Known as the ‘big temple’, Brihadeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is amongst one of the largest temples in the country. And make no mistake, this temple is 1000+ years old and the temple tower is a whopping 216 feet high, making it the tallest in the world. A great example of the famed Chola architecture, it is little wonder that this is one of the most visited places in Tanjore. The shrine is rare as it houses statues of Ashtadikpaalakas or Guardians of Directions—Indra, Agni, Nirrti, Varuna, Kubera, Isana, Yama, and Vayu. Another interesting fact about its architecture is that the vimana (tower above the sanctum sanctorum) of the temple does not cast a shadow at noon! The temple is fully made of granite and has Chola frescoes on its walls, portraying various facets of Lord Shiva. Also, the temple has many pillars of which several produce different musical notes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For me, the sight of the temple elephant was an added bonus and if you give her some money, she will even bless you!
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