Brihadeeswarar · Verified guide
History and Architecture of the Big Temple
The Brihadeeswarar temple is one of the greatest achievements of Chola architecture and has been in worship for more than a thousand years.
Changing information reviewed · Official sources separated from planning guidance
Quick answer
Rajaraja I built the temple between 1003 and 1010 CE. Its vimana rises about 60 m (UNESCO: 59.82 m), among the tallest in South India, and its monolithic Nandi weighs an estimated 25 tonnes. It is part of the Great Living Chola Temples World Heritage Site with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Darasuram.
Timeline
| When | What |
|---|---|
| 1003–1010 CE | Built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I |
| 1987 | Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (extended in 2004 to the Great Living Chola Temples) |
| Later centuries | Additions by later rulers, including the Nayaks and Marathas |
| 2010 | The temple marked 1,000 years |
| April 2015 | Temple chariot procession held for the first time in about 100 years |
What to look for
- The vimana above the sanctum, about 60 m tall.
- The Nandi in its own mandapam, about 3.65 m high and 5.94 m long.
- Chola-period frescoes and inscriptions on the walls.
- The long cloisters with lingas around the courtyard.
Who looks after it
The Archaeological Survey of India protects the monument. Worship and temple management are carried out by the Thanjavur palace Devasthanam, headed by the Thanjavur Maratha royal family.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Thanjavur Big Temple?
Its vimana is about 60 m tall: UNESCO gives 59.82 m, and other sources give 63.4 m (208 ft) including the base.
How heavy is the Thanjavur Nandi?
It is estimated to weigh about 25 tonnes.
Sources
Checked 6 Oct 2026. Rules can change; confirm with the official source before you travel.