HINDU TEMPLES OF INDIA: TANJAVUR (TANJORE)TAMILNADU

Friday, August 30, 2024

TANJAVUR (TANJORE)TAMILNADU

Thanjavur Travel Guide ( courtesy Hari kumari arts facebook page}

Thanjavur, the ancient capital of the Chola dynasty, is a city rich in history, culture, and architectural brilliance. Known as the "Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu," Thanjavur is home to the iconic Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is a hub for South Indian classical music and dance. This city offers visitors a chance to explore the grandeur of Chola architecture, indulge in traditional Tamil cuisine, and experience the vibrant culture that has flourished for centuries.

History

Thanjavur's history is deeply intertwined with the Chola dynasty, which ruled the region from the 9th to the 13th centuries. Under the Cholas, Thanjavur became a center of art, architecture, and literature. The Brihadeeswara Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD, stands as a testament to their architectural genius. Following the Cholas, the city was ruled by the Pandyas, Nayaks, and Marathas, each of whom contributed to the city's rich cultural tapestry. The Marathas, in particular, left a lasting legacy with their patronage of the arts, including the famous Tanjore paintings.

Getting There

By Air

The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, approximately 60 km from Thanjavur. It is well-connected to major cities in India and some international destinations.

By Train

Thanjavur Junction is the main railway station, with regular trains connecting it to Chennai, Bangalore, and other major cities in South India.

By Road

Thanjavur is well-connected by road, with frequent bus services and excellent road networks linking it to nearby cities like Tiruchirappalli, Madurai, and Chennai.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Thanjavur is between October and March when the weather is pleasant and conducive for sightseeing. During these months, temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C, making it ideal for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

Top Attractions

Brihadeeswarar Temple

This architectural masterpiece, also known as the Big Temple, is the pride of Thanjavur. Built by Raja Raja Chola I, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its massive Shiva lingam and towering vimana, which stands at 66 meters. The intricate carvings and frescoes on the temple walls are a testament to the artistic brilliance of the Chola period.

Gangaikonda Cholapuram

Located about 70 km from Thanjavur, this temple was built by Rajendra Chola I to commemorate his victorious campaign to the Ganges. The temple is renowned for its grandeur and the intricate sculptures that adorn its walls.

Thanjavur Maratha Palace

A fine example of Nayak and Maratha architecture, the Thanjavur Royal Palace is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. The palace complex houses the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia, with a vast collection of ancient manuscripts. The Art Gallery within the palace displays an impressive collection of Chola bronzes and Tanjore paintings.

Aiyarappar Temple

Located in Thiruvaiyaru, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance. It is especially famous during the Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Festival.

Airavatesvara Temple

Situatedin Darasuram, about 35 km from Thanjavur, this UNESCO World Heritage site is another architectural gem from the Chola period. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its detailed stone carvings and unique architectural style.

Culture

Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Festival

An annual music festival held in Thiruvaiyaru, near Thanjavur, commemorating the saint-composer Thyagaraja. This festival attracts Carnatic music enthusiasts from all over the world and is a significant cultural event in the region.

Local Cuisine

Vegetarian Delights

Thanjavur is known for its traditional Tamil cuisine, which includes dishes like sambar, rasam, kootu, and poriyal. Popular vegetarian restaurants include Ariya Bhavan and A2B.

Non-Vegetarian Specialties

Non-vegetarian cuisine in Thanjavur includes Chettinad-style dishes, biryanis, and seafood. Some well-known eateries are Barbequeen and Thanjai Thambi Vilas.

Shopping

Thanjavur Paintings

Thanjavur is famous for its traditional paintings, characterized by rich colors, surface richness, and compact composition. These paintings are a must-buy for art enthusiasts.

Thanjavur Dolls

These traditional hand-painted dolls, known for their bobbing heads, are a popular souvenir and make for charming gifts.

Accommodation

Budget Hotels

For budget-conscious travelers, Thanjavur offers a range of affordable hotels and guesthouses. Some popular options include Hotel Oriental Towers, Hotel Victoriyah, and RK Hotel.

Luxury Hotels

For a more luxurious stay, Thanjavur has several high-end hotels with modern amenities. Sangam Hotel, Great Trails River View River View Resort, and Svatma Hotel are some notable options.

Travel Tips

Languages

Tamil is the primary language spoken in Thanjavur, but English is widely understood, especially in tourist areas.

Local Transport

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and buses are common modes of transport. App-based services like Ola and Uber are not available here.

#ThanjavurTravel #ExploreThanjavur #ThanjavurDiaries #ThanjavurTourism #DiscoverThanjavur #ThanjavurCulture #TravelIndia #ThanjavurCuisine #ThanjavurHeritage

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WHY MUST YOU VISIT TEMPLES, SCIENTIFIC REASON

WHY VISIT TEMPLES ? (Scientific Reason)
There are thousands of temples all over India in different size, shape and locations but not all of them are considered to be built the Vedic way. Generally, a temple should be located at a place where earth's magnetic wave path passes through densely. It can be in the outskirts of a town/village or city, or in middle of the dwelling place, or on a hilltop. The essence of visiting a temple is discussed here.

Now, these temples are located strategically at a place where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed in the core center of the temple, known as "*Garbhagriha*" or *Moolasthanam*. In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This *Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.

Further, the Sanctum is closed on three sides. This increases the effect of all energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum to the priests or *poojaris* performing the pooja. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this helps people forget personal problems for a while and relieve their stress. The fragrance from the flowers, the burning of camphor give out the chemical energy further aiding in a different good aura. The effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and utensils in the *Moolasthan*am / *Garbagraham*. *Theertham*, the “holy” water used during the pooja to wash the idol is not
plain water cleaning the dust off an idol. It is a concoction of Cardamom,*Karpura* (Benzoin), zaffron / saffron, *Tulsi* (Holy Basil), Clove, etc...Washing the idol is to charge the water with the magnetic radiations thus increasing its medicinal values. Three spoons of this holy water is distributed to devotees. Again, this water is mainly a source of magneto-therapy. Besides, the clove essence protects one from tooth decay, the saffron & *Tulsi* leafs protects one from common cold and cough, cardamom and *Pachha Karpuram* (benzoin), act as mouth fresheners. It is proved that *Theertham* is a very good blood purifier, as it is highly energized. Hence it is given as *prasadam* to the devotees. This way, one can claim to remain healthy by regularly visiting the Temples. This is why our elders used to suggest us to offer prayers at the temple so that you will be cured of many ailments. They were not always superstitious. Yes, in a few cases they did go overboard when due to ignorance they hoped many serious diseases could be cured at temples by deities. When people go to a temple for the *Deepaaraadhana*, and when the doors open up, the positive energy gushes out onto the persons who are there. The water that is sprinkled onto the assemblages passes on the energy to all. This also explains why men are not allowed to wear shirts at a few temples and women are requested to wear more ornaments during temple visits. It is through these jewels (metal) that positive energy is absorbed by the women. Also, it is a practice to leave newly purchased jewels at an idol’s feet and then wear them with the idol’s blessings. This act is now justified after reading this article. This act of “seeking divine blessings” before using any new article, like books or pens or automobiles may have stemmed from this through mere observation.

Energy lost in a day’s work is regained through a temple visit and one is refreshed slightly. The positive energy that is spread out in the entire temple and especially around where the main idol is placed, are simply absorbed by one's body and mind. Did you know, every Vaishnava(Vishnu devotees), “must” visit a Vishnu temple twice every day in their location. Our practices are NOT some hard and fast rules framed by 1 man and his followers or God’s words in somebody’s dreams. All the rituals, all the practices are, in reality, well researched, studied and scientifically backed thesis which form the ways of nature to lead a good healthy life.

The scientific and research part of the practices are well camouflaged as “elder’s instructions” or “granny’s teaching’s” which should be obeyed as a mark of respect so as to once again, avoid stress to the mediocre brains.

HINDU TEMPLES OF INDIA

Friday, August 30, 2024

TANJAVUR (TANJORE)TAMILNADU

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WHY MUST YOU VISIT TEMPLES, SCIENTIFIC REASON

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