Saturday 3 March 2012

The Timeless Temples of Thanjavur

Thanjavur
The Brihadishwara Temple, the cynosure of Thanjavur, celebrated a millennium in 2010
Thanjavur
Thanjavur, among India’s most ancient living cities, dates back to the Sangam period. Of the great 
Thanjavur
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur is the largest temple 
Thanjavur
Temple priests at the Big Temple in Thanjavur. The massive Nandi bull made of smoothened granite 
Thanjavur
A view of the temple precincts
Thanjavur
Detail of stone reliefs in the temple precincts
Thanjavur
Sivalingams and idols of secondary deities
Thanjavur
The pillared hall is richly decorated with frescos
Thanjavur
The Brihadishwara Temple, having stood the test of time for a thousand years, is a model for the enduring grandeur of Chola architectureThanjavur
The Tanjore Doll (left), a traditional bobblehead toy that wobbles when moved, is made of baked clay and painted in bright colorsThanjavur
Handloom silks are one of the chief economic products of the district of Thanjavur. The town also lends its name to the Tanjore Painting, an artistic style unique to this region. The town is also known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu for its significant contribution to foodgrain production
Thanjavur
The Big Temple by night