Tanjore
is historically
a famous city and
used to be the capital
of the Chola dynasty.
The Brihadiswara
temple of Tanjore
dedicated to Lord
Siva is the tallest
in South India.
This temple was
built by Raja Raja
Chola. The king
was suffering from
black leprosy and
in order to cure
it, he was asked
to bring the Lingam
from river Narmada
and construct a
temple. The king
did so and constructed
a huge temple dedicated
to Lord Siva. He
 then
immersed himself
in the tank and
was cured of his
disease. The temple
is a masterpiece
of Dravidian architectural
expertise. The goddess
in the temple is
known as Brihanayaki.
The shrines of Ganapati,
Nataraja and Chadeswara
also adorn the place.
One of the best
Nataraja figures
can be found in
this place. The
second biggest Nandi
can be found here.
There are a lot
of beautiful fresco
paintings here depicting
the daily life of
Tanjore at the Chola
period. Tanjore
is said to be the
cradle of Bharatanatam
and other art forms.
Tanjore textiles
were also famous.
There are many carvings
and sculpture of
exemplary expertise.
An art gallery has
been established
there. There is
a Saraswati Mahal
which is considered
to have a large
number of rare books.
The Tanjore artisans
are also famous
for their silver
articles and samples
of them can be seen
here. There are
many festivals held
here periodically.
Usually the daily
offerings consist
of cooked rice.
Tanjore being a
famous city is well
connected from other
cities and pilgrim
centers. There is
a railway station
which is well connected.
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