We visited the Tanjore Big temple in January 2025. Words fall short to describe the experience of visiting this temple. The colossal structure stands as a testimony to the engineering skills and talent of our ancestors. We had travelled from Trichy. It was about and hour and a half drive from Tricky. The weather at this time of year was good. There was a light breeze and it was pleasant. The temple visit was planned for evening so that we could avoid the morning/afternoon sun as well as be available when the lights come on post sun down. The road from Tricky to Tanjore was smooth with very little traffic. The driver had taken the toll rod and the ride was fast and smooth. We have a paid shoe stand just near the temple entrance. Charges are very nominal. There was crowd in the premises, but the temple premise is so huge that you do not feel the crowd. I could just wonder at the huge grant Nandi statue in front of the lord. The shiva lingam itself was close to 10 feet in height and grand. We had a good darshan at close quarters. Albeit we did pay for the darshan from close range and a small archana. It was worth it.. The temple takes on a new feel at sundown. The wait for the lights to come on was also worth it.. The temples and surroundings are lit up post sun set.. It was a different feeling altogether. Merely sitting quietly on the steps or any seating area and admiring the temple itself is a different feeling. It is worth a visit if you ever plan a trip down south.

Built in early 11th Century (1010 AD) by Rajaraja I, this astonishing megalith incredibly doesn't cast a shadow!!!.... the Shiva Lingam deity weighing at 20 tons is one of the largest in India.... the dome rested on the Shikara is a massive 80 ton sculpted granite block... The Temple stands as a testament to ancient engineering prowess with remarkably, no cement, soil, or binding agents used in its construction

This historical place is just mind blowing to look at! I went with my family in a tour bus but you can get there easily with public transport too. make sure to before 5 or after 6 as the temple will be closed in the time between. make sure to visit this place in your lifetime!

"Brihad" means Large or Grand. The temple extends over 36 acres and was built more than thousand years ago. When Europe and Western world were in the dark ages, Bharat was a millenia ahead in terms of engineering, architecture and spirituality. A beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The 200 feet Gopuram is testament to bharatiya ingenuity a 1000 years ago. The temple has immense detailing. It will take a library to explain the beauty of the temple. Must visit.