About
a thousand years ago, Thanjavur was the capital of the powerful
Chola dynasty. Today, it is the little town set amidst the lush green
rice fields of the Cauvery delta. Magnificent temples, still bear witness
to the splendour of Chola architecture.
Thanjavur's crowning glory is its Brihadeeshwara temple with its 66.5 m high'srivimana' dominating the city. The monolithic granite block that forms a cupola on the top, weighs 81.3 tonnes, reflecting the architectural prowess of the Chola builders.
Thanjavur is an established centre of learning and its Saraswati Mahal Library instituted by the Maratha ruler Serfoji, has an extensive collection of over 30,000 manuscripts, palm leaf inscriptions and books.
In January, the Thiruvaiyaru Music Festival is held in honour of the composer and saint Thyagaraja. It attracts eminent musicians and connoisseurs of Carnatic music.
AROUND THANJAVUR
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Velankanni (90 km) noted for the church dedicated to "Our Lady of Health', attracts devotees of all faiths.
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Tiruvarur (55 km) has the Thyagarajaswami Temple noted for the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. It is also the birth place of the saint Thyagaraja.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air : The nearest airport and major rail-head-Trichy is 58 km away.
By Rail : Thanjavur is directly linked by rail to Madurai, Tirupati, Rameswaram and Chennai.
By Road : Thanjavur is connected with all major cities.
Last modified: 26/02/2004