India/Tamil Nadu/Brihadisvara Temple

Brihadisvara Temple

A grand 11th-century Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, renowned for its architecture and intricate carvings.

Currency

INR (₹)

Best time to visit

November to March

Languages

Tamil

Coordinates

10.792°, 79.137°

Latest news

Live

This Indian temple in Tamil Nadu left Anand Mahindra stunned and earned praise as the 'world's most advanced engineering feat'; here's why

Key facts

1The temple's main tower (vimana) is one of the tallest in India
2It houses one of the largest bronze statues of Nandi (Shiva's bull) in South India
3The temple complex includes several smaller shrines and a large tank (Pushkarini)

Timeline

1003-1010: Construction during the reign of Rajaraja I
1010: Inauguration of the temple
1984: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Where to stay

Famous restaurants

🌅 Morning2

☀️ Afternoon1

🌙 Evening

$ · South Indian⭐ 4.2

Brihadeeswarar Temple Kitchen

Offers traditional South Indian breakfast within the temple premises.

Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

🔔 No reservations, first-come-first-served.

$ · South Indian · Vegetarian⭐ 4.5

Sri Annapoorna Restaurant

Popular for its idlis, dosas, and other South Indian breakfast items.

123, Sannidhi St, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

☎ +91 9876543210

🔔 Walk-ins OK, limited seating.

$$ · South Indian · Chettinad⭐ 4.3

Hotel Saraswathi Mahal

Historic hotel offering multi-cuisine lunch buffets with a view of the temple.

Saraswathi Mahal, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

☎ +91 8971234567

🔔 Recommended to book in advance.

Local dishes

🌅 Morning2

☀️ Afternoon1

🌙 Evening

Vadai

Lentil fritters with coconut chutney

Where: Street vendors near the temple

When: morning

Price: ₹10-₹20

Pongal

Sweet rice dish with cashews and raisins

Where: Local breakfast restaurants

When: morning

Price: ₹20-₹30

Arisi Paruppu Sadam

Rice and lentil dish with vegetables

Where: Local restaurants and hotels

When: afternoon

Price: ₹30-₹50