Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir Amarnath Temple, Jammu and Kashmir History For Hindus, the Amarnath Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, India, is of utmost religious significance. It is one of Hinduism's most sacred sanctuaries and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Amarnath Temple has a long and illustrious history. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva is believed to have given his celestial spouse, Goddess Parvati, the secret to immortality there in the Amarnath Cave. Legend has it that Lord Shiva chose to give this secret knowledge to her in this remote cave high in the Himalayas. The cave was hidden and inaccessible for many years before being rediscovered in the 18th century by a Muslim shepherd by the name of Buta Malik. According to the mythology, Buta Malik was handed a bag of coal by a sadhu (holy man), who ordered him to wait until he reached home before open it. Buta Malik discovered the coal had turned into gold when he opened the bag. He was so overwhelmed by this miracle
The Magnificent Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur: Exploring the Marvels of Indian Architecture and Culture
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| Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur |
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the city of Thanjavur, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Built during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I, who ruled the Chola dynasty from 985 to 1014 CE, the temple is considered a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple was constructed in the 11th century CE to celebrate the victories of the Chola dynasty. It was built using granite stones, and its towering vimana (tower) stands at a height of 66 meters, making it one of the tallest temple towers in the world.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is famous for its Shiva Linga, which is the largest in India, measuring around 3.7 meters in height. The linga is made of granite and is said to have been brought to the temple by Raja Raja Chola himself. The temple also houses a magnificent Nandi statue which is carved out of a single stone and weighs around 25 tonnes.
The temple walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology. These paintings, which were originally painted using natural pigments, have been restored and are now a major attraction for visitors.
The Brihadeeswarar Temple has undergone several renovations over the years, the most recent being the Kumbabishekam ceremony in 1997, which is a traditional Hindu ceremony that involves the consecration of the temple after renovations.
Brihadeeswarar Temple is not only a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture but also an important symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for tourists and devotees.
Here are some interesting facts about Brihadeeswarar Temple
The temple was built in just five years, from 1003 to 1008 CE, during the reign of Raja Raja Chola I.
The linga in the temple is made of a single granite stone and weighs around 80 tonnes, making it the largest of its kind in India.
The temple's walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
The temple's gopuram (entrance gate) is over 30 meters tall and is adorned with intricately carved sculptures of gods and goddesses.
The temple's main deity, Brihadeeswara, is said to be the most powerful form of Lord Shiva, and his presence is believed to have healing powers.
The temple attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year, and its Kumbabishekam ceremony, which takes place every 12 years, is a major event in the region.
How to visit Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple
If you're planning to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
Location: The temple is located in the city of Thanjavur, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is easily accessible by road, rail, and air.
Entry fee: There is an entry fee to visit the temple, which varies depending on whether you are a local or foreign visitor. There may also be additional fees for photography and videography.
Dress code: Visitors are expected to dress modestly and cover their heads before entering the temple. It is also recommended to wear comfortable footwear as you may need to remove your shoes before entering some areas of the temple.
Best time to visit: The temple is open from early morning to late evening, and it is best to visit during the cooler months from October to March. However, be aware that the temple can get crowded during peak tourist season.
Plan your visit: It is recommended to plan your visit in advance and allocate enough time to explore the temple and its surroundings. You may also want to hire a guide who can provide you with more information about the temple's history and architecture.
Respect the temple: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a sacred place of worship, and visitors are expected to respect the temple's customs and traditions. Avoid touching or climbing on any of the temple's sculptures or carvings, and refrain from loud talking or taking selfies inside the temple.
Brihadeeswarar Temple festival
The Brihadeeswarar Temple hosts several festivals throughout the year, the most important of which is the Maha Shivaratri festival, which usually takes place in February or March. This festival is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by devotees from all over India.
During the festival, the temple is beautifully decorated with lights and flowers, and devotees perform special poojas (prayers) and offer coconuts, flowers, and other offerings to Lord Shiva. The highlight of the festival is the all-night vigil, during which devotees fast and stay awake, singing devotional songs and chanting the name of Lord Shiva.
Another important festival celebrated at the Brihadeeswarar Temple is the Arudra Darshan festival, which takes place in December or January. This festival celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva and is marked by special poojas, processions, and cultural programs.
The temple also celebrates several other festivals throughout the year, including the Chittirai festival, which celebrates the marriage of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the Aadi Pooram festival, which is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, the consort of Lord Shiva.
Overall, the Brihadeeswarar Temple's festivals offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of India and to witness the devotion and faith of its people.
Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple nearby tourist place
Thanjavur, the city in which the Brihadeeswarar Temple is located, is a popular tourist destination in South India and has several other attractions that visitors can explore. Here are some nearby tourist places to visit:
Thanjavur Palace: Also known as the Maratha Palace, this beautiful palace was built by the Maratha rulers in the 16th century and houses several museums and art galleries.
Saraswathi Mahal Library: This ancient library is home to over 50,000 palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books, many of which date back to the 16th century.
Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple: This temple is another masterpiece of the Chola dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located about 70 km from Thanjavur and is well worth a visit.
Kumbakonam: This historic town is located about 35 km from Thanjavur and is famous for its beautiful temples and ancient architecture.
Darasuram: This small village, located about 5 km from Kumbakonam, is home to the Airavateswara Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
Swamimalai: This town, located about 35 km from Thanjavur, is home to the Swaminathaswamy Temple, which is one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan and is famous for its intricate architecture and sculptures.
Pudukkottai: This town, located about 50 km from Thanjavur, is home to several ancient temples and forts, including the Kudumiyanmalai Temple and the Thirumayam Fort.
Overall, there are plenty of nearby tourist places to explore while visiting the Brihadeeswarar Temple, making it a perfect destination for a cultural and historical tour of South India.
How to reach Brihadeeswarar temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is located in the city of Thanjavur, in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Here are some ways to reach the temple:
By air: The nearest airport to Thanjavur is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, which is located about 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
By train: Thanjavur has its own railway station, which is well-connected to major cities in India, including Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple.
By road: Thanjavur is well-connected by road to major cities in Tamil Nadu and other nearby states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach the temple from cities like Chennai, Madurai, and Trichy.
Local transportation: Once you reach Thanjavur, you can take a local bus, auto-rickshaw, or taxi to reach the Brihadeeswarar Temple. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible from any part of Thanjavur.
It is advisable to plan your trip in advance and book your transportation tickets and accommodations beforehand, especially during peak tourist season.
Brihadeeswarar Temple best time to visit
The best time to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and cool. During this time, the temperature ranges between 20°C and 28°C, making it comfortable for visitors to explore the temple and its surroundings.
The temple can also be visited during the monsoon season, from July to September, when the weather is cool and pleasant due to the rainfall. However, it is important to note that heavy rains may cause flooding and disrupt travel plans, so it is best to check the weather forecast before planning your trip during this time.
Visiting the temple during the summer months, from March to June, is not recommended as the temperatures can soar up to 40°C, making it difficult to explore the temple and its surroundings.
Overall, the winter months are the best time to visit the Brihadeeswarar Temple, as the weather is pleasant and conducive to exploring the temple and its surroundings.
Things to know before visiting Brihadeeswarar temple
Dress code: The temple is a religious site, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and respectfully. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are not allowed inside the temple premises. Men are expected to wear dhotis or pants, while women are expected to wear sarees or salwar kameez.
Footwear: Visitors are not allowed to wear footwear inside the temple premises, and there are designated areas where visitors can leave their shoes before entering the temple.
Photography: Photography is allowed inside the temple, but visitors are not allowed to use flash or tripods. It is important to be respectful of other visitors and not obstruct their view while taking photos.
Temple timings: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is open from 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM and from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM. It is closed during lunchtime and on certain religious occasions.
Entry fee: There is no entry fee to visit the temple, but visitors may have to pay for special darshan or puja services.
Crowds: The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a popular tourist destination and can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season. It is important to be patient and respectful of other visitors while exploring the temple.
Prohibited items: Visitors are not allowed to carry any kind of food or drink, tobacco, alcohol, or weapons inside the temple premises.
By keeping these things in mind, visitors can have a smooth and enjoyable experience while exploring the Brihadeeswarar Temple and its surroundings.
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