Wood Park
The park is located 1 kilometre east of Tiruvakkarai village and lies 155 kilometres south-southwest of Chennai following NH 45 up to Kutteripattu via Tindivanam. It is located at a distance of around 28 kilometres from Puducherry Railway Station and about 22 kilometres from Puducherry Airport.
Epilogue
The park is a geological wonder and a relic that stands as a testimony of the past. The rock formations of the woods leave a spectacular impression on one’s minds. Entry to the park and photography is not charged.
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located in Padmanabhapuram near Thuckalay, Kalkulam Taluk of Kanyakumari District. It is also known as Kalkulam Palace.
Padmanabhapuram was the ancient capital of erstwhile kingdom of Travancore. The town is located at a distance of 20 kilometres from Nagercoil and 60 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram.
Padmanabhapuram comes under the State premises of Tamil Nadu but is owned by the Government of Kerala. The Palace is maintained by the Govt. of Kerala Archaeology Department.
The opulence of the royal palace and its astounding architecture makes this place a massive tourist attraction.
Origin and Historical Significance of the Palace
The construction of the palace dates back to 1601 AD under the ruler of Venad (a medieval kingdom) Iravi Varma Kulashekara Perumal. The palace was rebuilt in around 1750 AD by King Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma. The King dedicated the kingdom to his family deity Sree Padmanabha (a form of Lord Vishnu) and ruler the kingdom as a dasa/servant of Lord Padmanabha. And henceforth the palace came to be known as Padmanabhapuram or the city of Lord Padmanabha.
During the reign of Avittam Tirunal Balarama Varma (successor of Marthanda Varma), the fortifications of the palace were captured and utilized by British soldiers in 1809. With the disclosure of a fortified settlement around the Padmanabha Swamy Temple in Thiruvananthpuram, Padmanabhapuram lost its prominence. The 1850’s marked an accelerated decline of the Palace.
In 1934, with the combined efforts of Sree Chithira Tirunal Balarama Varma (the last Maharaja of Travancore), the Queen Mother Sethu Parvathi Bayi and Dewan Sir. C.P. Ramaswami Aiyer, the palace was bought to the notice of the Archaeology Department. In 1935, the palace was converted into a museum complex.
The Palace & Its Unique Rooms
The Padmanabhapuram Palace, spread around an area of 6.5 acres, consists of many divisions that include:
The Reception Hall – The Poomukha Malika
The Poomukha Malika has a triangular arch that leads to other portions of the complex. The engraved wooden ceiling of the arch has 90 different flower carvings.
Mantrasala – The King’s Council Chamber
The Mantrasala is where the King conducted meetings and took administrative decisions. There are fine carvings on the ceiling and beams of the room. The room also has a single gable and eleven small windows (kilivaadhil).
Queen Mother’s Palace – The Thai Kottaram
The Thai Kottaram is the oldest structure in the complex built in the mid of 19th century. The naalukettu style structure (four halls joined together with a central courtyard open to the sky) is finely engraved.
Natakashala/Navarathri Mandapam – The Performance Hall
The rectangular Performance Hall has ornately carved monolith pillars adorned with bands of floral and geometric patterns and human figures in various Natyasastra postures. The hall is adjoined with a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswathi.
Central Mansion
At the center of the palace complex is the four-storeyed building that was constructed during the reign of King Mardhanda Varma. Most of the walls in the palace complex have built-in recesses for storage of weapons.
The ground floor of the mansion houses the royal treasury and first floor houses the king’s bedrooms. The second floor has the king’s resting and study rooms. The top floor also called the Upparikka Malika was used as the worship chamber and has exquisite murals decorated on the walls.
Thekke Kottaram – Southern Palace
The Thekke Kottaram is also an old structure like the Thai Kottaram. This complex houses a heritage museum with exhibits of antique household articles and objects.
The Clock Tower
The Clock Tower is situated to the north of the Mantrasala. It was built by a local blacksmith with the sound covering a 3 kilometre radius.
Other Prominent Features of the Palace
- The Palace is a masterpiece of Kerala architecture. The wooden palace with its murals, black granite flooring, intricate floral carvings and sculpted indoors transports the visitors to the ancient past.
- The palace is said to have a secret passage (now blocked) for usage by the kings and his family in case of any emergencies.
- A flight of steps that lead to a bathing pond.
- Visitors can also marvel at the antiques including old Chinese jars, a variety of weapons, furniture, wood and stone sculptures and paintings depicting the history of Travancore.
- The ornamental cot used by the King is said to have been made of about 64 wooden pieces of a variety of medicinal tree trunks.
Padmanabhapuram Palace Visiting Hours & Fee Details
It is open on all days except for Mondays from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. The Palace is closed on National Holidays. Parking fee of Rs 50 is charged. Visitors can also buy a detailed guide book available in Tamil, English and Malayalam languages, at the ticker counter priced at Rs. 100.
The entrance fee is charged as below:
| Adult | Rs. 35/- |
| Adult (Foreign National) | Rs. 300/- |
| Children (5-12 Yrs) | Rs. 10/- |
| Children (Foreign National) | Rs. 100/- |
| Still Camera | Rs. 50/- |
| Video Camera | Rs. 2500/- |
How to reach Padmanabhapuram Palace
Padmanabhapuram Palace is located 2 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari National Highway (NH 66).
The nearest railway station is at Nagercoil (16 kilometres away) that connects the town with major cities in South India.Trivandrum International Airport is the nearest airport (52 kilometres away).
Epilogue
Padmanabhapuram Palace is a testimony of the traditional style of Kerala architecture. A visit to the place will surely take one to the classic era of the Travancore State.
The city of Gangai Konda Cholapuram is situated at 70 kilometres from Tanjore. It was built in the early 11th century by King Rajendra Chola, the son and successor of King Rajaraja Chola. The city has a prominent place in the history of India as the capital of Chola dynasty for about 250 years. The foundation stone of the Gangai Kinda Cholapuram temple was laid in 1020 AD, to represent the essence of Lord Shiva. This temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site ‘Great Living Chola Temples’.
History of Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
The name Gangai Konda Cholapuram means “The town of the Chola who captured Ganges” marking the victorious march of Rajendra Chola to the Ganges. It epitomizes the accomplishments of the King. The temple is built equivalent to the magnum opus of Brihadeeswara Temple of Tanjavur.
Significance of the temple
The Gangai Konda Cholapuram temple has the biggest Shiva Lingam in South India. The temple is the abode of the 4 metre high lingam of Lord Shiva in phallic form. The unique idol of the Lord in the form of ardhanareesshwar (half masculine, half feminine) reflects the duality that exists in divine energy. The temple is adorned with beautiful sculptures of ‘Suryapita’ and ‘Navagrahas’.
Architecture of Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
The architectural excellence found in the Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple is second to none. The 182 feet tall tower (Vimana) is the second biggest after Thanjavur Big Temple. The temple’s incredible sculptures and carvings, rich and intricate artistry makes it a famous historical spot.
Deities of the Temple
- The temple has the biggest Lingam (13.5 feet high). The Lingam manifestation in a dual form is different from the shrines of other Shiva temples.
- The entrance way to the presiding deity is adorned by a magnificent image of Goddess Saraswathi.
- The statue of Nandi (the vehicle of Lord Shiva) is bigger in size than that of Tanjavur. The Nandi is made of line stone.
- The other notable masterpieces that embellish the sanctum are the cosmic image of Lord Shiva, emblematic representation of the Sun God, the sculpted version of Goddess Parvati and the dancing form of Lord Ganesha.
- A rare stone by name Chandrakanta has been installed under the main shrine which possesses the characteristic of making the sanctum sanctorum warm in winter and cool in summer.
Temple Timings – Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
- 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM
- 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Pooja Timings – Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
| Morning Pooja/Kala Sandhi | 9:00 AM |
| Mid Noon Pooja/Utchi kalam | 12:00 Noon |
| Evening Pooja/Sayaratchai | 6:00 PM |
| Night Pooja/Artha Jamam | 8:00 PM |
Temple Festivals – Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
The major festivals observed in the temple are:
- Maha Shivrathri in February-March
- Aipasi Poornima full moon day in October-November
- Panguni Utsav in March-April
- Margazhi Tiruvadhirai in December-January
How to reach Gangai Konda Cholapuram?
Gangai Konda Cholapuram lies on NH 227 from Chidambaram to Trichy and is well connected to all major cities by road. The place is at a distance of 42 kilometres from Chidambaram and 40 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai. Nearest rail head is at Kumbakonam (34 kilometres). Nearest airport is at Trichy (135 kilometres away), Chennai International Airport is at a distance of 245 kilomteres.
Brihadeeswarar Temple – An Architectural Marvel
Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjore (Thanjavur), Tamil Nadu is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the “Great Living Chola Temples”. Also known as the Big Temple, it has one of the most beautiful architectural grandeur of the Chola era.
The revered Brihadeeswarar temple is located in Thanjavur, about 350 kilometres southwest of Chennai. It is very near (around 1 kilometre) from the Old bus stand in Thanjavur.
History of the Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple also called the Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Koyil was built by King Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century. Tanjavur was an important city to the ancient Cholas, who converted it into a major temple city from a collection of villages. The Brihadeeswara Temple was built in the centre of the city. Its glorious Dravidian architecture and Indian workmanship has made it unique over the years. The temple which was named Rajarajesvaram after it was edified by Raja Raja Chola I in the year 1010 AD, was later on renamed as Brihadeeswara temple following the invasion of Tanjore by The Marathas and Nayakas.
The name Brihadeeswara is derived from two Sanskrit words namely “Brihat” meaning “lofty or big” and “Ishvara” meaning “Lord , Shiva”, giving it the name “The big Lord Shiva temple” or “The all pervasive Lord”.
Architectural Excellence of Brihadeeswarar Temple
A masterpiece in architecture, the Brihadeeswara temple though adopting the architectural elements of South India, was much ahead of its time. And though none of the massive palaces that were built during the reign of the Cholas exist now, the fact that Brihadeeswara Temple has stood the testimony of time for more than a thousand years proves the superior architectural accomplishment of the Chola dynasty and the patron’s incomparable devotion for Lord Shiva. One of the most prominent features of the temple is that it is so designed that the Vimana/Shikara does not cast a shadow at noon. It is also the first complete granite temple in the world built with intricately carved designs.
The temple is a marvel made out in granite, the granite in its massive size is believed to be brought from far off places since it has been observed that no granite quarry is available around the temple.
Structures in and around the Temple
The temple complex is a rectangle one and is built on a higher platform of a man-made mound. It is surrounded by a moat (channel filled with water) on two sides and the Grand Anaicut river on the other side.
There are two entrances to the temple. It can be entered into through a five-story gopuram or through a smaller free-standing gopuram that takes you directly to the main complex. The main gateways or gopurams are on the east side. The first gopuram Keralantakan Tiruvasal was built by and bears the surname of King Rajaraja. The inner courtyard gopuram, about 100 metres ahead is called the Rajarajan Tiruvasal. This gopuram leads to a vast courtyard.
The great tower and the main temple monuments are in the middle of the courtyard. Around the main temple, are a number of sub-shrines that are mostly aligned axially. The large pillared Pradakshina veranda (circumambulation path) is built around the courtyard.
The temple built on a space of 240 metres by 122 metres is divided into five main sections:
- Sri Vimana – The Vimana or temple tower of Brihadeeswara temple is one of the tallest in the world with an elevation of 66 metres. It is unbelievable to see an octagonal-shaped cap stone weighing about 81 tonnes placed on top of the Vimana. The Vimana is referred to as the Dakshina Meru (Meru mountain of the South), owing to its imposing massiveness.
- Nandi Mandapam – At the entrance of the temple is a figurine of Nandi (the consecrated bull, the divine vehicle of Lord Shiva) which is monolithic measuring approximately 13 feet high and 16 feet long. The idol of Nandi, belonging to Nayaka period, has been remarkably carved from a single rock and it faces the main shrine in the sanctum sanctorum. The Nandi Mandapa is filled with pillars with ornate sculptures.
- Mukhamandapam – Mukhamandam or the main community hall is aligned between the Nandi Mandapam and the sanctum. The entrance of the Mukhamandapam has two dwarapalakas (guards). This hall is believed to have been used by musicians and dancers performing in service of Lord Shiva.
- Mahamandapam – The Mahamandapam or the great gathering hall has six pillars on each side filled with artwork. This mandapam also is bordered by two giant stone dwarapalakas. The Mahamandapam is linked to the Mukhamandapam by stairs.
- Ardhamandapam – Ardhamandapam is the building structure that connects the Mahamandapam with the sanctum.
Garba Griha (Sanctum Sanctorum)
The innermost chamber (knows as ‘Periya Kovil’) is at the center of the courtyard. It hosts the chief deity of the temple, Lord Shiva in the form of a huge stone Linga. The Linga is 29 ft high and is one of the largest monolithic sculptures in India.
Other Deities & Sculptures
Other deities of the temple called the Koshtha Moorthigal, are found in the outer wall. These deities include Dakshinamurthy, Surya, Chandra, Agni, Yam, Nirrti, Varuna, Vayu, Kuber, Isana and Ashta Dikpaalakas. In addition to the main deities, each side has dwarapalakas and various sculptures. The ground floor sanctum walls are adorned by the following sculptures:
- East Wall – Lingodbhava, Pashupata Murti and two Dwarapalakas along side the pathway from Ardhamandapam.
- South Wall – Ganesha, Vishnu with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, Lakshmi, Vishnu-Anugraha murti, Bhikshatana, Virabhadra, Dakshinamurti, Kalantaka, Nataraja and the two Dwarapalakas.
- West Wall – Harihara, Lingodbhava, Chandrashekhara without Prabhavali, Chandrashekara with Prabhavali and the two Dwarapalakas.
- North Wall – Ardhanarishvara, Gangadhara without Parvathi, Pashupata Murti, Shiva-Alingana Murti, Saraswati, Mahishasuramardini, Bhairava and the two Dwarapalakas.
On the second floor is depicted, Lord Shiva’s Tripurantaka form (Lord Shiva with four arms-an axe and deer on the upper pair and bow and arrow on the lower pair of the arms) in different postures. Above these floors is the towering Vimana and single granite block.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Attractions
- The walls of the complex are decked with beautiful paintings belonging to the Chola and Nayak period.
- The main temple is entirely built of granite. More than 130,000 tons of granite is said to have been used to build it.
- The temple is said to have inscriptions (in Tamil and Grantha scripts) divulging information about the features of the temple and its construction. The north wall of enclosure includes inscriptions detailing about the people employed and supported by the temple. The inscriptions also state the daily rituals to be conducted, details of offerings and decorations to be made, jewels used in the period, methods of worship on important occasions and other information regarding the administration of the temple.
- The walls and architectural surroundings is said to be adorned with carvings and colourful paintings depicting the rich history of art, culture, mythology and science of the era.
- The temple is more than 1000 years old and finds its place in many of the contemporary works of the period like Muvar Ula and Kalingathuparani.
- The temple has been declared as a heritage monument by the Government of India and administered by the Archaeological Survey of India as a protected monument.
- The temple holds its annual dance festivals for over 10 days around the Mahashivarathri in February.
Temple Timings of Brihadeeswarar Temple
It’s very common to see devotees throng the temple in queues as early as 5:00 AM. Sundays are extremely crowded. Timing are as follows
- 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM and
- 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Brihadeeswarar Temple Pooja Timings
| Morning Pooja/Kala Sandhi | 8:30 AM |
| Mid Noon Pooja/Utchi Kalam | 12:00 Noon |
| Evening Pooja/Sayaratchai | 5:30 PM |
| Night Pooja/Artha Jamam | 8:30 PM |
Brihadeeswarar Temple Festivals
The major festivals observed in the temple are:
- Chitirai Brahotsavam, 18 days festival during the Tamil month of Chitirai (April-May)
- Shivarathri, in the Tamil month of Maasi (February)
- Navarathri, 9 days festival during the Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October)
- Aaruthra Darshanam, in the Tamil month of Marghali (December-January)
- Pradosham, once in every fortnight
- Girivalam, every full moon day (Pournami)
- Special Pooja during the days of Thiruvadhirai, Aadi pooram and Karthigai
- Sathabisha star day every month, which is said to be the birth star of King Rajaraja
Accommodation
Thanjavur is known to be one of the most popular religious and cultural hub in Tamil Nadu. The place offers accommodation facilities that suits every budget and preferences.
How to reach Brihadeeswarar Temple
Thanjavur can be easily accessible by road from nearby cities. Frequent government and private buses take you to Thanjavur throughout the day. Thanjavur is the nearest rail head and Tiruchirapalli Airport (65 kilometres) is the nearest airport.
Epilogue
Being a very popular tourist location, the temple is swarmed by tourists throughout the year. Uncover the grandeur of this temple along with the various legends associated with it. The place is a virtual treat for lovers of photography to soak in the divinity preferably in the morning and evening. A perfect blend of religious atmosphere and sheer architectural splendor, Brihadeeswara temple is indeed a sight to behold.
Theosophical Society is one of the popular attractions in the city of Chennai. A peaceful heaven in the middle of the bustling city situated in Besant Nagar, near Elliot’s beach along the Adyar River. It was founded by Annie Besant in the year 1875. The Society played a vital role in the revival of Hindu culture. It is a lovely oasis in the middle of Chennai.
Society has various shrines and residential buildings. It has figures of Madame Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Alcott, the founders of Theosophical Society. The campus of Theosophical Society consists of a Hindu Temple, Jain Temple, a Church, and a Buddhist Temple. The library within the campus has a rich collection of manuscripts on all major faiths and sacred books.
The Theosophical Society is spread over 260 acres but you can certainly cover the garden, which is home to migratory birds, fruit bats, snakes, jackals, wild cats, mongooses, hares and a variety of spiders. The campus is also known for 450-year-old banyan tree resides in the garden with aerial roots covering 60,000 square meters, provides shelter to 3000 people at once.
A perfect place to take a walk peacefully. Most of the plants and trees here will be labeled here, so it will be interesting when you cross them. We can go with your friends or family to relax for a while. Theosophical Society provides a peaceful, green, vehicle-free retreat from the city. Despite restricted opening hours, it’s a lovely spot to wander. A perfect place for meditation as well.
Samanar Hills, mainly tell us about Jains and Jainism.
It is believed that Samanar (Tamil Jains) saints lived here. So, it was named Samanar hills (Malai). It is situated at Keelakuilkudi village that is 15kms away from Madurai.
The hill shows many inscriptions and sculptures that dates back to the 9th century BCE.
There are two main sculptures Settipodavu and Pechipallam that show Tirthankaras of Jain monks.
Settipodavu shows the image of Mahavira Jain, the last Tirthankara. Pechipallam shows eight sculptures that include Mahavira Jain and Bahubali. It is said that Jains believe that even their breath can kill organisms such as bacteria etc.
Hence, they would kill themselves by fasting and without breathing. Here, evidence of the same can be witnessed in the form of inscriptions.
Stone beds can be seen, where the monks used to rest. The main place to know about Jains and Jainism.
To have a different experience, you must visit this place.
