Places to visit, Things to do in Tanjore

1. Brihadeeswara Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple received 1 Position in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore

Place Description

Brihadishvara Temple, also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyār Kōvil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in South bank of Kaveri river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the largest South Indian temples and an exemplary example of a fully realized Dravidian architecture. It is called as Dhakshina Meru. Built by Tamil king Raja Raja Chola I between 1003 and 1010 AD, the temple is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”, along with the Chola dynasty era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple that are about 70 kilometres and 40 kilometres to its northeast respectively.

The original monuments of this 11th century temple were built around a moat. It included gopura, the main temple, its massive tower, inscriptions, frescoes and sculptures predominantly related to Shaivism, but also of Vaishnavism and Shaktism traditions of Hinduism. The temple was damaged in its history and some artwork is now missing. Additional mandapam and monuments were added in later centuries.

Visitor Comments

• Very nice architecture
• Such a great temple build in year 1010
• Amazing architecture of the ancient history.

Timings

06:00 – 12:30, 16:00 – 20:30

Check out: Places to visit, Things to do in Tumkur

2. Thanjavur Maratha Palace (Places to visit, Things to do in Tumkur)

Place Description

The Thanjavur Nayak Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, today serves as the official residence of the Bhonsle family. This family ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855.

Visitor Comments

• Its not a massive library but the collections are worth your time
• Such a great place to visit especially the Durbar Hall
• Audio visual is a must-watch if you are visiting for the first time.

Timings

10:00 – 17:00

3. Thanjavur Big Temple (Places to visit, Things to do in Tumkur)

Place Description

Thanjai Mamani Koil is a set of three adjacent Hindu temples dedicated to Vishnu located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints called the Alvars. Unlike other Divya Desams where a single shrine is referenced, this set of temples is referred together in all the pasurams.

The temples are believed to be of significant antiquity with contributions at different times from Medieval Cholas, the Vijayanagara Empire, and Madurai Nayaks. The temples are enshrined within granite walls and the three complex contains all the shrines of the temple.

Vishnu is regarded by adherents to have assumed the form of Varaha the boar to kill three demons named Tanchakan, Tantakan, and Kacamukan. The temples have three daily rituals at various times from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar. The Brhamotsavam festival is the most prominent festival of the temples, celebrated during the three continuous months of Tamil month of Panguni, Chittirai and Vaikasi. The 18 Garuda seva during Vaikasi is another prominent festival in the region.

Visitor Comments

• A marvel of architecture that you stop and awe at every small things
• Beautiful Raja Raja cholan architecture.
• Worth spending time watching the the huge Nandi and the shiva linga.

4. Shri Mariamman Kovil Punnainallur, Thanjavur (Places to visit, Things to do in Tumkur)

Shri Mariamman Kovil Punnainallur, Thanjavur received 4 Position in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore

Place Description

The Punnai Nallur Mariamman Temple, temple of goddess Mariamman, is a Hindu temple located at Punnainallur near Thanjavur in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.

Visitor Comments

• This Goddess is very powerful and one can feel the vibes
• Always feel divine and blessed
• You feel blessed after the dharshan for sure.

Timings

09:00 – 21:00

5. Manimandapam

There is a small park that is dedicated to an ancient king. It is a lovely place to visit and explore.

Visitor Comments

• The Museum of The Great Raja Raja Cholan was simply amazing. I was in awe of the artifacts and history.
• It’s a nice place to spend an evening hour with kids and families. There are plenty of things to see and do.
• This park is a good place for kids to play, especially during the summer. They can have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

Timings

The park is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

6. Arulmigu Aiyarappar Temple

Arulmigu Aiyarappar Temple secured 6 Position in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore

Place Description

Aiyarappar is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The Five Rivers are Vadavaru, Vennaaru, Vettaaru, Kudamuruttiyaaru and Kaaviriyaaru. Shiva is worshiped as Aiyarappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as AramValarthaNaayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

This temple is known as Dakshina Kailasham. This is the place where Nandi was born and became the mount for Shiva. The divine wedding of Nandi and Suyasayambikai was held at Thirumazhapadi Vaidyanathaswamy temple in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu. This is celebrated as Saptha Stanam festival which includes seven Shiva temples of the region.

There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Pandyas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom.

Visitor Comments

• Good and big temple.
• Gives mindful of music thoughts of Saint Thiyagarajar
• Place is so beautifully located at the banks of Cauvery river.

Timings

06:00 – 12:00, 17:00 – 20:00

7. Shri Kailasanathar Temple – Chandran Temple

Place Description

The Chandiranaar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the village of Thingalur, which is 33 kilometres away from Kumbakonam. It is situated on the Kumbakonam – Thiruvaiyaru road in the beautiful state of Tamil Nadu in South India. The presiding deity of the temple is Soma, but the main idol is that of Kailasanathar or Shiva. This temple is considered to be one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Thingalur is also known as the birthplace of Appothi Adigal, who was one of the 63 nayanmars of Lord Shiva and a devoted follower of Saint Thirunavukkarasar. However, the temple does not possess any assets related to the saint.

The temple conducts four daily rituals at different times starting from 6:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Additionally, it celebrates four major festivals throughout the year. These festivals include Mahasivarathri, Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram, and Thirukartigai. The village of Thingalur is mentioned briefly in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work called the Tevaram. This work was written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and is classified as Vaippu Sthalam.

The original complex of the temple is believed to have been constructed by the Cholas. However, the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak dynasty in the 16th century.

Visitor Comments

• God Shiva blesses us by solving the effects of the Moon.
• This is a powerful Shiva temple.
• A good place to worship the Moon God among the Navagraha gods.

Timings

06:00 – 13:00, 16:00 – 21:00

8. Sri Vasisteswarar Temple, Padal Petra Temple

Place Description

Vasishteswarar Temple, located in the village of Thittai, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located 11 kilometers north from Thanjavur city in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Constructed by the Chola empire, it dates back to 12th century AD.

Visitor Comments

• Known popularly for Lord Guru, this place is well maintained and is divine
• It is a Guru sthalam
• You feel the best feeling when u r near Siva ..

Timings

07:15 – 12:00, 16:30 – 20:00

9. Guru Bhagavan Temple

Guru Bhagavan Temple is a Hindu temple located in Tanjore. It has been ranked 9th in the list of best places to visit in Tanjore.

Visitor Comments

• Lord Siva statue was beautiful with decorations
• Guru gives you peace of mind and always guards you
• Though with less frequency, local buses are available from Tanjavur Old Bus Stand

Timings

The temple is open from 07:00 to 12:30 and from 16:00 to 20:00.

10. Royal Palace Museum

Royal Palace Museum is ranked 10th in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore. It is a place that houses historic artifacts and provides educational information.

Visitor Comments

• Best place for Vintage lovers, as there are a lot of ancient things available here.
• The place has numerous statues of Hindu gods.
• Excellent audiovisual presentation.

Timings

The museum is open from 09:00 to 17:00.

11. Thanjavur Bangaru Kamakshi Amman Temple

Place Description

Sri Bangaru Kamakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple in Thanjavur City, Tamil Nadu. It is located at the West Main Street, Thanjavur.

Visitor Comments

• A divine experience
• Peaceful place for meditation
• A very pretty goddess.

Timings

06:00 – 12:00, 16:00 – 21:00

12. Rajarajan Manimandapam

Museum and architecture

Visitor Comments

• This place brings back so many beautiful memories that I had as a child
• Good Historical place embedded with a children’s park and a relaxing mandapam
• A very nice place to sit and relax in the evening.

Timings

09:30 – 21:00

13. Thenperambur Dam

Tourist attraction

Visitor Comments

• Nice place to visit with your family and friends
• Best place to enjoy weekends. Those who love rivers may go and enjoy
• You can bathe happily

Timings

08:00 – 18:00

14. Rajali Birds Park

Rajali Birds Park is ranked 14th on the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore. It is a popular tourist attraction.

Visitor Comments

• A very good place for kids to enjoy!
• The exotic birds, rabbits, and dogs are lovely, amicable, and cute.
• Good Initiative in Thanjavur… it’s opposite to Thanjavur Big Temple…

Timings

08:30 – 18:00

15. Thanjai Periyakovil

Thanjai Periyakovil secured 15 Position in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore

Visitor Comments

• We loved visiting and enjoyed all the architectural wonders thoroughly
• temple dedicated for lord shiva
• Everyone visit atlist one time in life…the great chola emperor’s history

Timings

06:00 – 12:30, 16:00 – 20:30

16. Divya Desam 07 Sri Hara Saaba Vimochana Perumaal Temple,Thirukandiyur

Place Description

Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal Temple in Thirukandiyur, a village in the outskirts of Thiruvayaru in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Kamalavalli Nachiyar.

The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century CE, with later contributions from Vijayanagara kings and Madurai Nayaks. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and its bodies of water. The temple has a 5-tiered rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower.

Hara Saabha Vimochana Perumal is believed to have appeared to Hindu gods Brahma and Shiva, and King Mahabali. It is one of the few temples where the Trimurti – Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are worshipped in the same premises.

Visitor Comments

• One of the 108 Divyadesams of Srivaishnavite Sect!
• When I saw the perumal I was very impressed
• Finally he reached Kandiyur kshetra and worshipped lord Vishnu.

Timings

08:30 – 12:30, 16:30 – 20:30

17. Saraswathi Mahal Library

Place Description

Saraswathi Mahal Library, also known as Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji’s Saraswathi Mahal Library, is a historic library located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. Established during the 16th century by the Nayakar kings of Thanjavur, it is one of the oldest libraries in Asia. The library houses a remarkable collection of Palm leaf manuscripts and paper written in Tamil, Sanskrit, and various other indigenous languages of India. With over 49,000 volumes, the library’s collection is extensive, although only a small portion is currently on display. However, the library offers an online catalog of its holdings, and some rare items can be viewed on-site with prior arrangement. In fact, Encyclopedia Britannica recognizes this library as the “Most remarkable library of India”.

Visitor Comments

• 👍 This museum is a MUST MUST visit for anyone, especially history students
• Very interesting initiative from the government
• Watching the books and manuscripts from older eras is a fascinating experience

Timings

10:00 – 13:00, 13:30 – 17:30

18. Thiyagarajar Samadhi Kovil

Hindu Temple

Visitor Comments

• Must visit place for carnatic music lovers
• India’s most top-rated musician and vocals present super songs
• A great place to pay tribute to Saint Thiagaraja.

Timings

05:00 – 11:45

19. Divya Desam Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple

Divya Desam Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple is ranked 19th in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore.

Place Description

The Neelamegha Perumal Temple or Sowriraja Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in Thirukannapuram, a village in the outskirts of Nagapattinam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu and is constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture. It is mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th–9th centuries CE. The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Vishnu, where he is worshipped as Neelamegha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Thirukannapura Nayagi. According to Hindu legend, the presiding deity is believed to have appeared with a wig to save a devotee, hence the name Sowriraja Perumal.

The temple is surrounded by a granite wall, enclosing all its shrines and three of its seven bodies of water. It features a seven-tiered rajagopuram, which is the temple’s gateway tower, and a large temple tank in front of it. The temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas, with later additions from the Thanjavur Nayaks.

There are six daily rituals and three yearly festivals held at the temple. The most prominent festival is the chariot festival, which is celebrated during the Tamil month of Vaikasi.

Visitor Comments

• Beautiful divya desham here
• A calm and peaceful place for darshan
• Also known as Mamani Kovil. It is located 5 kms from Tanjore city.

Timings

08:00 – 12:00, 17:00 – 20:30

20. Thanjai periya Kovil mani

Thanjai periya Kovil mani secured 20 Position in the list of Best places to visit in TanjoreTemple and architecture

Visitor Comments

• Best architectural in tamilnadu world best environment of devotional vibes
• It’s really a good experience..
• There were not too many people during my visit.

Timings

Open 24 hours

21. The Art Gallery Thanjavur

Art Gallery

Visitor Comments

• A place of historic importance
• Durbar hall that contain bronze statues and Raja Serfogi statue
• Art Galllery thanjavur is located in palace.

Timings

09:30 – 20:00

22. Kodi Amman Temple

Place Description

Kodi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Sungan Thidal, 2 kilometres from the town of Thanjavur on the Thanjavur-Kumbakonam road.

Visitor Comments

• On a personal note, She is one of my favourite Goddess…

Timings

06:00 – 12:00, 16:30 – 20:00

23. Sri Arulmigu Aabathsahaayar Temple

Place Description

Apathsahayar Temple, Thirupazhanam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirupazhanam near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is mentioned in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is considered to be one of the earliest Chola temples.

There are several inscriptions associated with the temple that indicate contributions from the Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks, and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The oldest parts of the current masonry structure were built during the 9th century Chola dynasty. Later expansions, including the towering gopuram gatehouses, are attributed to later periods, up to the 16th century Thanjavur Nayaks.

The temple complex is one of the largest in the state and features four gateway towers known as gopurams. It houses numerous shrines, with the Apathshayar and Periyanayagi shrines being the most prominent. The complex also includes many halls and three precincts, with the second precinct being the most notable as it was built during the Vijayanagar period and showcases many sculptures.

Visitor Comments

• One of the thevaram paadal Petra Shiva sthalam in Chozha Nadu Kaveri Vadakarai.
• It’s a very old temple located in a peaceful location.

Timings

05:00 – 09:00, 17:00 – 20:00

24. SCN014 – Sri Vedhapureeswarar Temple, Thiruvethikudi Padal Petra Temple

Place Description

Vedapuriswarar Temple, Thiruvedhikudi or Vazhaimadunathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thiruvedhikudi near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is counted as the earliest of all Chola temples.
There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions, including the towering gopuram gatehouses, are attributed to later periods, up to the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century.
The temple complex is one of the largest in the state and it houses four gateway towers known as gopurams. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Vedapuriswarar and Mangayarkarasi being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls and three precincts; the most notable is the second precinct built during the Vijayanagar period that has many sculptures.

Visitor Comments

• Lit lamps and pray for marriage
• Padal Petra Siva Sthalam.

Timings

10:00 – 12:30

25. Thanjapureeswarar Shiva Temple Aanandavalli Amman Temple

Thanjapureeswarar Shiva Temple Aanandavalli Amman Temple is ranked 25th in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore. It is a Hindu Temple.

Visitor Comments

• Kuberan was the ruler of Srilanka
• Hence Nme Thanjai Pureeshwara and later this place got the name Thanjavur 2
• It is not only a Temple of worship its a miracle.

Timings

07:00 – 12:00, 16:00 – 20:00

26. Sangeetha Mahal

Cultural centre

Timings

10:00 – 18:00

27. Anjaneya Temple

28. Sri Neyyadiyappar Temple

Place Description

Neyyadiappar Temple, Tillaistanam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Thillaisthanam also known as Tillaisthanam or Thiruneithanam in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Shaivism as one of the Saptasthanam, the seven temples associated with Aiyarappar temple in Thiruvaiyaru. Shiva is represented by the lingam in the form of Neyyadiappar. His consort Parvati is depicted as Piraisoodi Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Shaiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The temple is believed to have been built by Aditya Chola I during 9th century A.D and with significant additions from later Chola kings and by the ruling kings of Thanjavur Nayaks. It houses five-tiered gateway towers known as gopurams. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Neyyadiappar and Amman being the most prominent.

The temple has four daily rituals at various times from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and four yearly festivals on its calendar.

Visitor Comments

• Shiva is represented by the lingam in the form of Neyyadiappar
• The milk impacted by Sun heat and rain changed into ghee
• Ones upon a time, a cow poured milk directly to the suyambu lingam.

Timings

10:00 – 11:00, 17:00 – 19:00

29. Rev. Schwartz Memorial & Church

Place Description

Schwartz Church is a church situated in Thanjavur, India. Constructed by the Danish missionary Christian Friedrich Schwarz in 1779, the church is a plain building with few distinctive features. There is a note to the effect that Major Stevens has laid a foundation stone for the church under nine feet depth. The length and breadth of this church is 90×50.Father Schwartz has conducted regular masses in this church from April 1780.
John Flaxman an Italian sculptor who lived in London has sculpted this statue in 1807 on the request of King Serfoji II. This statue was installed in this church in the year 1811. This was known from the writings of Tanjore Vedanayagam Sastriar a court poet in the palace of Serfoji II who has recorded that this statue was installed in the year 1811 the year in which his daughter Gnanadeepam was born. He has further recorded that the white marble statue bearing the images of the King Serfoji II and Father Schwartz was installed in the big church in small fort called Sivaganga Park. In those days this church was known as big church.

Timings

Closed

30. Vaanavil aquarium

Vaanavil aquarium is ranked 30th in the list of Best places to visit in TanjoreAquarium.

Visitor Comments

• Good service and good experience. And the price was also reasonable. The collection of fish was nice.
• I loved that place and they handled the birds carefully. I even bought a cockatiel from there.

Timings

The aquarium is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

31. Moon Temple

The Hindu Temple is a place of worship for followers of the Hindu religion. It is a sacred space where devotees come to offer prayers and seek blessings from the deities.

Timings

The temple is open from 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM and again from 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM. These timings allow devotees to visit the temple during the morning and evening hours, providing them with ample opportunities to engage in their religious practices.

32. Thenkudi Thittai

Thenkudi Thittai is a beautiful place located in Tanjore. It has recently been ranked 32nd in the list of the best places to visit in Tanjore. One of the main attractions of this place is the Hindu Temple, which is a must-visit for tourists. The temple is known for its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the intricate carvings and sculptures that adorn the temple. It is a place of great religious significance and is visited by devotees from all over the world. If you are planning a trip to Tanjore, Thenkudi Thittai should definitely be on your itinerary.

33. Sri Rajagopalaswamy Temple

Place Description

Rajagopalaswamy Temple is a beautiful Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated in Kumbakonam, a town located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India.

Timings

The temple is open from 09:00 AM to 07:00 PM.

34. Palace Bell Tower

Visitor Comments

• Actually, this place is a stockhouse for weapons. In fact, even British weapons are stored here.
• It is a seven-storey building.

Timings

10:00 – 17:30

35. Varahi Temple

36. Vijaynagar Fort

Vijaynagar Fort has been ranked 36th in the list of Best places to visit in TanjoreMonument Maker.

37. Pushpavananathar Temple

Pushpavananathar Temple secured 37 Position in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore

Place Description

Pushpavananathar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruppoonturutti near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Aiyarappar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Soundaranayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The oldest parts of the present masonry structure were built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, while later expansions, including the towering gopuram gatehouses, are attributed to later periods, up to the Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century.

The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Pushpavananathar and Soundaranayagi being the most prominent. The temple complex houses many halls and three precincts; the most notable is the second precinct built during the Vijayanagar period that has many sculptures.

38. Moolai Anjaneyar temple

Moolai Anjaneyar temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Tanjore. It has recently been recognized as one of the best places to visit in Tanjore, securing the 38th position on the list. This temple holds great significance for devotees and tourists alike, attracting a large number of visitors throughout the year.

39. Ranees Tower

40. Nandi Mandapam

41. Sharja Maadi

Welcome to the Heritage Museum!

Timings

Our museum is open from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

42. சொர்க்கபூமி தஞ்சாவூர்

43. Brahmasira Kandeeswarar Kovil

Place Description

Kandeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located in Kandiyur also known as Thirukkandiyur or Tirukkandiyur, near Tiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Kandeeswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangalanayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. As per legends, Shiva is believed to have destroyed eight different demons and the eight Ashta Veeratanam temples are built signifying each of his victories in the war. The temple is one of the eight where Shiva is believed to have removed one of the five heads of Brahma.

There are many inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from: Cholas, Thanjavur Nayaks and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom. The temple has numerous shrines. The shrines of Kandeeswarar and Mangalanayagi are the most prominent. The temple-complex houses many halls and three precincts. The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and many yearly festivals on its calendar.

44. Odhanavaneswarar Temple

Odhanavaneswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Tiruchotruthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is ranked 44th in the list of Best places to visit in Tanjore.

Place Description

The temple is dedicated to Shiva, worshipped as Odhanavaneswarar, and his consort Parvati, depicted as Annapoorani. It is believed to be the place where Nandi, the mount for Shiva, was born. The divine wedding of Nandi and Suyasayambikai took place at Thirumazhapadi Vaidyanathaswamy temple in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu, which is celebrated as the Saptha Stanam festival.

The temple is also known as Dakshina Kailasham and is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram. It has inscriptions associated with the temple indicating contributions from Cholas, Pandyas, Thanjavur Nayaks, and Thanjavur Maratha kingdom.