Tourist places in and around Thanjavur
Bangaru Kumakshi Amman temple
The presiding deity is a gold idol in standing posture. This idol was originally in the Kanchipuram Kamakshi temple. During Muslim invasion., the Devi idol was shifted to Thanjavur. Sri Shyama Sastri, one of the Trinity of Carnatic Music, had performed puja in this temple.Mariamman temple
It is situated at Punnainallur on the outskirts of Thanjavur.Brihadeshwarar Temple
The majestic temple dedicated to Lord shiva in the form of Nataraja, was built in 1010, by Raja Raja Chola. This crowning glory of chola architecture is considered to be the grandest and the finest in India and finds place in the world Heritage listing of UNESCO. It is perhaps the world's first granite temple and is built without using bricks, lime mortar or clay and the stones placed one above another are held in place due to sheer weight. The amazing 65.4m high vimanam towering over the inner sanctum dominates the entire landscape. An 81.28 tonnes granite block carved out of a single rock is placed atop the vimanam and is indeed a marvel of civil engineering. It is believed that this block was hauled atop the vimanam along a 6kms earthwork ramp in a manner similar to the one used for building the pyramids in Egypt. Just opposite to the main sanctum is the raised Nandi mandapam built by the Nayaka kings. It houses the second largest monolithic Nandi in India. The imposing figure of the celestial bull is 6m long, 3m high and 2 1/2m across and weighs over 25 tonnes.The huge temple complex has several pillared halls and shrines. The inner courtyard is adorned with fine frescoes, comparable to the cave paintings of Ajanta. On the southern side of the courtyard is a worth visiting Archaeological museum.
In the southern part of India Tanjore city is situated at the bank of Cauveri river. There are two old forts one in north and another near railway station. Brihadishwar temple is in the small fort. Beautiful idol of Lord Shiva is there.
In olden days Tanjan had a great influence over Tanjore. He was very cruel. He was non-Vegetarian and drunkard. He used to demolish temples along with his companions and used to disturb people in their worshipping. He was a warrior. He had organized his own army. People were afraid of him. In the famous battle of divine gods and demons he took part in that battle from the side of demons. He was killed with his army.
At the time of his death he requested Lord Indra that after his death that place be turned into a sacred place and be famous throughout the country and it should be known after his name. Lord Indra granted him his request and from that time it is known as a sacred place for pilgrimage and called Tanjavur. Later on it became famous by the name of Tanjore.
Tanjore's ruler were from Chola dynasty. One of them was Rajrajeshwar. The Divine power told him in his dream that in the sand of Narmda river a huge Shiva Phalllus is lying. He should bring it and establish the same in a temple. The temple in which that idol was placed is now known as Brihadishwar. It is a huge and beautiful phallus. The King had to make a search for Nandi because it was not available in proportion to the phallus and the temple. Once the king found it in his dream and then it was brought from a distance of about 600 kilometre. It is five metre long and four metre high and its Weight is 262.5 quintal.
Brihadishwar temple is infront of Nandi. The top of the temple is sixty metre high and a gold mounted pinnacle has been placed on it. The pinnacle is made of stone and its weight is about 825 quintal. It is hard to imagine how such a heavy pinnacle could have been lifted and put on top of the temple when the modern techniques were not available.
There is one more amazing fact that in the Vicinity of tanjore there is no hill. Therefore it is obvious that this stone would have been brought from some far away place.
In the Ganesha temple of Tanjore there is an idol of Kartikeya having six faces. The famous Shivaganga pool is also here whose water appears to be reddish.
This place is famous after the name of saint Parashar. It is said that a few drops of the nectar, received from sea-churning, were given to the saint also. The saint, instead of using them for himself, poured them in the pool for the betterment of the society.
Thanjavur Palace & Museum
The huge palace with long corridors and spacious halls lies near the Brihadeeswarar temple in the heart of the town. It was built around 1550, by the Nayaks of Madurai and partly by the Marathas. The palace houses an art gallery, a library and a hall of music.The Palace near the temple is a vast building of masonry built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas.
Royal Museum
Located in the palace complex, this museum has mixed collections like manuscripts, weapon dresses, Utensils, Musical instruments used by the Royal Family of Thanjavur.Timings 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Raja Raja chola Art Gallery
It is located within the palace and has a fine collection of stone and bronze sculptures dating back to the 9th and 12th centuries.In the Palace there are a number of granite and bronze statues of the Chola period.
Timings 9 am to 1pm., 2.p.m. to 6.p.m
Saraswathi Mahal Library
The library was set-up by the Maratha ruler, Serfoji and has over 30,000 Indian and European manuscripts written on palm leaves and papers.In another section of the palace is a library where over 30,000 palm leaves and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages are preserved Timings 10 a.m to 1 p.m.and 1.30 p.m. To 5.30 p.m
The Sangeet Mahal
It is located on the first floor of the palace and is an acoustic marvel, perfectly tuned to bring out the best from the musical instruments.Schwarz Church
It was built in 1779 by Raj aSerfoji and dedicated to the Danish missionary FC Schwarz.Built in 1779 AD by Rajah Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev. C.V.Schwartz of the Danish Mission (In the Palace Garden)
Sivaganga Tank
Near the Palace is this tank known for its sweet water.Tamil University (7 km)
Established in 1981 is engaged in research and Advanced study in Tamil.Sharja Madi
It is located in the Palace complex. One can have panaromic view of Thanjavur city. The wooden Sculptures are inside the Sharja Madi are unique.Timings 10a.m. to 1p.m. and 2 p.m.to 5 p.m.
Rajarajan Mani Mandapam
During the 8th World Tamil Conference this Mandapam was built. It is having a small garden with Children's-play materials.Timings 10 a.m to 8 p.m
Rajarajan Museum
Raja Rajan Musem is functioning for the benefit of the Tourists. Located in the Main mandapam ground floor, it is under the control of the State Archaeological Department Timings 10 a.m to 5. p.mTholkappiyar Sadukkam
During the 8th World Tamil Conference, this Sadukkam (Square) was built. One can have a panoramic view of Thanjavur Town from the Tower.Timings 9 a.m to 7. p.m
Mariamman Temple (Punnai Nallur)
This Temple located 6 km away from Thanjavur is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. It is one of the local temples in Thanjavur which attracts Domestic Tourists.Carnatic Music Trinity
Thyagaraja, Muthuswamy Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri Thiruvaiyaru: Situated on the banks of the river Kaveri, 13kms from Thanjavur, Thiruvaaiyaru has an old Shiva temple dedicated to Panchanatheeswar. Though pilgrims flock to this temple throughout the year, Thiruvaiyaru is more renowned for its association with Saint Thyagaraja, who, along with Muthuswami Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, comprises the Trinity of Carnatic music. Near the Shiva temple is the one-roomed house where Thyagaraja composed some of his greatest works. On the banks of the river is the samadhi (final resting place) of the saint composer and it is here that the greatest music festival in the country takes place annually. The Thyagaraja Aradhana festival is held in January when most of the leading exponents of Carnatic music come to perform and are watched by thousands of ardent fans of classical music. A huge complex is now under construction at this site to accommodate the large audience that come to the concert in ever increasing numbers every year.Thiruvidai Maruthur
This place is about 8 kms from Kumbakonam and 48 km away from Thanjavur. It is spelt in ancient books as Thiruvidaimaruthur. The village is also called Madhyarjunam. The presiding deity is Mahalingar and goddess is known as Brikatkunchautsa. People suffering from mental affliction visit the place for relief.Thirunageswaram
One of the temples for Nine Planets is in Thanjavur District. This place is situated 6 km to the east of Kumbakonam and 47 Km away from Thanjavur. Thirunageswaram derives its name from the legend that the Serpent Adi Shesha-Worshipped God Siva here and the locality is identified with ChaurpakaranyaUppliyappan Koil
This place is 6 km, from Kumbakonam and 46 km away from Thanjavur. Lord Venkatesaperumal dedicated like Tirupathi Balaji "Oppil Upper" is the other name. It is connected by bus route from Kumbakonam to Nachiarkoil.Patteswaram
The Temple dedicated to Goddess Durgai Amman. Friday is very famous to worship the goddess. Located near Kumbakonam, 8 km from Thanjavur, city buses available form Kumbakonam.Poondi Madha Shrine
The Poondi village is about 35 km from Thanjavur nearest Railway Station is Budalur. It is also one of the Roman Catholic Pilgrim centre another like Velankanni. It attracts more Pilgrims all over India. Accommodation provided to the Pilgrims by Church Authorities. Phone: 04362 / 80422.Around Thanjavur
Thiruvaiyaru (13 km)
The sacred site on the banks of Kaveri river is associated with the great saint and composer thyagaraja. An 8day music festival is held here every year in January.Where the famous Saint Thyagaraja lived and attained Samadhi. Music festival is held here every January in honour of the saint composer.
Thiruvarur (55 km)
It is the birth place of saint thyagaraja. The Thyagaraja temple here is dedicated to Lord shiva and is noted for the 807 pillared hall and the chariot (temple car), which is the largest in the state.The Thyagarajaswami Temple here has the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. This is the birthplace of Saint Thyagaraja - one of the musical Trinity. Arulmigu Thyagarajaswamy Car Festival is celebrated in March -April. Boating at Kamalalayam Temple Tank is organised by Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. from April 1997.
Kumbakonam (37 km)
The sacred town on the banks of river was a flourishing capital of the cholas. It is studded with a number of sacred shrines adorned with splendid sculptures. The Mahamagam festival celebrated here once in 12 years, attracts a large number of devotees. Mahamagam was last celebrated in 2004. The 13th century sarangapani Temple of lord vishnu, the Nageswara shiva Temple built in 886 AD, Kumbeshwarar and Ramaswamy temples are some of the important shrines of the holy town.(36 km) Sarangapani, Kumbeswarar, Nageswarar and the Ramaswamy temples are located here. Mahamagam congregation takes place once in 12 years; last held in 1992. TTDC Hotel Tamil Nadu Phone : 0435 - 30422.
Gangaikondacholapuram (71 km)
The temple town 34 km from Kumbakonam is known for the gigantic Brahedeeswarar Temple, which sprawls over six acres of land and resembles its famous counterpart at thankavur. The magnificent shrine of Lord shiva was built by king Rajendra chola - I (1012-1044). The walls of the shrine are adorned with many beautiful sculptures.Swamimalai (27 km)
The sacred town 10 km from Kumbakonam is regarded as one of six abodes of Lord Subramanya (Murugan).Papanasam (30 km)
In Thanjavur District, Papanasam is one of the historical cities. There are two Temples, one Pallavanatha swamy Temple constructed by Chola King another one 108 Sivalayam Temple. There are also a granary (Store House of paddy) Breath 86 feet height 36 feet capacity of 3,000 Kalam (measure) constructed by Nayaks in 1600 - 1634. State Archaeological Department declared it as a monument. There is also a famous Mullaivananathaswamy Temple at Thirukarukkavoor. One can see the 108 Sivalingam in one temple in Papanasam Town only.Suriyanar Koil (58 km) Lord of Sun - (Sun Temple)
This is the only place where the Image of the Sun is worshipped. It is believed that the Chola King Kulothunga-I who built the Shrine borrowed this feature.Thingalore (18 km from Thanjavur) Chandran Temple (Moon)
One of the Nine Planets. It is situated on Thiruvaiyaru to Kumbkonam route. It attracts more pilgrims on all days.Alangudi (43 km) Guru Temple
One of the Nine Planets. It is situated near Kumbakonam on the way to Mannargudi. It attracts pilgrim from all over India.Thirukandiyur(10 km)
Temples of Brahmasirekandeswarar and Karshavimochana Perumal.Tharagambadi (Tranquebar) (105 km)
This coastal town was a Danish settlement from 1624 to 1825. There are two churches and a fort. This is one of the special tourist areas.Thirubuvanam (45 km)
13th Century Chola Temple dedicated to Lord Siva and this is renowned for silk weaving.Manora (65 km)
The 8 - Storey victory tower was built by Rajah Serfoji in 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo.Grant Anicut (48 km)
Known for its engineering marvel, this ancient Dam consisting of solid mass of rough stone and clay, stretching across the River Cauvery in a serpentine fashion. It is a fine picnic spot.Darasuram Temple Darasuram (30 km)
The Airateswara or Darasuram temple built by Raja Raja Chola-II is an excellent example of 12th century Chola architecture and is well preserved to this day. The frontal columns of the temple have unique miniature sculptures.During the 14th century the large stone statues surrounding the temple were replaced with brick and mortar statues similar to those found at the Big Temple in Thanjavur. The temple has been restored by the Archaeological Survey of India.Velankanni (90 km)
12 km south of Nagapattinam is one of the most popular pilgrim spots in this part of India. People of all faiths and religions come to this church to pray at the shrine of "Our Lady of Health". Many bring with them small gold and silver replicas of parts of the body to donate to the church. Velankanni is particularly crowded during the festival period in August-September. There is a small church museum which has a display of the offerings made by those whose prayers were conceded.Nagore Dargha Nagore 88 km Similar to Velankanni in its popular appeal is the Dargah of Hazrat Meera Sultan Syed Shahabdul Hameed (better known as Hazrat Mian). Just 4 kms to the north of Nagapattinam, the tomb is almost 500 years old and is topped by a golden dome and flanked by five minarets. The tank is called Peer Kulam and is believed to have curative powers. People of all faiths visit the Dargah.
Kodikarai (Point Calimere) (112 km)
This place is noted for its congregation of migratory water-fowls, particularly flamingoes from November to January. Other wildlife like blackbuck and wild ponies are also found here.Accommodation - Poonarai Illam (Forest Rest House)