Day 5: Thanjavur and Brihadeeswara Temple

 Day 5: Thanjavur & The Magnificence of Brihadeeswara Temple


We woke up in our IRCTC retiring room and soon shifted to Ponni Residency, which was conveniently located closer to the Brihadeeswara Temple—our primary reason for visiting Thanjavur.


Our journey to Thanjavur was driven by two deep fascinations: witnessing the grandeur of the Brihadeeswara Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the Chola dynasty, and exploring the Thanjavur Museum, which houses some of the oldest manuscripts in India.


Brihadeeswara Temple – A Testament to Chola Grandeur


After quickly freshening up, we made our way to the Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple. This magnificent structure, built over 1,000 years ago by Raja Raja Chola I, stands as a testament to the artistic and engineering prowess of the Chola dynasty.


The temple’s majestic architecture left us in awe. The exquisite carvings and intricate sculptures on the temple’s exterior reminded us of the Khajuraho temples. Though the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple complex houses several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, each adorned with stunning carvings and inscriptions.












As we wandered through the temple, we couldn’t help but marvel at its engineering brilliance—especially the massive monolithic granite dome that crowns the temple. It is said that no binding materials like cement or mortar were used in its construction, yet the structure has stood tall for centuries, withstanding time and nature’s elements.


Thanjavur Museum & Saraswati Mahal Library


By afternoon, we had thoroughly explored Brihadeeswara Temple and proceeded to visit the Thanjavur Museum. This museum is a must-visit for art and history lovers, as it houses an impressive collection of 600-800-year-old bronze and stone sculptures of Shiva, Parvati, and various other gods and goddesses.





From there, we visited the Saraswati Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in India, containing centuries-old palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books. A short documentary screening inside the museum gave us deeper insight into the glory of the Chola dynasty and the architectural wonders of Thanjavur and its surroundings.


Punnainallur Mariamman Temple – A Shrine of Miracles


Post-lunch, we traveled 7 km from Brihadeeswara Temple to visit the Punnainallur Mariamman Temple. Built in 1680 by the first Maratha king of Thanjavur, Venkoji, this temple is steeped in fascinating legends. Many stories recount the miracles attributed to the goddess Mariamman, who is believed to protect devotees from diseases and misfortunes.




Brihadeeswara Temple – A Nighttime Spectacle


As evening fell, we decided to return to Brihadeeswara Temple to witness its splendor under the night sky—and what a breathtaking sight it was! The temple, illuminated beautifully, radiated an ethereal golden glow, amplifying its grandeur and divine aura.




Divine darshan of Shiva being taken to the temple of Parvati for the night.

Another angle of the same video above 



Adding to this mesmerizing experience was a Bharatanatyam performance held near the temple. Talented dancers from different states had gathered to showcase their skills, and each performance was nothing short of mesmerizing. The grace, expressions, and rhythm of the dancers, set against the backdrop of the glorious temple, created an experience that was truly magical and unforgettable.




Closing the Day with Gratitude


After immersing ourselves in the beauty of dance and architecture, we once again took a quiet stroll around the temple, absorbing its spiritual essence before heading back. A fulfilling dinner marked the perfect end to our enriching day in Thanjavur, as we eagerly prepared for the adventures that awaited us the next day.

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