Explore Sri Brahadeeswara Temple and Art Gallery
Sri Brihadeeswara Temple and Art Gallery are the two top-rated tourist attractions in the city of Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. Brihadeeswara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in South bank of Kaveri river and also one of the largest South Indian temples. It was built by Tamil king Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century and its granite vimana tower above the sanctum is one of the tallest in South India. The temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples" along with two other ancient temples at the same era. While Brihadeeswara Temple is the fine example of a fully realized Dravidian architecture in Chola dynasty, the Thanjavur Art Gallery (or Art Gallery) in the Nayak hall of the palace, which is just a few minutes driving from the temple, has an eclectic collection of historic stone and bronze idols mostly from the Chola period (8th-9th century). Within the palace, people can opt to climb the steps of the tower for a great view of the complex and the entire city, including Brihadeeswara Temple. A visit combining both places is commonly included in every Thanjavur city tour that offers a thorough comprehension of Chola Dynasty 's history and arts.
