Thanjavur or Tanjore is a picturesque place located in the Tamilnadu state. Situated in the midst of the highly fertile Cauvery Delta this beautiful city is situated some 55 km east of Trichy and is called as the 'The Rice Bowl of India' or ‘granary’ of Tamil Nadu because of the substantial amount of rice production here.
According to Hindu mythology the name Thanjavur has been originated from Tanjan, who was a demon killed by Lord Vishnu at this very place. The demon’s last wish was that the city be named after him. Many also believe that the term Tanjore has derived from the expression ‘Than-sei-oor’ meaning ‘the place enclosed by rivers and paddy fields.
This place rose to its glory during the rule of Cholas between 9th to 14th centuries AD. The Cholas built many temples during this period during this period and 74 of these temples are still standing and are testimony to the architectural marvel of Chola rulers. After the collapse of the Cholas, it was subsequently ruled by the Madurai Nayaks, Pandyas, Vijaya Nagar Empire, Thanjavur Nayaks, Thanjavur Marathas and the British.
Thanjavur is a vital centre of South Indian art and architecture and this in reflected in the variety of handicraft work, fine silk carpets, bronze idols, musical instruments, bell metal products and pith models of temples. Tanjore is also the home of performing arts as well as Carnatic music. Bejewelled, gold leaf Tanjore paintings are renowned all over the world for their exclusive style. Tanjore Doll or the ‘Thanjavur Bommai’ made out of terracotta is also very famous.
Top Tourist Places Near Thanjavur, Tamilnadu
Thanjavur is famous for its breath-taking temples. There are many places of tourist’s attraction in Thanjavur.
The Brahadeeswarar Temple
The Brahadeeswarar temple is a favourite pilgrimage spot for many visitors visiting Tanjore. Also called the Big Temple this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built by the Chola King Rajaraja Chola I. The Brihadeeswarar Temple is considered as the largest temple complex of India. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is a magnificent example of Chola architecture and is a testimony to the engineering skill of the Chola architects. Temple is nearly 16 feet long and 13 feet tall and the Vimana or the temple tower measures about 216 feet in its height. Central sanctum of the temple has a 3.7 meters huge Lingam of Lord Shiva. Inner walls of the Temple are adorned with beautiful Chola fresco paintings.
Thanjavur Palace
The palace is just 1 km. away from Brahadeeswarar Temple. It is a magnificent building which was built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. The total area of the palace measures 10 acres. The huge corridors, spacious halls, decorated rooms, tall observation towers, wonderful fresco painted walls, intricate carvings, Chandramaulessshwarar Temple within the palace are all worth a seeing.
Serfoji’s Saraawathi Mahal Library
This was set up around 1700 AD in and has a rare and valuable collection of manuscripts. The ancient palm leaves and paper manuscripts written in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Hindi, English and other indigenous Indian languages are still conserved in the library. It also has many foreign books inscribed by the Kings and the Scholars. The place also houses rare collection of very unique and rare Sanskrit books. The nearby museum houses some interesting exhibits like copies of the original drawings, atlases, glass and wooden painting, the Ramayana written on a palm leaf etc.
Vijayanagara Fort
It is one of the most prominent historical monuments in Thanjavur. This was built by the Nayak King ‘Vijay Raghav’ and later expanded and completed by the Maratha rulers of Tanjore. The objective behind building this fort was to protect the Royal Palace of Thanjavur. Fort encloses of Thanjavur Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Serfoji’s Saraswati Mahal Library, Art Gallery and Siva Ganga Garden.
Thanjavur Art Gallery
It is situated within the Thanjavur Royal Palace and housed in the Nayak Hall of the place. This place has an amazing collection of bronze images, stone sculptures, Tanjore Paintings, murals, paintings, sculptures and other artifacts belonging to era of Chola, Pallava and the Nayak rulers.
Sangeetha Mahal
The Hall of Music or Sangeetha Mahal is located on the first floor of the Tanjore palace. This used be the auditorium where the musicians and dancers performed in front of the Chola and Nayak rulers.
Schwartz Church
This Church was built by Raja Serfoji the last sovereign ruler of Thanjavur in 1779 AD. This was built by the Raja as a token of affection for the Danish missionary Rev. Reverend Frederick Christian Schwartz. Schwartz Church also has a white marble structure which was added after the demise of Reverend Frederick Schwartz. This structure is famous for its intricate carvings those illustrate the last moments of Schwartz.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church
Our Lady of Sorrows Church is situated on the Pookara Street of Tanjore. Also known as Viagula Madha Church this is regarded to be the oldest church of the Thanjavur District. This church is famous for its car festival.
Royal Museum
Located in the palace complex, Royal museum has mixed collections like rare bronze sculptures stone sculptures from Pallava, Chola and Pandaya periods, rare paintings, manuscripts, weapon, dresses, utensils, musical instruments etc.
Mariamman Temple
Popularly called Punnai Nallur this temple is located 6 km. away from Thanjavur. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman.
Apart from this there are many other places worth visiting in Thanjavur like Rajagopala beerangi or Cannon, Tholkappiyar Sadukkam, Tamil University, Siva Ganga Park, Grand Anicut, Suryanar Kovil (Sun Temple), Thingalur Temple (Moon Temple), Vaitheswaran Kovil (Mars Temple), Thiruvenkadu Temple (Swedharanyeshwarar) (Mercury Temple), Alangudi Temple (Jupiter Temple), Kanchanur Temple (Venus Temple), Thirunallar Temple (Saturn Temple), Thirunageshwaram Temple (Raahu Temple), Keelaperumpallam Temple (Kethu Temple), Thirumananjeri Temple, Lord Murugan Temple Thiruvanajozhi Temple etc.
How to Reach Tanjore
Trichy international airport which is 58 km away from Thanjavur is the nearest airport. Thanjavur Junction in the heart of the city is one of the major railway junctions of Southern Railways and it directly connects Tanjore by rail to Tiruchi, Madurai, Chennai, etc. Tanjavur is connected with major towns and cities in Tamil Nadu and the neighbouring states of Kerala and Karnataka by good network of roads.
Accommodation
Various accommodation options are available in Thanjavur which range from budget hotels to resorts and guesthouses to lodges.