G.B. International ::- Thanjavur
| Chennai | Chidambaram | Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) |
|---|---|---|
| Madurai | Rameshwaram | Kanyakumari |
| Coimbatore | Mahabalipuram | Thanjavur |
| Kanchipuram | Coonoor | South India |
Thanjavur
The imposing vimanam at the Brahadeeshwara Temple Scenically one of the most enchanting districts in the state, green, airy, Thanjavur lies to the east of Trichy and has the reputation as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. It is not surprising that the great Cholas chose Thanjavur as the location of some of their most magnificent creations, since this now small city once occupied the proud position as their capital and most treasured territory. Though the history of Thanjavur is far older than the Chola period itself, it is during their reign between the 10th and 14th centuries that the city rose to dizzying heights, becoming the centre of Tamil learning and culture. One of the best temples in South India, the Brahadeeshwarar temple or the Big Temple built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola, is that dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidan temple architecture. What makes the construction so unique is the diversion from the usual temple building norms of having a tall gopuram and a smaller vimanam (the tower over the sanctum). At the Big temple the vimanam soars high while the gopuram remain stunted. The 64.8m tall, 14 tiered pyramid shaped vimanam rises from a square base and is topped by a huge monolithic cupolas carved out from an 81.3 tonne block of granite that was installed with the aid of a 6km long inclined plane. The tower is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects who planned its construction in such a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground.
In keeping the 'bigness' of the temple is the gigantic Mahalingam in the shrine and the massive Nandi at the portals. Measuring 6m in length, 2.6m in breath and 3.7m in height, it is the second largest monolithic Nandi in the country.
Places of Interest
Brihadishwara TempleThe Brihadishwara Temple was built by the great Chola Emperor Raja Raja in the later tenth/ early eleventh century. The Temple is a fine example of Dravidian temple architecture. The tower over the sanctum sanctorum soars high (64.5 meters) and is topped by a huge monolithic cupola carved out from an 80 tonnes block of granite. An interesting story goes that an inclined plane was built so that an elephant could roll the block all the way to the top to install it. As an elephant cannot walk backwards another plane was built on the other side for the elephant to return to the ground. Whether, it happened or not, it makes a great story. It is indeed a great feat of engineering. All the more as the construction, was done in such a way that the shadow of the cupola never falls on the ground. The sanctum sanctorum has a four meter high lingam with a circumference of 7 meters. The inner walls of the temple have the many mudras (poses) of Bharatnatyam (classical Indian dance) portrayed by dancing damsels. Perhaps the sculptors did this as Shiva the presiding deity is also the God of Dance (Natraja).
Thanjavur Palace
The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas.
Art Gallery
In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period. Timings 9 a.m to 1. p.m., 2.p.m. to 6.p.m.
Saraswathi Mahal Library
In another section of the palace is a library where over 30,000 palm leaves and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages are preserved. (Closed on Wednesday). Timings 10 a.m to 1 p.m.and 1.30p.m. to 5.30p.m.
Hall of Music
Also in the Palace is the acoustically perfect ancient music hall.
Sharja Madi
It is located in the Palace complex. It is opened for Tourists. One can have panaromic view of Thanjavur city. The wooden Sculptures are inside the Sharja Madi.
Uppliyappan Koil
This place is 6 kms., from Kumbakonam and 46 kms. away from Thanjavur. Lord Venkatesaperumal dedicated like Tirupathi Balaji "Oppil Upper" is the other name . It is connected by bus route from Kumbakonam to Nachiarkoil.
Festivals
About 14 kms from Thanjavur, a Carnatic classical musical festival is celebrated at Thiruvaiyaru in the month of January. It is celebrated in honor of the Carnatic music saint, Thyagaraja.How to Reach
By AirThe nearest airport from Thajavur is situated about 65 kms east of Tiruchi. It serves planes from the Middle East, Colombo, Chennai and Madurai. The next closest airport is at Madurai about 200 Kms away. Another airport is Chennai airport about 350 kms away from Thanjavur.
By Rail
There is a railway junction in Thanjavur. It is well connected with Tiruchi, Chennai and Nagore.
By Road
Thanjavur is well connected with all the major towns in Tamil Nadu. It is also connected with Kochi, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala and Bangalore in Karnataka.