Tanjore- South Indian temple destination: The Gem of the Cholas
Tanjore, officially Thanjavur, is one of the most famous temple cities of India. Tanjore, the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks and the Marathas; Tanjore is home to South India’s most historical temples.
Tanjore once known as 'Thanjavur', a name that is derived from Tanjan-an asura (Giant). According to Hindu mythology, the Tanjan-an asura devastated the city and was killed by Lord Vishnu who assumed one of his many avatars. Before dying, Tanjan’s last request was that the city that faced the wrath of his destruction be named after him. Lord Vishnu granted the giant’s request. Though an ancient temple city and site of historical importance, Tanjore rose to prominence during the reign of the Cholas between the 10th and the 14th centuries and became one of the most important centres of learning and culture in South India.
Tanjore also serves as the district headquarters of the tanjore district, which owing to its immense rice production is referred to as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Tamil Nadu. Besides its Hindu temples, Tanjore is also famous for its exquisite handicrafts, bronze works and south Indian musical instruments.
DESTINATIONS in Tanjore- TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
- The most famous attraction of the famous pilgrimage town of Tanjore is obviously the huge Bragatheeswarar temple. Built by the great Chola king, Rajaraja Cholan, the Bragatheeswarar temple is an apt example of Indian architectural acumen. A very unique feature of the Bragatheeswarar temple is that the temple complex’s tallest tower (which is a good 216 feet tall) is built over the sanctum sanctorum; this is unlike the other ancient temples in the region.
- Around 80 kms from Tanjore are located the ancient temples of Puliyur Vyagrapureeswarar, Sikkal Singaravelavar and Sirkazhi. These temples are centuries old and are significant places of worship. Another point to be noted here is that all the three temples have rather varying customs and traditions which are often very peculiar.
- Top 5 popular temples in the ancient pilgrimage centre of Tanjore are
- Vaitheeswaran Kovil (an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva)
- Swamimalai (one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan, also known as Lord Kartik)
- Shiva temple at Thirubuvanam (a town famous for silk weaving industry that is located 35 kms from Tanjore)
- Thiruvaiyaru (a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Shiva)
- Thyagarajaswami (a very prolific temple which is also home to the largest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu)
Tanjore- TRAVEL TIPS
- Languages: Tamil and English are the widely spoken languages in the region. Hindi is somewhat rare.
- Cuisine: Cuisine is largely South Indian; you can expect Neer dosa’s, idli’s, aapam and a lot of other South Indian dishes.
Tanjore is a must-stop for any temple tourism initiative or temple tour in South India.
BEST TIME to visit Tanjore
Tanjore can be visited in summers as well as winters. It is not suggested to visit Tanjore during the monsoons. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com
BEST WAY to reach Tanjore
- By Air: The airport nearest to Tanjore is Tiruchirapalli that lies a decent 167 kms away.
- By Rail: Tanjore is a railway junction and is among the more important railway stations in south India.
- By Road: Tanjore is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region. Local transport in Tanjore comprises taxis, cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws.
ACCOMMODATION
Hotels and rooms are available to suit all budgets. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via temple pilgrimage tours and temple trips.