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Tamil
Nadu ( Thanjavur )
INTRODUCTION
About a thousand years ago,
Thanjavur was the capital of the powerful Chola
dynasty. Today, it is little town set amidst the lush
rice fields of the Cauvery delta. Magnificent temples,
still bear witness to the splendour of Chola
architecture.
Thanjavur's crowing glory is its
Brihadeeshwara temple with its 66.5 m high 'Srivimana'
dominating the city. The monolithic granite block that
forms a cupola on the top, weighs 81.3 tones,
reflecting the architectural powers of the Chola
architecture.
Thanjavur is an established centre
of learning and its Saraswati Mahal Library instituted
by the Maratha ruler Serfoji, has an extensive
collection of over 30,000 manuscripts, palm leaf
inscriptions and books.
In January, the Thiruvaiyari Music
festival is held in honour of the composer and saint
Thyagaraja. It attracts eminent musicians and
connoisseurs of Carnatic music.
SHOPPING DETAILS
Traditional Thanjavur paintings on
glass, Copper plates inlaid with brass and silver,
bronze incons from Swamimalai, musical instruments and
traditional wood carving, Bell metal lamps from
Poompuhar and other shops.
AROUND THANJAVUR
Thirukandiyur, 10 km away, noted
for the temples of Brahmasirikandes waran and
Harshavimochan Perumal.
Kumbakonam, known for the
Sarangapani, Kmbeswarar,
Negaswara and the Ramaswamy temples, is 36 km away.
Tharangambadi
(Tranquebar) (105 km). Once a Danish
settlement, Tranquebar has a quaint charm. There is a little fort on
the beach and a couple of old churches.
Swamimalai, located 32 km away, has a fine temple
up on a hill, dedicated to Lord Subramanya.
Darasuram (34 km) has a temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva which was built by Rajendra Chola. It also a silk weaving centre.
Tirubuvanam (45 km) has a 13th century Chola
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Thiruvaiyaru (13 km) is the spot where the famous
saint Thyagaraja lived and attained samadhi. A music festival is held
here every January in honour of the saint.
Nagore (88 km) is a renowned pilgrim centre of the
Muslims that is popular with people of all faiths.
Velankanni (90 km) noted for the church dedicated
to "Our lady of Health", attracts devotees of all faiths.
Point Calimere (112 km) is noted for its migratory
water birds, particularly flamingoes. Season - November to January.
Vedaranyam (104 km) is known for its festivals
held on the day of the full moon in July - August and January -
February. The place attracts pilgrims during this period from all over
Tamil Nadu.
Manora, 65 km away, is known for its 8 storey
victory tower which was built by Raja Serfoji in 1814 AD.
Nagapattinam (83 km) is an important port town.
Tirunvur (55 km) has the Thyagarajaswami Temple
noted for the biggest temple chariot in Tamil Nadu. It is also the
birth place of the saint Thyagaraja.
Tirunallar (101 km) is noted for its temple
dedicated to Lord Saneeswara.
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