Bada Mandir Thanjavur – Guide
The Brihadeeswarar temple (Bada Mandir) is an ancient temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, which was built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD. This temple is also known as bada Mandir. The temple is also known as Rajeswara Temple, Rajarajeswaram and Periya Kovil. This thousand-year-old temple is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and is famous for its extraordinary historical and cultural values. Brihadeeswarar is a major temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which houses his dancing idol called Nataraja.
History of this Temple
The Thanjavur Bada Mandir was built by the Chola ruler Maharaja Rajaraja I over a period of 5 years between 1004 AD and 1009 AD. The name of this temple was named Rajarajeshwar after the name of the king who got this temple built. Chola Raja was a devotee of Lord Shiva and he had built many temples of Shiva including the Brihadeeswarar temple. It is believed that the Brihadeeswarar temple was built by the king to bless his empire. More than 1000 years old, this temple is one of the largest structures of that time.
Thanjavur Bada Mandir Timings
Thanjavur Bada Mandir opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and close at 9:00 PM in the evening. Morning aarti is performed at 6:30 AM in the morning and evening aarti is performed at 8:00 PM in the evening.
| Saturday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Sunday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Monday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Thursday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
| Friday | 06:00 AM to 09:00 PM, Aarti: 06:35 AM & 07:00 PM |
Places to visit near this Temple
Sri Ranganathaswami Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Ranganathaswami Temple is one of the largest and most revered temples in Tamil Nadu, which traces its history back to the 6th to 9th centuries. Spread over a tourist area of 2.5 sq. Km, the Dravidian style of architecture makes this shrine a must-visit place in Tiruchirappalli.
Erumbeswara Temple
Built on an 18 meter high hilltop during the period of the Chola dynasty, this temple is another masterpiece of Dravidian design in Tamil Nadu, but looks a bit unique as compared to the others. Erumbeswara Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Kallanai Dam
One of the major attractions of the city, the Kallanai Dam is an almost 2000 year old construction and was built by the kings of the Chola dynasty. Being one of the oldest water diversion, the dam is an ideal picnic spot in Tiruchirappalli backed by lush vegetation and natural environment.
Pachamalai Hills
Pachamalai Hills is one of the best and must-see tourist places in Tiruchirappalli. The enduring uniqueness of this beautiful hill station is something that one cannot get while living here. This hill station is located 86 km away from the city yet is worth a visit.
Also Read: Renuka Mata Mandir Nanded, Timings, History, Travel Guide and How to reach
How to reach Thanjavur Bada Mandir
By Air- The nearest airport from Thanjavur Bada Mandir is Tiruchirappalli International Airport which is at a distance of about 35 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Thanjavur Bada Mandir is Tiruchirappalli railway station which is at a distance of about few kms from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.
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