Tanjore Big Temple Periya Koil

Tanjore - Periyakoil Tanjore Big Temple.

TANJORE BIG PRAGATHESWARWA TEMPLE

The Brihadeeswarar temple (also spelled Brihadeshvara Temple or Birhadeeshwara temple), originally called as Peruvudaiyar Koil in Tamil, is an ancient Hindu temple located at tanjore in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. This 10th century CE temple, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples", is a prominent example of the Dravidian style of temple architecture. The central temple known as the Periya Kovil (Big Temple) stands within a fort, whose walls were later additions built during the 16th century. The name periya kovil came from its original name "periya aavudayar kovil" (aavudayar being a local name of Lord Shiva). The vimana (main tower) of the temple is approximately 65 m (215 ft) high and is the tallest in the world. It was so designed that the vimana never casts a shadow at noon during any period of the year.


From the Preface to Rajarajesvaram, the Pinnacle of Chola Art by B.Venkataraman, 1985. For the Cholas, temple building was not merely an outpouring of artistic talent but also away of life, for the entire fabric of the society was woven round the temple.

Towering Gopurams

The Gopurams display some of the finest examples of Dravidian art. The Gopuram tower of the temple is 216 feet high and is topped by a block of granite 25 feet square and 80 tons in weight. This stone was hauled four miles over an inclined plane and put on top of the tower. The dome carved from a single stone weighing 80 tons, is surrounded by 250 arcades, each containing a lingam. It is rightly said of the Cholas that they conceived like giants and finished like jewellers.
source:http://www.tamilnation.org/

Transport Facilities to Tanjore:

By Bus : Tanjore has the big and well bus stand. town buses available from Tanjore main bus stand to Tanjore Big Temple (Periya Koil).

By Train : Tanjore has the railway junction. It has the train faculities from Chennai, Trichy , Banglore, etc. From Railway station to Tanjore big Temple (Periya Koil) buses and autoes are available.

By Air : Trichy is the nearest airport. It is just 60 km distance from Tanjore Periya Koil.

Hotel Facilities For Tanjore Temple:

Tanjore is an ancient city, It was once a stronghold of the Cholas. It was they who made Tanjore a center for learning and culture.Tanjore is particularly known for its handicrafts. In fact, Tanjore is a major exporter of local handicrafts worldwide. The entire Tanjore region is drained by the mighty river Cauvery. It is the presence of this water body that makes the entire region fertile and hence favorable for rice cultivation. Tanjore is hence fondly called the Rice Bowl of South India. A city deeply involved in arts, Tanjore patronizes Carnatic music and arts. The culture of the region is well reflected in the Navagraha Temples in Tanjore. Tanjore is a big town. It has well Boading and Lodging facility. So many lodges are available near Tanjore temples. There are the lodges in tanjore listed below

Ideal River View Resort
Hotel Gnanam
PL.A. Residency
Hotel Sangam
Hotel Ramanath Thanjavur
Hotel Parisutham
Adithya Hotel
Hotel Tamilnadu
Raja House
Ashok Lodge