Home :: City Stopovers:: Tenjore

Thanjavur lies to the east of Trichy and has the reputation as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu". The Tamil University, set up recently is situated here and is devoted to the growth of Tamil literature and language. One of the best temples in South India, the Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Big Temple built by the greatest Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola, is that dynasty's finest contribution to Dravidan temple architecture. If the Big Temple is an ancient landmark of Thanjavur, the Tamil University a Temple of learning could be spoken of, as its modern counterpart with its impressive temple-like facade along with its library housed in a circular building resembling the architectural style of India's parliament.

History
Thanjavur was the ancient capital of the Chola kings whose origins, go back to the beginning of the Christian era. Power struggles between these groups were a constant feature of their early history, with one or other gaining the ascendancy at various times. The Cholas' turn for empire building came between 850 and 1270 AD and, at the height of their power. Probably the greatest chola emperors were Raja Raja who was responsible for building the Brihadishwara Temple (Thanjavur main attraction) and his son Rajendra-I whose navy competed with the Arabs for controls of the Indian Ocean trade routes and who was responsible for bringing Srivijaya under Chola control.


What to see
Brihadishwara Temple:
This temple was constructed by King Rajaraja I, as to facilitate the worship of Shiva. Profuse inscriptions on the base of the main shrine provide incredibly detailed information about the organization of the temple. (Daily 6 am - noon & 4 - 8 pm; Free). Once inside the gigantic courtyard gives plenty of spice to appreciate the buildings. the main temple, constructed of granite, consists of long pillared mandapa hallways, followed by the half hall, which in turn leads to the inner sanctum, the garbha griha.

The Royal Palace :
The Royal Palace compound, where members of the riyal family still reside, is on the main street, 2 k northeast of Brihadishwara Temple. The palace began in mid sixteenth century under Nayak; additions were made by the Marathas from the end of the 17th century onwards. Remodeled by Shaji II in 1684, the Durbar Hall, or hall of audience, houses a throne canopy decorated with the mirrored glass.

Thanjavur/ Tanjore Art Gallery :
A magnificent collection of Chola Bronzes - the finest of them from the Tiruvengadu hoard unearthed in the 1950's - fills the Thanjavur Art Gallery, a high-ceiling audience hall with massive pillars, dating from the 1600. A 10th century statue of Kannapa Nayannar, a hunter devotee, shows minutiae right down to his clothing and many more undisputed masterpieces of the collection shows Shiva as Lord of the Animals sensuously depicted in a skimpy loin clothe, with a turban made of snakes. ( Daily 9 am - 1pm & 3-6 pm)

Saraswati Mahal Library Museum :
The Saraswati Mahal Library, one of the most important oriental manuscript collections in India. A small museum displays a bizarre array of books and pictures from the collection.

Getaways
There are many places of interest outside Thanjavur.
Thiruvaiyur (13 km) is where the south Indian saint Thyagaraja lived. A festival is held in his honour every Jan.

Thirubuvanam (45 km) has a 13th century temple to Shiva and is known for silk weaving.

Manora (65 km) has a quirky souvenir from the colonial times; an eight storey high Victory Tower built in 1814 by an Indian king to celebrate the British victory over Napoleon at Waterloo.

Velankani (90 km) has a very popular shrine to Our Lady of Health that people of all religions flock to with mini gold and silver replicas of the ailing body-part.

At Nagore (88 km) is the 500-year-old tomb of Hazrat Shahabdul Hameed that has a golden dome and five minarets. The tank near it, Peer Kollam is believed to have curative water and is visited regardless of religious belief.

112 km from Thanjavur is Kodikarai or Point Calimere. This Sanctuary is home to migratory birds, especially flamingos, and animals like the black buck and wild ponies. The best time to visit is November to January. Definitely cooler. Contact The Forest Ranger, Kodikkarai or the Wildlife Warden, 110 Public Offices Road, Nagapattinam.

Kumbakonam (36 km) has the important Mahamaham Fair every twelve years, due next in 2004. It also has five important temples that are known for their semi erotic sculptures.

Tirunallar (101 km) has one of the few temples to Saturn or ill-favouring Saneeswar, which people visit to cancel out ill fortune.

Dining Out
Hotel Sangam Tanjore – Dining at Thillana, a multi cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Chinese and Continental Cuisine. Layam, a cosy bar offers a variety of liquor choices

Hotel Parisutham pampers your taste buds with its wide choice of Indian, Continental and Chinese cuisines. The bar in the hotel is well stocked with the wines, liquors and beverages.

Shopping
The city of Tanjore in Tamil Nadu is a haven for craft lovers. The city draws much of its fame fromthe exquisite handicrafts and handlooms that its skilled artisans produce.

Weaving, painting, jewelry, woodworks are some of its renowned handicrafts which make for wonderful shopping in Tanjore. Since long past Tanjore has been a princely state and under the patronage of the royals, tradition of art and craft attained a glorious height in Tanjore. Do remember to take back some artifacts while shopping in Tanjore.

Silk weaving is a major traditional craft in Tanjore. A lot of people are engaged in the profession. They specialize in weaving silk saris with broad border and unique motifs laden all over with Zari work. The saris are huge hit for weddings and religious occasions. Pick up graceful Tanjore silk saris while shopping in Tanjore.

Another must-buy in Tanjore is traditional paintings. Richly adorned paintings of mostly Hindu gods are quite popular with those who want to do shopping in Tanjore.

Check out Thalaiyatti Bommai (literally the head-nodding doll), which serve as great souvenirs of a Tanjore tour. Thanjavur Plates (with sombu, coconut), brass and bronze idols, bowls and vessels are other items for shopping in Thanjavur.

There are many shopping joints within the city. Several government run shops and private ones dot over the townscape, which you may explore for great variety and right price.Visiting the craftsmen at work and buying directly from them is also a good option for shopping in Tanjore.

Visiting
The summer months are warm averaging at 36°C. The months from Jan. to March are far cooler, averaging at about 24° C.

How to get there

Air
The nearest airport, Tiruchirappalli, is about 58 km away and is connected by Indian Airlines and Air Lanka with Colombo. Indian Airlines also connects Trichy with Madras and Madurai daily.

Rail
Thanjavur is well connected by rail with Trichy, Madurai, Nagore, Tirupati, Rameshwaram and madras directly.

Road
Thanjavur is served by a good road system connected to all the major cities of the country. Regular bus service connects all places of interest in and around Thanjavur. Tourist taxis, auto rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are also available.