I visited Brihadeeswarar Temple during my Mahasivarathri trip in 2025.
The first sight of Brihadeeswarar Temple is difficult to forget.
The first thing I did at Brihadeeswarar Temple was look up. I had seen photos of the vimana before, but standing below it in Thanjavur was different. It was huge.
The Vision of Raja Raja Chola I
Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil or the Big Temple, was commissioned by Emperor Raja Raja Chola I during the 11th century.
I kept wondering how they built something this big without the machinery we have today.
Walking Through History
One of the things that impressed me most was the level of detail throughout the temple.
I spent time looking at the carvings and the size of the stone structures. There was a lot to take in.
The Magnificent Nandi
Another highlight of the visit was the enormous Nandi statue.
The Nandi in front of the sanctum was another thing I stopped to look at. The size and the detail caught my attention.
Before I Left
Before leaving, I looked up at the vimana once more.
Being there felt like a blessing.
Phones weren’t allowed inside the Shivan temple, so that part of the visit stayed with me without a photograph.
I was simply there, in the present moment.
And I’m grateful I got to be there.
Just here.
— Thana
Beyond The Horizon 🌅
