Introduction
Under the reign of the great King Rajaraja, founder of the Chola Empire, the Great Temple of Tanjore (Thanjavur) was constructed between 1003 and 1010. The Brihadisvara temple with its 66.5 meters high 'srivimana' dominating the city is built of granite. The temple consists of a cupolic dome which is octagonal in shape and rests on a single square block of granite, weighing 81.3 tonnes. The moulded plinth is extensively engraved with inscriptions. On the walls of the inner passages are life-size iconographic representations of various Hindu deities.

Tourist information
Open all weekdays from sunrise to sunset except shrines under worship. No entry Fee.

Access
Air The nearest airport Trichy is 58 Km. away. Rail Major railhead is Trichy. Thanjavur is directly linked by rail to Madurai, Tirupati, Chennai and Rameswaram. Road Excellent bus service link to many important towns in Tamilnadu.

Best time to visit
October to April.