Thanjavur district · Tamil Nadu
Airavatesvara Temple
12th century Chola Hindu temple, UNESCO world heritage site
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari · CC BY-SA 3.0
Tamil Nadu · Reviewed visit guide
Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
01 · Discover
History & tradition
Built under the Chola king Rajaraja I in the early eleventh century, Brihadisvara is part of UNESCO’s Great Living Chola Temples. The site combines monumental temple architecture with an enduring tradition of worship.
Good to know
Deity & dedicationShiva
Opening hoursCurrent opening hours are not confirmed in this guide. Check with the temple before travelling.
Before you set outPlan time for the temple complex as well as darshan. Respect any separate visitor routes or restrictions around protected heritage features.
02 · Before you go
Plan your visit
Choose a date, save your starting point, and tick off a simple checklist.
Your visitBrihadisvara Temple, ThanjavurChoose your preferred date above
- Step 1
Confirm the opening schedule and entry requirements.
- Step 2
Follow the temple’s posted visitor instructions and queue.
- Step 3
Allow time for a quiet visit and your return journey.
0%
Visit checklist0 of 5 done
Saved on this device · Your personal preparation list
03 · Getting there
Map & route
Locate the temple and open travel directions.
Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
Plan time for the temple complex as well as darshan. Respect any separate visitor routes or restrictions around protected heritage features.
The pin marks the temple area. Follow local signs for the visitor entrance.
04 · At the temple
Darshan & customs
Darshan
Opening & entry
Current opening hours are not confirmed in this guide. Check with the temple before travelling.
View sourcesWith intention
Offerings
Ask the temple office which offerings are accepted before buying them. An offering is a personal choice.
Local traditions
Dress & etiquette
Confirm dress, entry, photography and belongings rules with the temple before your visit.
Explore a little further
Temples nearby
Approximate straight-line distances; open directions for the travel route.
Ariyalur district · Tamil Nadu
Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple
An 11th century Chola Hindu temple, UNESCO world heritage site
Photo: QiNi · CC BY-SA 4.0
For your family
Bring the blessings home
Explore poojas from the Healers World catalogue.
Know your sources
Information you can trace
Check current timings and visitor rules with the temple before travelling.
- Wikidata — structured place recordRetrieved 2026-10-04
- UNESCO — Great Living Chola TemplesChecked 2026-10-04