Thanjavur Big Temple aka Brihadeeshwara temple / Rajarajeswaram Koil / Peruvudaiyar Koil is an ancient 11th century CE (Current Era) temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple which reflects the fine Dravidian Temple architecture, is located in Thanjavur (Tanjore) in Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by Raja Raja Chola I in early 11th century CE (from 1003 CE to 1010 CE) and was designed to represent a Cosmic Structure i.e. Maha Meru. There is a huge / massive Shivalingam inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple which is 3.66 m in height. Hence the temple got its name 'Brihad' means enormous / huge and 'Eeswara' means Lord Shiva. Brihadeeshwara temple is also known as Rajarajeswarmudyar named after Raja Raja Chola and is known as Rajarajaeswaram or Peruvudaiyar as can be seen in the inscriptions in temple. On entering inside the temple premises, there is a 'brihat' Nandi - the divine bull / vehicle of Lord Shiva, inside the Nandi Mandapam facing the temple in...
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