Shiva is the subject of the Hindu temple Brihadeeshwara temple (Peruvudaiyar kovil) , which is situated in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamilnadu. RajaRajeswara temple, Periya kovil, Rajarajesvaram are additional names for it. It is one of India's biggest temple and a prime example of Dravidian design from the Chola era. The temple celebrated its 1000th anniversary in 2010. being constructed by RajaRajachola I and finished in 1010 AD. The temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage site known as “Great Living Chola Temples”. The  temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. The VIMANAM (Temple tower) is 216ft(66m).

HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE

Arulmozhivaraman a Tamil emperor who was popular as Rajarajacholan laid out the foundation of Brihadeeshwara temple during 1002 CE. It was first among other great building projects by Tamil Chola.  A symmetrical and axial geometry rules layout of this temple.

Temples form same period and two following centuries are expression of tamil chola power, artistic expertise and wealth. Emergence of these types of features, such as multifaceted columns along with projecting signals of square capital signifies arrival of chola style, which was new at the time.

It is a prime example of Dravida style temple architecture in its authentic form , and it also exemplifies the philosophy of the chola empire anf tamil civilazation in Southern India. The Brihadeeshwara temple "testifies to chola's brilliant achivements in architeture, painting, bronze casting and sculpture.

It is stated the emperor Rajaraja chola dreamed of building such a massive temple Lord Shiva after visiting the Pallava Rajasimha temples in Kanchipuram. The Brihadeeshwara temple, which was completed between 1004  and 1009 AD, is the first edifice of entirely utilize granite.

Rajaraja-1, the greatest of the chola rulers and the son of Sundara chola (Parantaka II) and Vanavan mahadevi, constructed the beautiful temple knowns as Brihadeeshwara at Thanjavur, the seat of the chola dynasty.

According to epigraphic evidence, Rajaraja-1 began construction on this temple in his 19th year finished it on the 275th day o his 25th year. This project was completed in 1010 AD in about 6 years.

As the chola dynasty wanted, the Pandyas overthrew them, and the Vijayanagara Empire thereafter replaced them. The Vijayanagara King established Naya king in 1535, and the Tanjore Nayas lineage ruled until the middle of the 17th century. The Marathas took control of Tanjore in 1674. Thanjavur then came under British control, just like the rest of the nation.