“The Thanjavur Big Temple, also known as Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple, is a hidden architectural marvel that has captivated visitors for over a millennium. There are endless wonders inside the Thanjavur Temple, which will undoubtedly reshape the list of world wonders in the future years. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamil Nadu, educating visitors from various countries about the Chola Kingdom and its great architectural genius. The most unexpected truth is that the Thanjavur temple's vimana or kalasam will not cast a shadow on the earth. The researchers still don't understand why the shadow isn't descending.”

Interesting facts :

1.  The greatest king of the Chola Dynasty, Raja Raja Cholan, constructed the magnificent Tanjore Big Temple. It was built between the years AD 985 and 1014, and it was finished about AD 1010. The temple is also referred to as Peruvudaiyār Kōvil Temple, Rajarajesvaram Temple, and the Big Temple. It demonstrates the Chola era's expertise of architecture. Since Raja Raja Cholan is a devoted follower of Lord Shiva, the Thanjavur temple is primarily devoted to him. The magnificent temple was constructed as a tribute to the Chola people's outstanding accomplishments in art, painting, bronze casting, and construction. One of the rare temples with Ashta-dikpalakas (dik = direction; palakas = ruler) is Brihadeeswarar Temple. Dikpalakas (the direction-ruler). The earliest finished granite temple in Thanjavur is called Brihadeeswarar Temple.

2.   The temple is painted in every shade of natural color.
Did you know that all of the paintings at the Brihadeeshwara Temple are created with natural colors? These hues originate from flowers, spices, leaves, and other natural materials.

3.   The enormous entrance to Brihadeeshwara Temple Thanjavur.
You enter the temple through three gates, two of which are huge. The massive walls around the outer gopuram suggest a fortress-like building. The second gate is called Keralantakan Tiruvasal, while the third is called Rajarajan Tiruvasal. Keralatakan Tiruvasal was built to commemorate the victory of chola monarch Raja Raja Chola. It is adorned with small figurines of Hindu gods such as Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Vishnu. There is a place to deposit your shoes straight after crossing this gate. The second gate, which is even more beautifully carved, features two gigantic stone guardians known as dwarpalikas. It also includes sculptures illustrating Purana stories.

4.   After crossing the gates and entering inside, the first gigantic building you will encounter is the monolith Nandi, which is one of the largest in South India.

5.   Legend has said that the Mandir is connected to underground passages, but most have been shut off. The Cholas are supposed to have used these tunnels as escape routes and safety nets. Some accounts indicate that there are 100 of these sections.
Despite thorough examination into the temple, the exact architectural plan and elements remain unknown. The Brihadeeswarar Temple's architectural secrets, mysteries, and wonders have yet to be fully revealed or explained.

6.  Sculpted Granite Constructions
The entire complex of the temple, comprising the gopurams (gateways), mandapas (halls), and vimana (tower), is constructed from solid granite blocks that have been meticulously carved with elaborate designs and sculptures.

7.   Eighteen Bharatanatyam sculpturesThe Brihadeeswara Temple's outside walls are adorned with elaborate sculptures that represent the "81 postures of Bharatanatyam," a traditional dance style indigenous to South India. These magnificent statues honour Tamil Nadu's rich cultural legacy.

8.  This temple is more than 1000 years old. And still standing strong. The Brihadeshwara Temple has withstood the test of time through centuries without any damage. Once again, the credit goes to its genius architecture. Did you know that the basement of the temple is filled with sand? And the entire structure is built on a moving raft. Which helps absorb frictions of the ground, even massive earthquakes!

The marvellous Thanjavur Temple is one of the best identities of South India. The modern day architects are still curious about the structure of Big Temple and how it was built without equipment. The Chola kingdom is finished but the temple built by them was still ruling the people heart with many mysterious facts and wonders inside it. Lot of positivity in the temple will make you cherish and fresh while visiting it.