Tamil Nadu is one of the most popular states of India, and it has a spiritual richness. It consists of a wide range of temples that are very well-known worldwide because of their uniqueness and specialties. Among all the popular Tamil Nadu Heritage Temples, one is the Brihadeeswarar Temple. This temple stands out for various reasons. Let’s explore the Brihadeeswarar Temple of Tamil Nadu in detail in the article below.
History of Brihadeeswarar Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple History dates back to 1003 CE when constructing temples was not even a trend. Chola King Rajaraj Chola, I get all the credit for the construction of this temple. The concept of the whole temple was executed under the idea of Dravidian architecture. This temple was built and dedicated to Lord Shiva and his Vahan Nandi.
The temple has seen many successors and developments from the time it was constructed till today. According to the Brihadeeswarar Temple History, it is currently named the Big Temple among all the other temples in Tamil Nadu.
Why Brihadeeswarar Temple?
- The Brihadeeswarar Temple consists of one of the biggest Shiva Linga of all the temples throughout India.
- Various Entrances with Unique Architectural Styles on Them:
- Temple’s Inscriptions are All Written in Tamil
Top 5 Interesting Facts About Brihadeeswarar Temple
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO: As a part of the “Great Living Chola Temples,” the Brihadeeswarar Temple is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Carvings of Bharatanatyam Dance Poses on Outer Walls: 108 Bharatanatyam dance poses are carved on the outer walls of the temple. This shows the great respect that the rulers and people of ancient times had for music and traditional dance forms.
Granite Dome of ~80 Tons on the Top: The Shikhar of the Brihadeeswarar Temple holds approximately 80 tons of granite in it. For the same reason, the weight of the dome is much more than the total weight of the other temples.
Constructed with Granite Blocks : The Brihadeeswarar Temple was constructed between 1003 and 1010 CE. This was the time when no such thing as cement existed. That is why the whole temple is constructed by locking granite blocks into each other. Even if the technique is not modern, it has made sure that the temple withstands for centuries without getting damaged by any natural disaster (like the 6 earthquakes it has experienced).
Shadow of the Shikhar or Vimana Never Touches the Ground: One of the temple’s theories says that the Shikhar, or the top of the temple, is very high. The height of the Shikhar can be imagined by the fact that even its shadow never touches the ground.
Other interesting things about the Brihadeeswarar Temple Architecture which are less known such as the walls of the temple, which showcase Hindu mythological scenes all over, a huge statue of Nandi standing at the entrance of the temple, and the temple pillars, which create musical notes that strike every time.
Best Time to Visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple
According to the research and experiences of previous visitors, the Best Time to Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple is between October to March. These are the peak months to plan and visit the temple because the scenery and overall experience of the temple are amazing during the winter season.
Apart from the winter season (months from October to March), another Best Time to Visit Brihadeeswarar Temple is during the monsoon season. During the monsoon, the weather remains very inconsistent, and the temple & surrounding area can face heavy rainfall anytime.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple has a very rich culture and heritage and showcases the beauty of tradition in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
The best season to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple is the winter season, between October and March.
What is the specialty of the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
One of the most noticeable features of the Brihadeeswarar Temple is that it is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
What are the visiting hours for the temple?
The visiting hours of the Brihadeeswarar Temple are fixed, from 6.00 am to 12.30 pm and from 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm. Entering the temple outside of these hours is strictly prohibited.
Do visitors have to pay any entry fees to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
No, entering and exploring the Brihadeeswarar Temple is completely free of cost for the devotees and the visitors. However, visiting hours are strict and cannot be compromised.
Can visitors of any religion visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple?
Yes, visitors of any religion have no restriction on visiting the Brihadeeswarar Temple.
