44 Facts About Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is one of India’s most magnificent architectural marvels. Built by Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century, this temple showcases the Chola dynasty’s grandeur and artistic brilliance.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Lord Brihadeeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva, is the presiding deity of this temple. It is believed that the temple was constructed to celebrate Raja Raja Chola’s victory.

Thanjavur is renowned for its classical music and dance.

The city has been a nurturing ground for various art forms, including Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, and Thanjavur painting. It continues to be a hub for preserving and promoting these traditional art forms.

The Saraswathi Mahal Library is home to rare manuscripts.

Established in the 16th century by Nayak kings, the Saraswathi Mahal Library houses an extensive collection of ancient palm leaf manuscripts, books, and historical artifacts.

Thanjavur is famous for its unique style of painting.

Known as Thanjavur painting, this art form originated in the 17th century and is characterized by rich colors, gold embellishments, and depictions of gods, goddesses, and mythological scenes.

The town is renowned for its bronze casting tradition.

Skilled artisans in Thanjavur have been creating exquisite bronze sculptures using the lost-wax casting technique for centuries.

Thanjavur is home to the Maratha palace.

The Maratha palace, also known as the Thanjavur Palace, was the official residence of the Bhonsle Marathas who ruled Thanjavur. Today, it serves as a museum housing an impressive collection of art and artifacts.

The town is known for its unique ‘Veena’ crafting.

Thanjavur is famous for its intricate craftsmanship of the Veena, a traditional Indian musical instrument. Skilled artisans meticulously carve and create these stunning instruments.

Thanjavur is a significant hub for silk weaving.

The city is known for its silk sarees, which are intricately woven with vibrant colors and traditional patterns. Thanjavur silk sarees are highly sought after all over the country.

The Thanjavur Art Gallery showcases exquisite artworks.

Located inside the palace complex, the Thanjavur Art Gallery exhibits a wide range of stunning paintings, sculptures, and handicrafts, providing a glimpse into the rich artistic heritage of the region.

The Airavatesvara Temple is a magnificent architectural masterpiece.

Built in the 12th century by the Chola dynasty, the Airavatesvara Temple is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its intricate carvings and exquisite stone sculptures.

The town is renowned for its unique style of doll-making.

Thanjavur is famous for its beautiful and intricately crafted traditional dolls known as “Thanjavur Bommai.” These dolls are considered to be a symbol of heritage and craftsmanship.

Thanjavur is home to several prominent educational institutions.

The city has a strong educational foundation, with prestigious institutions like the Thanjavur Medical College, SASTRA University, and Tamil University.

Thanjavur is surrounded by fertile agricultural lands.

Known as “The Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu,” the region around Thanjavur is characterized by lush paddy fields and is a major contributor to the state’s agricultural output.

The town is famous for its unique style of metal crafting.

Skilled artisans in Thanjavur create exquisite metal crafts, including bronze statues, lamps, and household utensils, using traditional techniques handed down through generations.

Thanjavur is home to the Royal Palace Museum.

The Royal Palace Museum houses a treasure trove of artifacts, including weapons, jewelry, musical instruments, and costumes, providing insight into the region’s royal heritage.

The town is known for its grand celebration of festivals.

Thanjavur is known for its vibrant and elaborate festivities, with the annual “Kumbakonam Mahamaham” festival being one of the most significant religious gatherings in the region.

Thanjavur is famous for its unique style of glass painting.

The town is renowned for its intricate glass paintings that depict various mythological stories and intricate designs, showcasing the exceptional artistic skills of the local craftsmen.

The Thanjavur Big Temple is a marvel of engineering.

The Brihadeeswarar Temple has withstood the test of time and natural calamities due to its unique architectural design and innovative construction techniques used by the Chola artisans.

Thanjavur is considered the birthplace of Carnatic music.

The city has a rich musical tradition and has produced many great Carnatic musicians who have made significant contributions to the Indian classical music scene.

The town is home to the Punnainallur Mariamman Temple.

This ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Mariamman is believed to be around 2000 years old and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees.

Thanjavur is known for its unique handicrafts.

From woodwork to stone carving, mural paintings to metalwork, Thanjavur showcases a wide variety of intricate handicrafts that reflect the rich artistic heritage of the region.

The town is renowned for its annual dance festival.

The Natyanjali Dance Festival held in Thanjavur attracts renowned dancers from all over the country who come together to showcase their talent and pay homage to Lord Nataraja.

Thanjavur is famous for its iconic Tamil architecture.

The city is dotted with beautiful Dravidian-style temples that boast exquisite carvings, towering gopurams, and intricate sculptures, reflecting the rich architectural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

The town is home to the Rajaraja Museum.

The Rajaraja Museum is a treasure trove of artifacts dating back to the Chola period, including exquisite sculptures, ancient coins, inscriptions, and archaeological finds.

Thanjavur is renowned for its Poompuhar handicrafts.

Poompuhar, a government-owned enterprise, produces exquisite handicrafts that showcase the artistic skills of local artisans, including bronze sculptures, handicrafts, and handloom products.

The town is famous for its unique style of stone carving.

Thanjavur is known for its expert craftsmen who intricately carve beautiful sculptures and architectural elements from stone, displaying their mastery in this traditional art form.

Thanjavur has a rich history of traditional medicine.

The city is renowned for its Ayurvedic and Siddha medical practices, which have been passed down through generations, offering holistic healthcare solutions.

The town houses the Panchanadeeswarar Temple.

The Panchanadeeswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to be one of the five sacred Shaivite temples along the banks of the Cauvery River.

Thanjavur is renowned for its unique style of wood carving.

Skilled artisans in the region create intricate wood carvings, including sculptures, panels, and furniture, showcasing their mastery in this traditional art form.

The town is famous for its ancient forts.

Thanjavur is home to several ancient forts, including the Thanjavur Fort and the Sivaganga Fort, which once served as protective strongholds for the ruling dynasties.

Thanjavur is a prominent center for Hindu religious studies.

The city is home to several renowned educational institutions that specialize in the study of Hindu scriptures, religious philosophy, and ancient texts.

The town is known for its exquisite temple jewelry.

Thanjavur is famous for its traditional temple jewelry, crafted with precision and adorned with precious stones, enhancing the divine beauty of the deities.

Thanjavur has a network of ancient irrigation canals.

The region is well-known for its ingenious irrigation system, comprising an intricate network of canals and tanks that support agriculture in the fertile deltaic region.

The town is renowned for its grand musical processions.

During religious festivals, Thanjavur comes alive with mesmerizing musical processions where traditional instruments and musicians accompany the deities on ornate chariots.

Thanjavur is home to the magnificent Kalyanasundareswarar Temple.

This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate sculptures depicting various mythological stories.

The town is famous for its traditional silk weaving techniques.

Skilled weavers in Thanjavur create exquisite silk sarees, known as Thanjavur Silk, with intricate designs and vibrant colors, reflecting the rich textile heritage of the region.

Thanjavur is considered the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu.

The city’s deep-rooted cultural traditions, classical arts, and architectural marvels have earned it the title of being the cultural capital of the state.

The town is renowned for its unique style of terracotta pottery.

Thanjavur is known for its elegant terracotta pottery, including figurines, diya lamps, and decorative items, crafted with finesse by skilled artisans.

Thanjavur is home to the Thanjavur School of Painting.

The Thanjavur School of Painting, also known as the Tanjore School of Art, is a distinctive style of painting that originated in the region, characterized by its vibrant colors and gold leaf work.

The town is famous for its iconic “Thalaiyatti Bommai” dolls.

Thanjavur is known for its unique “Thalaiyatti Bommai” dolls, which are specially crafted with nodding heads and vibrant attire, representing various traditional characters.

Thanjavur is renowned for its sprawling paddy fields.

The city and its surrounding regions are adorned with extensive paddy fields, creating a picturesque landscape that is a sight to behold.

The town is home to the famous Schwartz Church.

The Schwartz Church, built in the late 18th century by the Danish missionary Christian Friedrich Schwartz, is a prominent Christian landmark in Thanjavur.

Thanjavur is known for its vibrant silk troupes.

The city is home to several renowned silk troupes, who engage in weaving exquisite sarees and garments, showcasing their craftsmanship and contributing to the city’s rich textile heritage.

These 44 facts about Thanjavur offer a glimpse into the rich history, culture, and traditions of this captivating city. From its majestic temples to its world-renowned art forms, Thanjavur continues to enchant visitors with its fascinating heritage. Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply seeking a unique travel experience, Thanjavur has something incredible to offer.

Conclusion

Thanjavur, also known as Tanjore, is a city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, which is evident in its magnificent temples, exquisite handicrafts, and vibrant art forms.

With a history dating back to the Chola dynasty, Thanjavur has witnessed the rise and fall of many dynasties and empires. The city’s iconic Brihadeeswarar Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the Chola era.

Thanjavur is not just a city of historical significance; it is also a thriving center for classical music and dance. The music and dance forms, such as Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music, have flourished in this region for centuries, attracting artists and enthusiasts from all over the world.

Visitors to Thanjavur can explore its numerous art galleries, museums, and traditional craft villages, where they can witness the skill and craftsmanship of local artisans. The city is also famous for its distinct style of painting known as Tanjore painting, characterized by vivid colors, intricate embellishments, and the use of semi-precious stones.

Overall, Thanjavur offers a unique blend of heritage, culture, and artistic excellence. It is a must-visit destination for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone seeking a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient India.

FAQs

Q: What is the best time to visit Thanjavur?

A: The best time to visit Thanjavur is during the winter months from November to February when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

Q: How can I reach Thanjavur?

A: Thanjavur is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, located about 55 kilometers away. The city has its own railway station and is also well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu.

Q: What are the must-visit attractions in Thanjavur?

A: Some of the must-visit attractions in Thanjavur include the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library, and Sangeetha Mahal.

Q: Are there any accommodations options in Thanjavur?

A: Yes, Thanjavur offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget, including luxury hotels, budget hotels, and guesthouses.

Q: Is Thanjavur safe for tourists?

A: Thanjavur is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take necessary precautions and follow basic safety guidelines while traveling.