Bṛhadīśvara Temple
The Thanjavur temple is a component of the Great Living Chola Temples World Heritage property.
Introductory source-based synthesis. External references were consulted for the stated scope; specialist peer review is not claimed.
- Local name
- பெருவுடையார் கோவில்
- State · District
- Tamil Nadu · Thanjavur
- Approximate coordinates
- 10.784° N, 79.132° E
- Tradition · Classification
- Shaiva · Shaiva temples
Historical setting
UNESCO groups the Thanjavur Bṛhadīśvara temple with the temples at Gangaikondacholapuram and Darasuram. These monuments belong to the Chola period and document achievements in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze work. This record concerns the Thanjavur component, not the entire serial property.
Reading the place
Its monumental sanctum tower invites study of proportion and the relation between a temple’s central shrine and its surrounding spaces. The designation “living” also calls attention to continuing religious use rather than treating the building only as an archaeological object.
Scope of this record
The architectural overview follows the World Heritage reference. Detailed liturgy, inscriptions and local histories are outside its scope. The photograph’s Maha Shivaratri caption documents the supplied image; it is not a current festival schedule or a claim that visitor arrangements remain fixed.
Living significance
Its monumental sanctum tower invites study of proportion and the relation between a temple’s central shrine and its surrounding spaces. The designation “living” also calls attention to continuing religious use rather than treating the building only as an archaeological object.
Texts & traditions, in context
Associated source texts and local accounts will be added with precise references and attribution.
Sources & further reading
- 01UNESCO World Heritage Centre · Great Living Chola Templesinstitutional reference
Reference consulted for the introductory account; follow the source for its full context.
Consulted 2026-11-07 - 02UNESCO geographical data · Great Living Chola Templesinstitutional reference
UNESCO component coordinate table consulted; individual atlas records identify the component and DMS conversion.
Consulted 2026-11-07
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Hampi
A temple and urban landscape associated with the Vijayanagara capital on the Tungabhadra.
Mahabalipuram
Pallava monuments on the Coromandel coast, bringing several architectural forms into one setting.
Śiva
A divine figure and a name for ultimate reality in distinct Śaiva traditions.