Thanjavur

Region of Chola architecture

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Things to See and Do

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Thanjavur, Tamilnadu

Thanjavur has a long and illustrious history, the Chola kings were great patrons of art and architecture, and they built many magnificent temples and structures in and around Thanjavur.

It is a city that offers a blend of history, art, culture, and spirituality.

Flights

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport.

Train Availability

The railway line connects Tiruchirappalli Junction railway station to Chennai Egmore via Thanjavur

Bus availability

The National Highways NH 83 and NH 36 pass through Thanjavur and NH 136 and NH 67 connect Thanjavur

Getting Around

Places to Explore

Brihadeeswarar Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Site and a remarkable example of Chola architecture

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Saraswathi Mahal Library

Displays a vast collection of ancient manuscripts and books

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Kumbakonam

referred to as the "temple town" due to the large number of temples in the area

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Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple

Big, historic Hindu Shiva temple complex with ornate carvings & many shrines, plus festivals.

Learn more

I begin from Kanchipuram (where i ended my previous blog).

Around 9 p.m., I boarded a state transport bus to Chengalpattu (40 kilometers / 1hour ride) charging INR 45.

Then air-conditioned Volvo bus from Chengalpattu at 11 p.m. (INR 700) which reaches Thanjavur around 6:00 a.m the next day.

As soon as I arrived at Thanjavur new bus stand, I got into one of the nearby lodgings, “Balaji Inn”, which is a pretty decent hotel/lodging combination just opposite the new bus stand.

They offer rooms at reasonable rates as well as 24 hour check-ins. After dropping my luggage, I took an auto rickshaw to Brihadeeswarar temple and was charged INR 120 for a 5 kilometer ride.

Brihadeeswarar Temple

As I approached the temple complex, I couldn’t help but be overwhelmed by its historical significance.

An example of Dravidian architecture of the Chola period built by emperor Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD stands as a testament to the ingenuity and grandeur of the Chola dynasty.

From the fifth to the ninth century, Hindu temple styles developed over the Chalukya era, as seen in Aihole, Badami, and Pattadakal, and then during the Pallava era, as seen in Mamallapuram and other monuments.From 850 to 1280, the Cholas emerged as the dominant dynasty. Chola architectural development was less emphasized in the early Chola period due to their focus on securing their geopolitical boundaries.With the rise of the Chola empire in the tenth century, features like multifaceted columns with projecting square capitals emerged.

The most impressive example of this style is the Brihadeshwara temple built by Chola king Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010.

spiritual day

Spiritual Sojourn

The energy within the temple was palpable, and I found solace in moments of quiet contemplation.

Incredible Experience

The temple’s towering gopuram (entrance tower) awed me with its sheer size and architectural brilliance as soon as I saw it.

At the entrance is the layout for the entire sanctum .

Grand Entry

Probably added in the 16th century, the temple is surrounded by fortified walls.

Walking through the towering entrance, I found myself immersed in a world of architectural splendor

Architectural Marvels Unveiled

There is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock measuring about 16 ft long and 13 ft high at the entrance.

The temple walls are adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting mythological stories and religious scenes.

Cultural Immersion

Beyond its spiritual significance, the temple offered a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Tamil Nadu.

The vimana (temple tower), reaching high into the sky, seemed to touch the heavens themselves. It is 216 ft high and is the tallest in the world. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock and weighs around 80 tons.

Journey to Magnificence

Every inch of the temple was adorned with stunning sculptures and detailed carvings, depicting stories from Hindu mythology.

With its architectural marvels, intricate carvings, and sheer scale, the temple left me in awe of its creators’ skills and vision.

Exploring the Brihadeshwara Temple has been an unforgettable adventure offering a glimpse into the glorious past of the Chola dynasty.

My next destination was to walk 1.8 kms to reach the Saraswathi Mahal Library, and with this amazing experience, I was able to move on to my next destination.

Saraswathi Mahal Library

This library is a beacon of knowledge, preserving centuries-old manuscripts, rare books, and artifacts

Mesmerizing Musuem

Stepping into the hallowed halls of the Saraswati Mahal Library, I felt the weight of history and knowledge surrounding me. A major intellectual treasure trove, the library was built at the beginning of the 16th century during the reign of the Nayakas of Thanjavur.

Incredible Experience

Established in the 16th century by the Nayak kings of Thanjavur, this institution has evolved into one of the oldest libraries in Asia.

The library’s architecture reflects the exquisite craftsmanship of a bygone era.

Literary Treasures

The library has a vast collection of rare and ancient manuscripts. From palm leaf manuscripts to copper plates, each document tells a story of its own. Some of the most significant works are preserved here, including ancient texts on astrology, medicine, literature, and more.

Artifacts and Curiosities

Also it is home to an array of intriguing artifacts and curiosities. Explore the collection of ancient coins, sculptures, and paintings that offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the region.

Visiting the Saraswati Mahal Library was a truly awe-inspiring experience. Its timeless beauty, historical significance, and remarkable collection of manuscripts and artifacts make it a must-visit destination for any history enthusiast or lover of knowledge. I hope this travel blog has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to embark on your own journey to discover the wonders of Saraswati Mahal Library.

AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE

Next on my itinerary is the visit to the Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram, Kumbakonam.

I took a city bus from Thanjavur to Kumbakonam costing me INR 45. Getting down at the bus stand , i picked up an autorikshaw for INR 120 which took me thru a through a muddy road that looked like going nowhere.

All of a sudden, the Airavatesvara temple appeared in front of my eyes. The temple is also popularly known as Darasuram Temple.

Legend is that this temple was built to satisfy the cow herdess who had donated the stone that sits on the shikhara or apex of Brihadeeswara temple in Thanjavur. It was her wish that a temple should be erected in her village too.

Spiritual Heart of South India

Kumbakonam is renowned as the “Temple Town” of South India, and rightly so. Its streets are adorned with magnificent temples, each with its own unique story and architectural brilliance. Explore the grandeur of the Darasuram temple and the Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

The Temple of Airavatesvara

Kumbakonam is a treasure trove of architectural wonders. Marvel at the intricate carvings, towering gopurams (temple towers), and exquisite sculptures that adorn the temples. Delve into the unique Dravidian style of architecture and its influence on the region’s cultural heritage.

The Musical Steps

It is this mandapa that is in the shape of a chariot. Elephants carved on the balustrades around the steps that make it feel as if the temple is being carried on their back. There are galloping horses with wheels carved behind them also carved on the walls, making the temple look like a chariot.The steps at the entrance are supposed to be musical producing musical notes as you walk on them.

Glimpse into History

Nandi Mandapa here lies outside the main gopuram

Sculptural Grandeur

Pillars with bases carved as Yalis are another unique feature of this temple. Yali is a mythical animal with the face of an elephant, the body of a lion, the ears of a pig, the horns of a goat, and the tail of a cow.

A visit to Kumbakonam captivates the mind, body, and soul.

Its temples, rich history, and spiritual aura create an otherworldly experience for every traveler. As you leave this enchanting city, you’ll carry with you not only memories of its grandeur but also a deep appreciation for the timeless traditions and spirituality that make Kumbakonam truly unique.

Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple

On my return from Darasuram, i decided to pick an autorikshaw to Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It cost me INR 80.

This temple stands as a tranquil oasis amidst the bustling city of Kumbakonam. It follows the square plan. Unlike most Chola temples, the circumanculatory path is not inside the main temple but outside it.

Glimpse into History

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, also known as Thirukudamooku, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century CE and was renovated by Govinda Dikshitar, the Chieftain of Achutha Nayakar of Thanjavur in the 16th century AD.

Incredible Experience

Discover a unique blend of Chola and Vijayanagara fine arts styles at Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple. Explore the intricate carvings and sculptures adorning the gopuram (temple tower). The presiding deity, overlord Shiva, resides in the internal sanctum, where you can witness the undefined form of the deity and its sacred lingam.

Incredible Experience

Take part in the vibrant festivities and rituals that take place at Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple.
Experience the annual Mahamaham festival, a grand celebration that attracts devotees from all over the world.
Take a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region as you learn about the rituals performed by the temple priests.

Glimpse into History

Adjacent to the temple, you will find two sacred ponds: Mahamaham Tank and Potramarai Tank. These holy water bodies hold immense spiritual significance and are believed to possess divine powers. Learn about the mythological and historical tales associated with these ponds and witness the devotion of pilgrims who come to take a holy dip during auspicious occasions.

An odyssey of spiritual odyssey begins at Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple, a sanctuary of peace and divinity.

This sacred temple will leave you with a sense of tranquility and a greater understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage, along with a deep sense of connection to the divine energies that emanate from it.

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Things to See and Do

Thanjavur, Tamilnadu

Getting Around

Traveler Tips

how to reach

Things to do

best time to visit

Places to Explore

Brihadeeswarar Temple

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Kumbakonam

Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple

Brihadeeswarar Temple

spiritual day

Spiritual Sojourn

Saraswathi Mahal Library

Mesmerizing Musuem

AIRAVATESVARA TEMPLE

Spiritual Heart of South India

Athi Kumbeshvarar Temple

Glimpse into History

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