Thanjavur rose to Glory during the later Chola Regin between 11th and 14th Centuries A.D and became the centre of learning and culture it is the head quarters of the district of the same name Thanjavur District. Known as the ‘Rice Bowl’ of Tamilnadu is also known for its exquisite handicrafts.
Big Temple: The Great Chola King built Bragatheeswarar Temple. Big Temple is an example for the Indian sculptural architecture greatness. Temple is surrounded by moat on two sides and Grand Anaicut river on the other side. This temple is unique to have the tallest tower over the sanctum sanctorum unlike the other temples. It is 216 feet tall. The stupa at the top is made of bronze. The walls of the sanctum are covered, with the wall paintings of Chola and Nayak periods, comparable to the famous Ajanta cave frescoes. Guarding the inner shrine of the temple, is the gigantic statue of Nandi, the Bull. The Nandi is 12 feet tall, 19 ½ feet long and 81/4 feet wide. Ph: 04362 – 274476
Darasuram: Darasuram, 34 Kms away, has a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which was built by Rajendra Chola.It also boasts a silk weaving centre.
Kumbakonam: Kumbakonam, one of the special grade Municipal Towns of Tamil Nadu, is the second bigger town in Thanjavur District, also known as Temple city. It is located about 313 Kilometers away from madras on the south, about 90 Kms. from Tiruchy on the east and about 40 Kms from Tanjavur on the North East. Also the well known Sun Temple of Suryanaar Koil is situated near Kumbakonam.
Mannargudi: Rajagopala Temple, Lord Krishna is featured as Rajagopala in Rajagopala Temple. This temple was constructed in the 12th century and received patronage from the Nayaka Kings. Ph: 04362 – 222276.
Manora: The eight-storey victory tower here was built by the Maratha King Serfoji in the year 1814 to commemorate the victory of the British over Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo. The name ‘’Manora’’is derived from the word minaret (small minar).
Mahamaham Festival: Purnima of full moon day is auspicious for bathing in the Punya theerthas(holy rivers/tanks), the Magha Purnima is considered as the most sacred of all. The Masi Magham festival is celebrated every year on this day. The twelve yearly Masi Magam is called the Mahamaham. The Mahamaham festival is celebrated once in twelve years and attracts pilgrims from all over India on the full moon day of the eleventh solar month Magha. This time is considered especially auspicious for bathing. It occurs once in 12 years because the planet Jupiter takes 12 years to complete one revolution around the sun.(Kumbeswarar Temple)Ph :0435 – 2420276.
Museums: Archeological Museum:-houses an interesting collection of sculpture. Tamil University Museum:- contains coins and musical instruments. Saraswathi Mahal Library Museum:-one of the most important oriental manuscript collections in India, closed to the public, but by scholars from all over the world. Over eighty percent of its 44,000 manuscripts are in Sanskrit, many on palm-leafs, and some very rare or even unique. Nayak Durbar Hall Art Museum and Rajaraja Chola Museum:-contains magnificient collection of Chola Bronzes-all discovered locally –fills the Nayak Durbar Hall Art Museum and next door, the Rajaraja Cholan Museum houses Chola stone sculpture etc.
Palace: The Palace, on the east main street is a series of large and rambling buildings of fine masonry, built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD and partly by the Marathas. On the southern side of the third quadrangle is a Vimana like building, 190 feet high with eight storeys and it is the Goodagopuram. Madamaligai is the tower which rises from the palace roof beyond the Goodagopuram. It has six storeys.
Sarabeshwarar Temple: The famous temple of Sarabeshwarar is situated in Tanjore district at Thirupuvanam. This place is just 6 Kms away from Kumbakonam. This temple was built by Kulothunga Cholan III. Here in this temple many kings, lords and autocrafts were blessed by workship the Lord Sarabeshwarar. Many believers will have the solution for having the problem of Black magic, divorce and enemies, by coming to this temple and worshiping the Lord Sarabeshwarar.
Sivagangai Garden: A very beautiful park, located north of the big temple. It has a good collection of beautiful flower plants and birds and animals.
Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram Mani Mandapam :He was born on 13-04-1930.Kavinger Pattukottai Kalyanasundaram wrote poems depicting weaker peoples aspirations. He was involved in the former’s association and Communist Party and work hard for its ideals. He did 17 different profession such as Farmer, Drama, Artist, Salt worker, Shepherd till his 29th year. As a mark of respect his memorial was opened on 13-12-1999 at the area of 1699.7 sqm. His Mani Mandapam is located in Muthupettai Salai, Nadiyammalpuram at Pattukottai. His statue, life history and his photographs are displayed here to visit public.
Poondi Matha Kovil: A very famous Catholic church for Matha. People of all faiths visit the church. Ph: 04365 – 265426.
Puliyur Vyagrapureeswarar Temple: Around 80 Kms from Thanjavur. situated ¾ Km North of Ramarmadam Busstop in Nagapattinam – Tiruvarur Main Road. The ancient history says Kamadhenu, the devalogha cow prayed to Lord shiva in this shrine to get rid of its sabam. One more speciality about this temple, on evenings, Nataraja is worshipped first prior to all other gods. This is also referred as Dhakshina Chidambaram. Chidambaram is where famous temple of lord Nataraja located. This village is also called as Vyagrapuri named after the lord.
Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple: Its around 4 Kms from the town. Ph: 04362 – 267740.
Rajarajan Manimandapam: Constructed on the eve of the World Tamil conference held at Thanjavur. It is a beautiful park.
Sarawathi Mahal Library: This library has one of the most important oriental manuscripts collections, in India. Establised around 1700 AD. The library contains a collection of over 44,000 plan leaf, and paper manuscripts in Indian and European languages. Over eighty percent of its manuscripts are in Sanskrit, many on palm leaves, some very rare or even unique. The Tamil works includes treatises on medicine, and commentaries on works from the Sangam period.Ph:04362-233568, 234107.
Schwartz Church: In the place garden, this church was built in 1779 A.D by Raja Serfoji in token of his affection for the Rev.C.V.Schwartz of the Danish Mission.
Sooriyanarkovil: Another important Temple is Sooriyanarkovil (Sun Temple) situated in the middle of the Sooriyanarkoil village in Thiruvidamarudur Taluk 17 KM North East of Kumbakonam. Large number of people worship the Sun God here. Sri Mahalingasamy temple at Thiruvidaimarudur is a very big temple and it is belived that Brahmahathi Dosham was removed from king Varagunapandian in this temple.Ph:0435 – 2473349.
Swamimalai: Located 32 Kms away, Swamimalai is one of the six abodes (Arupadaiveedu) dedicated to Lord Murugan. Lord Murugan preached Pranava mantra ‘’OM’’ to Lord Shiva and that why he is called Swaminathan. The 60 steps to the temple indicate the 60 years of the Tamil calendar. This temple is praised by Arunagirinadar. Every Thursday, Lord Swaminathan is decorated with Diamond Vel. Ph: 0435 – 2454421.
Tamil University: Established in 1981, the university is engaged in research and advanced study in Tamil.Tamil University Musuum has a collection coins and musical instruments. Ph: 04362 – 226518.
Tanjore Paintings: The palace, on the east main street is a series of large and rambling buildings of fine masonry, built partly by the Nayaks around 1550 AD, and partly by the Marathas. The entrance is by way of a large quadrangular courtyard. The encircling walls are pierced by big gateways to the north and east. The courtyard leads to a many pillared hall. A small inner courtyard gives access to a large one. On the southern side of the third quadrangle is a vimana like building, 190 feet high with eight storeys and it is the Goodagopuram. This was the palace watch tower and also the armoury of the Thanjavur Kings till 1855 A.D.
Thirubuvanam Temple : 45 Kms from Tanjore. It was built by King Kulothunga on the model of Thanjavur Brahadeeswarar temple. The stately stone gopuram of rare workmanship from the prdestal to the strip is a standing monument of the architectural glory. A stone inscription in the temple disclose the existence of a university here for teaching advanced courses in Miamsa and Tamil. Ph :0435-2460760.
Thirivaiyaru: 13 Kms from Thanjavur, where the famous saint Thyagaraja lived and attained Samadhi. The famous temple at Thiruvaiyaru is dedicated to Shiva, and is known as Panchanatheswara. An eight day music festival is held here, every January, in honour of the saint.
Tiruvalanchuzhii Shiva Temple :This temple is near Kumbakonam is known more popularly for its shrine to Sweta Vinayakar, said to be made of the foam of the milky ocean (Kheera Sagaram )