Thanjavur Temple history The Thanjavur Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswara Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a famous Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built during the reign of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I, who ruled from 985 to 1014 CE. He wanted to build a grand temple in honor of Lord Shiva and his queen, who were worshiped as Brihadeeswara and Brihannayaki respectively. The construction of the temple was completed in 1010 CE. The temple is known for its massive tower, which stands at a height of 66 meters and is one of the tallest towers in the world. The tower is made of granite and is topped by a massive dome weighing over 80 tons. The temple also has several other impressive features, including intricate carvings and sculptures, a large courtyard, and a pillared hall. The inner sanctum of the temple houses a massive lingam, which is believed to be the largest in India. Over the years, the temple has been renovated and restored several times. The most recent renovation took place in 1997, which involved cleaning the temple's tower and repairing its foundations. Today, the Thanjavur Temple is one of the most visited and revered temples in India. It is a testament to the rich cultural and architectural heritage of the Chola dynasty and remains an important center of Hindu worship and pilgrimage. 985-1014 CE: Raja Raja Chola I ruled over the Chola dynasty and commissioned the construction of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur. 1003 CE: The foundation stone of the temple was laid by Raja Raja Chola I. 1010 CE: The temple was completed and consecrated by Raja Raja Chola I. 1070 CE: The temple was looted by the Chalukya king, Vikramaditya VI, during his invasion of the Chola kingdom. 1230 CE: The temple was sacked by the Pandya king, Maravarman Sundara Pandyan. 1676 CE: The Maratha king, Ekoji I, captured Thanjavur and renovated the temple, adding a gopuram (tower) to the east side of the temple. 1801 CE: The British captured Thanjavur and took control of the temple. 1910-1930 CE: The temple underwent a major renovation under the supervision of the British engineer, James Cousins. 1956 CE: The temple was declared a national monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. 1987 CE: The temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These are just some of the important dates and historical events related to the Thanjavur Temple. The temple has a rich and complex history that spans over a millennium and continues to attract visitors and devotees from all over the world.
