Thanjavur – City of Ancient Art, Literature and Temples

Thanjavur (or Tanjaur) in Tamil Nadu was once thesandstone-color finish to keep it unobtrusive and low
capital of mighty Cholas. It is said that the kingdomkey. The 13-tiered entrance tower to the sanctum
was so fertile that elephants used to thrash paddycarries a single block of granite stone weighing 80
here. To this day, one can see stately ancient buildingstonnes on its top. Other notable features here include a
and their ruins on almost every street of the city. Tamil4-mile long ramp that was built to set the cupola in
Nadu is known for nurturing literature, classical musicsuch a manner that its shadow never falls on the
and arts for hundreds of years. Thanjavur is notground; the 12-foot tall monolithic idol of Nandi; and a 12
untouched by the sophistication, culture and knowledgeft high lingam with a circumference of 54 ft. The
that Tamilians are so proud of. Thanjavur paintings usebeautiful frescoes of the shrine of Goddess Brihan
semi-precious stones and gold foil to create deities in aNayaki; the cave-like temple of Saint Karuvurar; and
style unique to the region. Since genuine antiquethe Murugan shrine built like a chariot are a must-see
Tanjore paintings are extremely rare, you will find onlyat this temple.
newer ones (perhaps with antique finish) in the market.- Bangaru Kamakshi Amman Temple: 2 kms from the
Thanjavur is also famous for its Tanjore plates –Big Temple, this temple of Goddess Bangaru
brass places with silver inlay work, Indian musicalKamakshi has an idol made in real gold, which is
instrument known as Veena, and colorful papierbelieved to have been brought here from Kanchipuram
mache dolls known as Thanjavur thalayatti bommaisduring Muslim invasion.
which nod their heads like Bharatanatyam dancers.- Mariamman Temple: Goddess Mariamman, a
There is an interesting story about how the city ofmanifestation of Mother Goddess, is believed to have
Thanjavur originated. It is believed that Lord Vishnucurative and healing powers. Though the temple was
slew a demon or asur named Thanjan on the banksbuilt in the 18th century, the goddess was worshipped
of River Cauvery. Just before dying, Thanjan prayedhere in the form of an anthill since times immemorial.
to Lord Vishnu that a beautiful and great town namedDescendants of the royal family of Thanjavur maintain
after him rise on the spot of his death and his wishthe temple to this day. Devotees believe that goddess
was granted. Thus, Thanjanasur (which later becameprovides relief from measles, chicken pox and skin
Thanjavur) came into being.sores and that drops of moisture appear on the face
Though some of the temple sites claim to beand head of the idol from time to time.
thousands of years old, the earliest of the presentBesides temples, Thanjavur has some beautiful
structures date back to 7th century CE. Home toarchitectural specimens at the Sivaganga Fort such as
some of the world's finest temple architecture,the 18th century Schwartz Church and the Royal
Thanjavur has as many as 24 ancient temples thatPalace. The Rajaraja Museum and the Art Gallery are
are worth a visit. However, three most celebrated andknown for their rich collection of Chola bronzes and
revered temples at Thanjavur are:stone sculptures while the Saraswati Mahal Library in
- Brihadeesvara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, thethe palace complex has a large collection of rare
name of the temple literally means ‘Big’. Themanuscripts. You can also see panoramic views of
massive temple precincts have an enormous entrancethe city from the ornamental balconies of the
arch and are surrounded by a moat that lookssix-storey Sharajah Madi and the biggest cannon in
awe-inspiring. The grand temple does not have loudIndia - Rajagopala Beerangi – at the fort.
colored frescoes and has been purposefully given a