Can I perform special poojas at this temple?

Yes, the temple accepts bookings for special poojas. Various poojas are available including Laksharchana, Abhishekam, Special Darshan, Homa/Havan, and other rituals. Please contact the temple administration in advance to schedule your pooja. It's advisable to book early, especially during festival seasons.

What is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings (early morning hours) are generally less crowded. Avoid visiting during major festivals, weekends, and public holidays if you prefer a quieter experience. However, visiting during festivals offers a unique spiritual atmosphere with special decorations and rituals.

Is there a dress code for visiting the temple?

Traditional South Indian attire preferred. Modest clothing for this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Is parking available at the temple?

Yes, parking facilities are available at the temple premises. However, during festival seasons and special occasions, parking may be limited, so it's advisable to arrive early or use public transportation.

Is the temple accessible for people with disabilities?

Good accessibility with heritage site facilities. Archaeological survey maintained pathways.

🕉️ Brihadeeswarar Temple (Big Temple) - Timings & Rituals

Q: What are the temple timings?

The temple is open 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Darshan timings are: Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Extended hours for heritage tours.. It's advisable to visit during darshan hours for the best spiritual experience.

Q: What are the special days to visit this temple?

The temple celebrates several festivals throughout the year. Major festivals include: Maha Shivaratri, Brihadeeswarar Annadanam, Chola Heritage Festival, Classical Music Season, Architecture Appreciation Days. Festival dates vary each year according to the Hindu calendar. Visiting during these festivals offers a unique spiritual experience with special rituals and celebrations.

Complete information about temple timings, daily schedule, special days, festivals, poojas, and rituals

ℹ️ Note: The information provided below is general information about the temple. We do not have real-time information regarding crowd levels and the time it takes for darshan at any given time. We will keep this information updated when we have access to it.

🕒 Temple Timings

⏰ Opening Hours

6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🙏 Darshan Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Extended hours for heritage tours.

💰 Entry Fee

Free for worship (Paid entry for archaeological site and camera)

🚗 Parking

✓ Available

📅 Daily Schedule & Rituals

Traditional Chola period rituals, UNESCO heritage worship, architectural appreciation ceremonies, classical cultural performances

✨ Special Traditions

Chola architectural heritage traditions, UNESCO preservation customs, shadowless tower observations, massive Nandi reverence

🍽️ Prasada Information

Heritage-blessed prasadam including traditional offerings, UNESCO commemoration items, cultural heritage materials, and architectural appreciation aids

⭐ Special Days

🎉 Major Festivals

Maha Shivaratri Brihadeeswarar Annadanam Chola Heritage Festival Classical Music Season Architecture Appreciation Days

📆 Festival Dates

Maha Shivaratri: February-March, Chola Heritage Festival: Annual, Classical Music Season: December-January

🎊 Special Events

UNESCO heritage tours, Chola architecture seminars, classical music concerts, heritage preservation events

🌸 Seasonal Celebrations

Winter heritage tourism season, summer architectural studies, monsoon cultural programs, year-round UNESCO activities

📅 Upcoming Events

🎊

Annual Temple Festival

Festival

Grand celebration with special poojas, cultural programs, and devotional activities.

📅 To be announced

⏰ All day

🙏

Special Abhishekam

Ritual

Monthly special abhishekam ceremony with milk, honey, and other sacred offerings.

📅 Every Purnima (Full Moon Day)

⏰ 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM

🕉️ Available Poojas & Rituals

🙏 Laksharchana

A special pooja performed with the chanting of the deity's name one lakh times, bringing peace, prosperity, and spiritual blessings.

⏱️ Duration: 2-3 hours

💰 Starting from ₹5,000

Benefits:

Removes obstacles, brings prosperity, fulfills wishes, and grants divine blessings.

🕉️ Abhishekam

Sacred bathing ceremony of the deity with milk, honey, ghee, curd, and other pure substances, followed by special pooja.

⏱️ Duration: 1 hour

💰 Starting from ₹1,000

Benefits:

Purifies the mind, removes negative energies, brings health and spiritual growth.

🌟 Special Darshan

Exclusive close darshan with special decorations, archana, and personalized blessings from the priests.

⏱️ Duration: 30 minutes

💰 Starting from ₹500

Benefits:

Personal connection with the deity, special blessings, and peaceful darshan experience.

🔥 Homa/Havan

Sacred fire ritual performed by qualified priests with chanting of mantras and offerings to the sacred fire.

⏱️ Duration: 2 hours

💰 Starting from ₹3,000

Benefits:

Purifies the environment, removes obstacles, brings prosperity and spiritual upliftment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Back to Temple Page

📋 Quick Reference

🕒 Opening Hours

6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM

🙏 Darshan Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM. Extended hours for heritage tours.

💰 Entry Fee

Free for worship (Paid entry for archaeological site and camera)

🚗 Parking

✓ Available

📍 Location

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

🕉️ Primary Deity

Lord Brihadeeswarar (Shiva)

View Temple Details

💡 Visiting Tips

• Visit early morning for peaceful darshan
• Book poojas in advance during festivals
• Follow temple dress code guidelines
• Keep mobile phones silent
• Respect temple customs and rituals