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The city Tanjavur also well known as Tanjore, is famous for its temples, intricately carved and crafted dolls and idols, exquisite paintings, and betel leaves. The city is on its way to technological development to compete with ever changing scenario of the world. There are many numerous schools and colleges which have given birth to numerous scholars since time immemorial.
Once here, you can rub shoulders with beautiful scenaries on the outskirts, temples and shrines, road-side tender coconut sellers to beat the scortching sun, the talented artisans busy sculpting out magnificent forms of art and architecture, whose skills are unrivalled and unique. If you are a lover of handmade art, which is far ahead of the machine-made ones and mad at the beautiful creations by the magical fingers, then Tanjore is the place you are searching for. The exclusively decorated plates, with pieces of glass and ‘kundan’ and placed on velvet cloth reveal the mastery of the craftsmen.
Thanjavur is one of the chief political, literary and religious centres of southern India. Tanjore holds the pride of being the second most important center for the annual dance festival “Natyanjali”, a celebration in honor of Lord Shiva, the God of Dance. It is also the place where you can find the seven swaras of classical music blend giving out melodious symphonies, by the classical musicians. Being very closely related to the Hindu mythology, all their art work depict the sincerity, respect, love and pride of the people towards Hinduism. May it be paintings, plates, temples, anything for that matter, all these speculatory pieces of art carry the prefix ‘Tanjavur’ with them.
History of Tanjavur
Tanjore is one of the most venerated places in Tamil Nadu.Its history times back to the period of Cholas, Marathas and Muthrayars. It is a perfect blend of ancient, medieval and modern history. Apart from being a political and administritative center it has served as a cultural hub for many many years. A home to over 90 temples, all erected by the Cholas between the 1st and 12th centuries, Tanjore flourished under the rule of Nayaks and the Marathas in the 16th and 17th century respectively. The Brihadeeshwara temple, built by the Cholas, world renowned for its wondrous and aesthetic architecture, remained the center for administration for many years.
Special attractions in and around Tanjavur
- Brihadeeshwara temple: Also famous as the big temple this finest piece of architecture in the history of ancient India is dedicated to Lord Brihadeeshwara. The temple has elaborately carved and ornate designs on its walls which mesmerize the on-lookers. These ethereal sandstones depict the life of Tamil Nadu’s ancestors, their civilization being the most unique in world history. The temple is situated in the heart of the city. Near the temple are the huge palace of the Cholas, an art gallery where you can find number of elegantly sculpted bronze and granite statues, and a vast music hall where all the religious ceremonies and concerts are arranged.
- Thiryvayaru: This holy place is considered to be the birth place of saint Thiyagaraja, a great musician of the Carnatic period. It is very close to Tanjore, so don’t miss the opportunity to experience the honor of visiting this sacred land. Especially in the month of ‘Thai’, you will find people immersed in the sea of devotion celebrating the birth of this great musician; the sequences called as ‘Thiyagaraja Aradhana’.The Thiyagaraja temple also has the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu.
Best Time to Visit Tanjavur
Tanjavur attracts visitors throughout the year.
Location
State: TamilNadu
District: Thanjavur
Distance of Thanjavur from nearest cities
How to reach Tanjavur
Nearest airport: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli, which is at a distance of around 58 kilometers from Thanjavur.
Nearest railway stations: Thanjavur has its own railway station.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Tanjavur is well connected by road to Madurai and Chennai.
Tourism Department
Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation
Tourism Complex, No.2, Wallajah Road
Chennai - 600002
Tel: 91-44-25367850 Extn.221; 25383333, 25389857, 25360294
Climatic Conditions
Tanjavur experiences a moderate climate with hot and humid summers and cold winters.
Clothing
Light cotton clothes in summers and light woolens in winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions near Tanjavur
- Thirukandiyur: This sleepy village is at a distance of 10 km from Tanjore, has numerous temples to visit. A few of them are Temples of Brahmasirekandeswarar and Harshavimochana Perumal.
- Kumbakonam: This is called the temple town of TamilNadu, also known for its temples, intricately carved Panchloha idols, and exquisite brassware especially lamps. The place like many other sacred places spread across the country, is known for the Mahamaham festival. This is 36 km from Tanjore.
- Darasuram: This temple dedicated to Lord Siva, was built by Rajendra Chola. The dignified and elegant steps of the temple leading to the sanctum in Darasuram are praiseworthy.
- Thirubuvanam: The temple built in the 13th Centuary by the Cholas dedicated to Lord Siva is a feast to the eyes and soul. One could definitely find peace in such a serene environment.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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