Thanjavur (or Tanjaur) in Tamil Nadu was the prime capital of mighty Cholas before . It’s the same that the kingdom was so fertile that elephants want to thrash paddy here. Most of the nice Living Chola Temples, that are United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage Monuments, are set in and around Thanjavur.To this day, one will see stately ancient buildings and their ruins on virtually each street of the town. Thanjavur isn’t untouched by the sophistication, culture and knowledge that Tamilians are therefore happy with. Thanjavur paintings use semi-precious stones and gold foil to make deities in an exceedingly vogue distinctive to the region. Since real antique Tanjore paintings are very rare, you may realize solely newer ones (perhaps with antique finish) within the market.

Thanjavur is additionally famous for its Tanjore plates – brass places with silver inlay work, Indian musical instruments referred to as Veena, and colourful papier mache dolls referred to as Thanjavur thalaiyatti bommai that nod their heads like Bharatanatyam dancers. There’s a stimulating story regarding how the town of Thanjavur originated. It’s believed that Lord Vishnu slew a demon or Asur named Thanjan on the banks of river Cauvery. Simply before dying, Thanjan prayed to Lord Vishnu that a stunning and nice city named once him rise on the spot of his death and his wish was granted. Thus, Thanjanasur came into being.

Though a number of the temple sites claim to be thousands of years previous, the earliest of the current structures go back to seventh century cerium. Home to a number of the world’s finest temple designs, Thanjavur has as several as twenty four ancient temples that are worth a visit. However, 3 most celebrated and revered temples at Thanjavur are:

Brihadeeswara Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the name of the temple virtually means that ‘Big’. the huge temple precincts have a vast entrance arch and are enclosed by a fosse that appears awning. The grand temple doesn’t have loud coloured frescoes and has been purposefully given a sandstone-color end to keep it unassertive and low key. The 13-tiered entrance tower to the sanctum carries one block of granite stone consideration eighty tonnes on its prime. alternative notable options here embody a 4-mile long ramp that was engineered to line the cupola in such a fashion that its shadow never falls on the ground; the twelve-foot tall monolithic idol of Nandi; and a 12 linear unit high symbol with a circumference of fifty four linear units. the gorgeous frescoes of the shrine of immortal Brihan Nayaki; the cave-like temple of Saint Karuvurar; and therefore the Murugan shrine engineered sort of a chariot are a must-see at this temple.

Bangaru Kamakshi capital of Jordan Temple: two kms from the massive Temple, this temple of immortal Bangaru Kamakshi has an idol created in real gold, that is believed to own been brought here from Kanchipuram throughout Muslim invasion.

Mariamman Temple: immortal Mariamman, a manifestation of Mother immortal, is believed to own curative and healing powers. Although the temple was inbuilt in the eighteenth century, the immortal was adored here within the style of an official since times old. Descendants of the royal family of Thanjavur maintain the temple to the current day. Devotees believe that immortality provides relief from contagion, chicken pox and skin sores which drops of wetness seem on the face and head of the idol from time to time.

Besides temples, Thanjavur has some lovely field specimens at the Sivaganga Fort like the eighteenth century Schwartz Church and therefore the Royal Palace. The Rajaraja repository and therefore the gallery are acknowledged for his or her made assortment of Chola bronzes and stone sculptures whereas the Saraswati Mahal Library within the palace complex incorporates a giant assortment of rare manuscripts. you’ll conjointly see wide  views of the town from the decorative balconies of the six-storey Sharajah Madi and therefore the biggest cannon in Asian country – Rajagopala Beerangi – at the fort.