Travel Guide Thanjavur

Former royal city of the Chola, Nayak and Mahratta, Thanjavur takes its name from Tanjan, a giant who, according to local legend, devastated the neighborhood and was killed by Sri Anandavalli Amman and Vishnu, called Sri Neelamegapperumal. Tanjan's last wish, that the town should bear his name, was granted. Thanjavur, which was at the height of its glory in the time of Rajaraja Cholan, is still the center of all classical arts and music. The city has produced many classical musicians and bhâratanatyam dancers. Tanjore's bronze sculptures are of unparalleled finesse, and the skills inherited from the Cholas are still alive today. Tanjore is also renowned for its unique style of Tanjore Painting - practiced on multiple layers and focusing on themes relating to Hindu gods and goddesses - and for its thavil, a percussion instrument. But it's most famous on tourist itineraries for its splendid Brihadeeswara temple, a perfect example of the Dravidian style.