Temple & Religious Heritage
UNESCO World Heritage SiteCentrally Protected World Heritage Monument (ASI)
Brihadisvara Temple, Thanjavur
बृहदीश्वर मन्दिर, तंजावूर
Monumental Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, constructed entirely of granite. Features a towering 66-meter high pyramidal vimana crowned by an octagonal monolithic dome (Kumbam) weighing approximately 80 tonnes, set within a massive fortified prakara wall.
Architectural & Historical Specifications
Dynasty / Historical PeriodChola Dynasty
Builder / Commissioning RulerChola Emperor Raja Raja Chola I
Approximate Construction PeriodConsecrated 1010 CE
Architectural StylePure Dravidian Temple Architecture (Dravida Vimana pinnacle)
Preservation & Managing BodyArchaeological Survey of India (Chennai Circle) & UNESCO
Historical Significance & Strategic Role
UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples'; exceptional testament to Chola maritime empire prosperity, bronze casting, classical Bharatanatyam dance traditions, and Tamil epigraphy.