Fast Facts:

• Best Season: Oct - Mar
• Languages: Tamil, English
• Weather: Winter 12-22°C, Summer 27-36°C

Thanjavur at a Glance:

This tourist destination also called the ‘Rice Bowl’ and granary of Tamil Nadu is 342 km away from Chennai. The name of this place is the result of Tanjan, an asura monarch. For devastating the neighborhood, this asura sovereign was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Lord Vishnu.

History and Mythological Belief:

This city was believed to rule by Chola monarchs and got fame during the time period between 11th and 14^th centuries. The monarchs of this dynasty were instrumental in creating this city a hub for learning as well as culture. This place also holds a mythological background that makes it a preferred destination for pilgrims. The most popular deity over here is Krishna and in the school of this place, his skin is white as compared to customary blue-black.

After the downfall of the Cholas, this place was ruled by a number of dynasties including the Pandyas, Madurai Nayaks, Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas, Vijaya Nagar Empire and the British.

Major Attractions:

Puliyur Vyagrapureeswarar Temple : It is located at a distance of about 80 Kms from Thanjavur. It is in 3-4 km North of Ramarmadam Busstop. According to folklore, the devalogha cow (Kamadhenu) pleaded Lord Shiva in this place of pilgrimage to throw out its sabam. In the evening, Nataraja is applauded first before any other deity.

Bragatheeswarar Temple : It was built by the Great Chola king, Rajaraja Cholan. The Big Shrine is an illustration of great Indian sculptural and its architecture prominence. This holy place is enclosed by Grand Anaicut River on the other side and canals on two sides. It is exclusive as it has the tallest tower above the chamber sanctorum contrasting the other holy places and is 216 feet high. The stupa located at the crest is prepared of bronze. The barricades of the chamber are adorned and encased with Chola as well as Nayak periods’ wall paintings.

There is also a massive figure of Nandi bull, which is 12 feet high, 84/4 feet wide and 191/2 feet long and weighs near about 25 tons. To shield it from sun as well as rain, Nayaka kings constructed a Mandapam for the bull.

Sirkazhi : Here Deity Parvathi offered Gnana milk to Thirugnana Sambandar, when he was a just a kid. After this, he chanted the well-known Devaram. Lord Shiva as being Thoniappar rests in a boat (Thoni). This boat depicts that Thoniappar assists people pass through their maritime of birth. The renowned Thirumulaippal Utsav is held every year during the month of Chiithirai, Thiruvadirai Nakshatra.

Sikkal Singaravelavar Temple : This temple is located around 80 Kms away from Thanjavur in Nagapattinam Tiruvarur Main-Road. The early history depicts that here only Lord Murugan obtained the 'Sakthi Vel' from Parvathi and killed Suran. This place of worship is one of the few shrines in Tamilnadu that feature both Vishnu and Siva the same compound. Here the 'Vel vankuthal' celebration in Iyappasi, the Tamil month is very renowned.

Thirubuvanam : 45 Kms away, it has a Chola shrine dated back to 13th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Swamimalai : Situated 32 Kms away, it is one of 6 dwellings, which is dedicated to Lord Murugan. Here Lord Murugan spoke Pranava mantra ‘OM’ offering to Lord Shiva. This is the reason that he became famous as Swaminathan. The 60 steps leading towards the holy place point toward Tamil calendar’s 60 years. Lord Swaminathan is bedecked with Diamond Vel on every Thursday.

Thiruvaiyaru :It is 13 Kms away from Thanjavur. It is the place where the eminent saint Thyagaraja spent his life and got samadhi. Here Lord Shiva is worshiped as maqin God, and is recognized as Panchanatheswara. Every January in the honor of the famous saint, an eight day music celebration is held by authorities.

Vaitheeswaran Kovil : Vaitheeswaran, It is an ancient holy place, which is dedicated to Shiva who is worshipped here as Vaitheeswaran, the divine source of cures. It is beautified with impressive Mandapams, towers and pillars. It is of supposed that Angarakan, Kartikeya, Mars, Jatayu and the Rig Veda applauded Shiva here.

Thiruvarur : The Thyagarajaswami Temple, 55 Kms from Thanjavur is celebrated for the biggest shrine chariot in the whole Tamil Nadu. The halls and pillars over here are of great importance and beauty. This holy place is also referred to as Earth, (Prithvi or Sthalam).

Temple Timings of Thanjavur:

• 8:30: Kala Sandhi (Morning Pooja)
• 12:00 PM: AMUtchi Kalam (Mid Noon Pooja)
• 5:30 PM: Sayaratchai (Evening Pooja)
• 8:30 PM: Artha Jamam (Night Pooja)

Thanjavur Hotels:

• Hotel Gnanam
• Ideal River View Resort
• Hotel Sangam
• PL.A. Residency
• Hotel Parisutham
• Adithya Hotel
• Hotel Tamilnadu

Ways to Get in:

By Train : The railway junction of Thanjavur is well connected with Chennai, Tiruchi and Nagore.

By Air : Tiruchi is the nearest airport which is is 65kms away from this destination. Next nearest airfield is at Madurai, which is about 200 Kms by highway. You can land over Chennai airport if you arrive from other parts of the nation. Thanjavur is about 350 Kms by road to south of Chennai.

By Road : All major towns of Tamil Nadu connect well with Thanjavur. It is also accessible through the highways of Ernakulam, Kochi, Bangalore and Thiruvananthapuram.

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