Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur — called the 'Big Temple' — is the crown jewel of Chola architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Completed in 1010 CE by Raja Raja Chola I, it remains one of the largest Hindu temples in the world.

The vimana (temple tower) soars to 66 metres — among the tallest in the world at the time of construction — and is capped by a single octagonal granite cupola weighing approximately 80 tonnes. The complex includes a massive Nandi mandapa, two gopurams, and sub-shrines for the eight directional guardians.

The interior murals depict Chola-era scenes of worship and royal life. The bronze processional images are among the finest Chola bronzes in the world. The temple forms part of the 'Great Living Chola Temples' UNESCO grouping.