The Brihadeeswarar Temple (also spelled Bruhadishwar Temple) is located in Thanjavur, in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
Key Details:
- 📍 Location: Thanjavur (formerly Tanjore), Tamil Nadu
- 🏛️ Built by: Raja Raja Chola I
- 🗓️ Constructed in: 1010 CE
- 🔱 Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (as Brihadeeswara, the "Great Lord")
- 🌍 UNESCO World Heritage Site: Yes, part of the "Great Living Chola Temples"
Highlights:
- Features a 66-meter tall Vimana (temple tower) — one of the tallest in the world.
- The main Nandi statue (sacred bull) is carved from a single stone.
- Entirely made of granite, even though granite is not locally available in Thanjavur.
- Showcases the architectural brilliance of the Chola dynasty and has exquisite murals and sculptures.