Thanjavur Tour Packages from Chennai, Thanjavur Tourist Places
Brahadeeswara Temple
The Brahadeeswara temple is one of the most important landmarks of the city and was built by Raja Raja Chola- I and is known as the most intricate example of the South Indian temple architecture. It is a world heritage site and is said to have been constructed as a celebration of the victory of the Chola Kingdom.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the architecture of the temple is truly one of a kind as hundreds of lingams are carved onto the stone structure. The temple is surrounded by gardens and the entrance to the temple complex is free of cost. A trip to Thanjavur cannot be complete without visiting the Brihadishwara temple!
Airavateshwara Temple
Located in Darasuram, the Airavateswara temple is one of the many Shiva temples in Thanjavur as the legend goes, the white elephant of Lord Shiva who is known as Airavata, worshipped Lord Shiva here to get rid of a curse given to him by Sage Durvasa. It is also said that the lord of death, Yama, worshipped Shiva here as well. Along with the other temples in Thanjavur, this temple is considered one of the greatest living Chola temples.
Thanjavur Royal Palace
Situated within the Vijaynagara fort complex and was known to be residence of the Nayak Kings. Within the palace premises, there are a lot of places worth visiting like the Nayak Hall, Saraswati Mahal library and the durbar hall. The Nayak Hall is where the artefacts from the Chola kingdom. The durbar hall is said to have been built by the Marathas and has the throne canopy decorated with mirror work. This place is a must visit when visiting Thanjavur!
Gangaikonda Temple
The architectural magnificence of Thanjavur does not end here, the Gangaikonda temple is another example of the beautiful temple carvings. The site has been declared as one of UNESCO’s world heritage sites. The temple is about a thousand years old and is known as an integral part of Tamil History.
The Seforji Sarasvati Mahal Library
Located within the premises of the palace complex. The Seforji Sarasvati Mahal Library is a museum that has gathered a lot of repute for being the home to numerous old artefacts and manuscripts. The paintings are exquisite and give the viewer a sense of how the medieval world functioned. It is a must-visit for all the history-buffs out there!
Thirumananjeri Temple
Known for marriage blessings and wishes, the Thirumananjeri temple is popular amongst Tamilians for fulfilling wishes asked for here. The temple is yet another example of spectacular architecture and design as the walls show the intricate carvings of gods and goddesses. Once a vow asked for here is fulfilled, one has to visit the temple again with their spouse to seek blessings. This temple is a must for the spiritual minded tourists!
Sukkiran Temple
Sukkiran Temple is known as the Navagraha temple for Venus and therefore, it is considered auspicious to visit the temple on a Friday. The temple is located in a small village which is why it is the best to get an idea about the local way of life here. The routes to the village are scenic and beautiful. Like all the other temples of Thanjavur, this temple is also adorned with intricate carvings and is an example of great architecture. Don’t miss this temple out while you are on your temple trail!
Thanjavur is a temple city and has numerous magnificent examples of great ancient architecture. If you are in the good for a vacation that is also a knowledge trip done history lane then Thanjavur is the place for you!
Shiva Ganga Garden
This garden lies within the Vijayanagar Fort and is open to the public. This garden is very well maintained and hence a pleasure to visit. A square tank is located in the Siva Ganga Garden built by the 16th century rulers for providing water to the Tanjore Palace is still in use and is well known for its sweet tasting water.
Vijayanagar Fort
This famous tourist spot is located nearly 2 km from the Brahadeeswara temple. This majestic fort was built by Nayaks and partly by Maratha rulers during the early 1550 AD. The fort houses a Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Library and an exquisite art gallery that includes many sculptures and paintings. The Shiva Ganga Gardens are also a part of the complex. Though the fort is mostly in ruins, it still echoes its strength and grandeur it must have once possessed.
Thanjai Mamani Koil
Thanjai Mamani Koil near Thanjavur is a set of three Vishnu temples, together called a Divyadesam. It is among the 108 such more temple premises in India. The temple has a local origin myth that has its roots in one of the many canonical myths about Lord Vishnu. He is worshipped over here chiefly in his Narasimha avatar, which he mainly took to defeat the evil king Hiranyakashipu to save his devotee Prahlad. Their idols are present here as well.
It a shrine loved and frequented by the devotees of Vishnu. The temple offers the unique opportunity to witness three abodes of the Lord at the same place, along with deities of his consort and other associated gods. People visit the place for all sorts of reasons. In one of the shrines, Goddess Lakshmi sits on the right side of a furious Vishnu, which signifies that goodness cannot survive where there is uncontrolled anger. Being one of the 108 Divyadesams, the temple has a different appeal altogether.
Alangudi Guru Temple
Alangudi and its temple are famous for being the Holy Sthala surrounded by the three holy rivers Cauvery, Kolidam and Vennaru. The place and the temple are intimately connected with each other and have some historical, mythological and local folklores tied to its past origin and present legend. The Alangudi Guru Temple is devoted to Abathsahayeswarar form of Shiva - the one who digested the poison of Vasuki Nag to save humanity from its toxin during samudra manthan. It also houses his female counterpart Elavarkuzhali and some other deities as well.
The temple is also known for being the home of Devguru Brihaspati or the planet Jupiter. As per Hindu Mythology, the nine planets are considered to be gods of heaven, where Earth, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are replaced by Sun, Moon, Rahu and Ketu. Tamil Nadu has nine temples dedicated to each of these nine celestial beings, and this one is for Jupiter. Staying true to the yellow hue of the planet we see in pictures, gifting yellow garments here is considered sacred. The transition of Jupiter from one zodiac to another's constellation is celebrated here as a big festival. Other festivals like Thai Poosam and Chithhtirai Purnima are also celebrated with pomp and show.