THANJAVUR

The Brihadeshwara Temple stands as a remarkable testament to the Chola Dynasty's extraordinary advancements in Tamil architecture. This monumental temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva, holds the distinction of being India's largest temple and the world's first structure of its kind, entirely constructed from granite. The temple's awe-inspiring grandeur, combined with its architectural brilliance, has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list as part of the Greatest Living Chola Temples. Rajaraja Chola I was the visionary behind its construction. Adhering to the Dravidian style of architecture, the Brihadeshwara Temple houses a sacred statue of a Nandi Bull, believed to have been sculpted from a single rock formation and weighing an astounding 25 tonnes. The temple's magnificence captivates visitors, evoking a sense of tranquility and leaving them in awe of its extraordinary beauty.

The Airavateshwara Temple stands as one of the prominent attractions in Darasuram, drawing a multitude of devotees year-round. According to legend, it is at this very site that Airavata, the celestial white elephant of the king of gods, performed worship to Lord Shiva in order to be relieved of a curse bestowed upon him by Sage Durvasa. Additionally, it is believed that Lord Yama, the Hindu God of Death, also sought the blessings of Lord Shiva in this temple. Within the temple, Lord Shiva is revered as Lord Airavateshwara. The architectural splendor of the temple showcases exemplary early Dravidian temple craftsmanship, adorned with intricate stone carvings that captivate the eye. This sacred site holds immense historical and religious significance, offering devotees and visitors alike an opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage and devotion associated with the Airavateshwara Temple.

Papanasam literally translates to destruction of sins. It is a town located in Thanjavur district about 10 kilometres from Darasuram. The town is 25 kilometres from the district’s headquarters of Thanjavur, and 15 kilometres from the town of Kumbakonam. Papanasam is most famous for the Pallaivanatha Swamy Temple that is located here. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Cholas. The town also has a huge granary which was constructed by the Nayaks. The Granary is expansive and has a capacity of 3000 kalam. It is 36 ft high and 86 ft wide. It is built in limestone and is believed to have been constructed between 1600 and 1634 AD. The Architectural Survey of India has declared it as a heritage monument.
 

The temple of Agniswarar Swami in Kanjanoor, is located on the Northern bank of Cauvery River. It is approximately 15 kms away from the north east of city Kumbakonam. The temple is dedicated to Venus planet, and is the 6th Navagraha Sthalam amongst the 9 Navagraha Temples situated in Tamil Nadu. The presiding deities of the temple are Shiva and Parvati. Lord Shiva is idolized here as Agniswarar and Goddess Parvati are idolized as Karpagambal. People throng the temple of offer worship to Lord Sukra or the planet Venus to usher auspiciousness and to avoid the malefic planetary effects of the planet in accordance with one's birth chart. Agniswarar temple has 2 prakarams. Kalikamar and Manakanjarar are the other shrines of this temple. Visitors can see the stone images of Sivakami and Natarajar and inscriptions from the eras of Vijayanagar and Chola can also be seen in the temple. The Nataraja sabha is called Mukti mandapam and the Shiva tandavam is famous as mukti tandavam.
 

Cauvery is one of the largest Indian rivers that have its origin from the Talakaveri, Kodagu in the southern state of Karnataka. The river is seven hundred and sixty five kilometres long. There are many tributaries of this river and this river mainly flows through Tamil Nadu. Shimsha, Amaravati, Noyil and Bhabani are the main tributaries of the Cauvery River. It is true that massive hydroelectric projects are going on through Tamil Nadu with the help of this river. The river is being considered to be very auspicious by the Hindus and various rites and rituals are being performed by the members of this religious community on the banks of the river. The river is considered as Goddess as it has its reference in the Puranas. Kanjanoor is situated on the Northern bank of Cauvery River which is one of the 9 Navagraha Sthalas in Tamil Nadu.
 

Patteeswaram is a serene and unassuming village situated approximately 8 kilometers from the town of Kumbakonam. Its name derives from Patti, the calf of Kamadhenu, a revered holy cow in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Patti, the calf, worshipped Lord Shiva at this very location, giving rise to the name Patteeswaram. The village is renowned for its temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, showcasing a unique blend of architectural styles from the Pallava, Chola, and Nayak eras. Over the ages, the temple has undergone multiple constructions and renovations. As per popular belief, Lord Rama himself visited Patteeswaram and installed three Shivalingams to absolve himself of the sin incurred from slaying Ravana. It is also believed that Lord Rama constructed a well here for performing ablutions to the Shivalingams, with the waters from Dhanushkodi believed to have been brought to this very spot.