Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur: Timings, History, Sadhaya Vizha and How to Reach

Facts checked November 2026.

The Big Temple of Thanjavur is where faith and the genius of the Chola builders meet. Its granite tower rises over the sanctum of Peruvudaiyar, a huge Nandi faces the Lord, and the temple has been in worship for more than a thousand years. This guide explains the timings, how to reach Thanjavur, the history in simple words, the Sadhaya festival, rules and tips for elders.

This page is part of our 10 Famous Temples in Kerala guide. Planning the yatra? See our South India yatra packages.

Where is Brihadeeswarar temple and how do you reach it?

The temple is in Thanjavur town in Tamil Nadu. Distances from the official tourism pages:

Most families combine Thanjavur with Trichy; see our Srirangam temple guide.

What are the Brihadeeswarar temple timings?

Incredible India, the official tourism portal, lists two sessions:

The sanctum closes in the afternoon, so plan darshan for the morning or after 4:00 PM. Timings can change on festival days.

Who built the Big Temple and why is it famous?

• Rajaraja Chola I. UNESCO says construction began possibly in the king’s 19th regal year (1003–1004 CE) and the temple was consecrated in his 25th regal year (1009–1010 CE). Incredible India says the complex was built in just 7 years.
• The vimana. UNESCO gives the height of the tower over the sanctum as 59.82 metres above the ground. Incredible India adds that the stone at the top weighs nearly 80 tons.
• The Nandi. The Nandi facing the sanctum is carved from a single rock and, according to Incredible India, is 13 feet high and 16 feet wide.
• A living temple. Inscriptions and frescoes inside record the history of the city, and worship continues every day.

Is Brihadeeswarar temple a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. UNESCO lists it under the Great Living Chola Temples. The Thanjavur temple was declared a World Heritage property in 1987, and in 2004 two more temples were added to the same listing.

Many families visit Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram on the same yatra.

What is Sadhaya Vizha at the Big Temple?

Sadhaya Vizha marks the birth anniversary of Rajaraja Chola. The Ministry of Tourism’s Utsav portal says it is usually held in the Tamil month of Aippasi (roughly mid-October to mid-November). On the day:

• The statue of Rajaraja Cholan outside the temple is dressed in silk robes.
• Abhishekam is performed for Lord Peruvudaiyar.
• Perundheepa vazhipaadu (waving of lamps) and Swami purappadu (a procession of the deity) take place inside the temple.

Thousands of devotees attend, so expect bigger crowds on these days.

What should you wear and what are the rules?

The official pages we opened do not publish a dress code. Traditional, modest clothes are the safe choice: dhoti or trousers with a shirt for men, and saree, salwar kameez or half-saree for women. Footwear is left at the counter before you enter. Ask temple staff before taking photographs near the sanctum.

What is the best time to visit Thanjavur?

Tamil Nadu Tourism recommends December to February, because summer is hot and humid, with temperatures of 35–40°C. Early morning and late afternoon are the most pleasant times to walk around the large stone courtyard, which gets very hot under the midday sun.

Is the Big Temple suitable for senior citizens?

Yes. The temple is on flat ground, so there is no climb, but the courtyard is large and the stone floor heats up by midday. Visit early in the morning or after 4:00 PM, carry water, and take breaks in the shaded corridors.

Where can you stay in Thanjavur?

Thanjavur town has hotels for most budgets close to the temple and the railway station. Some families prefer to stay in Kumbakonam or Trichy and visit Thanjavur for half a day. Book early around Sadhaya Vizha and the winter holiday weeks.

Which temples can you combine with Thanjavur?

• Srirangam and Trichy temples; see our Srirangam guide.
• Other great Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu; read our famous Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu guide.
• Madurai Meenakshi Amman; see our Meenakshi temple guide.
• Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram, the other two Great Living Chola Temples.

How can Yatra To Temples help?

Our Divya Desham Darshan in Trichy and Thanjavur spends the late afternoon of Day 2 at the Brihadeeswarar temple, with darshan when the sanctum reopens in the evening. Call or WhatsApp +91 78178 98687 or write to shiva@yatratotemples.in.

Frequently asked questions

What are the Brihadeeswarar temple timings?

6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM, according to Incredible India. The temple is closed in the afternoon break.

Who built the Thanjavur Big Temple?

The Chola king Rajaraja Chola I. UNESCO says it was consecrated in 1009–1010 CE.

How tall is the Brihadeeswarar temple tower?

UNESCO gives the height of the vimana as 59.82 metres above the ground.

Is the Thanjavur Nandi made from one stone?

Yes. Incredible India says the Nandi is carved from a single rock and is 13 feet high and 16 feet wide.

How far is Brihadeeswarar temple from Thanjavur railway station?

About 3 km, according to the Utsav portal.

Which is the nearest airport to Thanjavur?

Tiruchirappalli International Airport, about 61 km away. Incredible India also lists Madurai.

When is Sadhaya Vizha celebrated?

Usually in the Tamil month of Aippasi (about mid-October to mid-November), on the birth anniversary of Rajaraja Chola.

What is the best time to visit Thanjavur?

December to February, as Tamil Nadu Tourism recommends. Summer temperatures reach 35–40°C.