️ Culture,
Tradition, and Lifestyle
Thanjavur is the heartbeat of Tamil culture, art, and religion.
·
Chola Legacy: The city breathes history. The Chola
kings were not just conquerors but great patrons of the arts. This legacy is
kept alive in the classical dance (Bharatanatyam) and Carnatic music that
flourishes here. The Thiruvaiyaru Thyagaraja Aradhana is
a global pilgrimage for music lovers.
·
Thanjavur Art: The city is famous for Tanjore Paintings, a unique art form characterized by
rich colors, gold foil overlays, and inlaid glass beads.
·
The Thanjavur Doll: The "Thanjavur Thalaiyatti Bommai" (Bobble-head
doll) is a GI-tagged handicraft. These roly-poly toys are a symbol of the
city's playful artistic spirit.
·
Agrarian Life: As the delta's core, life here
revolves around the Cauvery river and paddy cultivation. The lush green fields
are a defining feature of the landscape.
Culinary Heritage
and Famous Food
The cuisine of Thanjavur is a refined version of traditional Tamil
vegetarian cooking.
·
Thanjavur Meals: A traditional full-course meal
served on a banana leaf, featuring Sambar, Rasam, Kootu, and Poriyal, is a
must-try. The use of locally grown rice makes it special.
·
Ashoka Halwa: A unique sweet made from moong dal
(green gram) and wheat, originating from the nearby town of Thiruvaiyaru. It is
bright orange and melts in the mouth.
·
Kumbakonam Degree Coffee: Though Kumbakonam
is a separate town, it falls within the district's cultural sphere. The filter
coffee here is legendary.
·
Tanjore Marathi Influence: Due to the Maratha
rule later in history, dishes like Sambar (believed to
be named after Sambhaji) have a unique local twist.
️ Administration
and Infrastructure
Thanjavur is a major administrative and agricultural hub.
·
District Profile: It is the headquarters of the
Thanjavur District. The district includes the temple town of Kumbakonam, which is a major commercial center.
·
Parliamentary Constituency (MP): The district falls
under the Thanjavur Lok Sabha constituency.
·
Assembly Constituencies (MLA): Key legislative
assemblies include Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, Thiruvaiyaru,
Papanasam, Orathanadu, Pattukkottai, and Peravurani.
·
Economy:
o Agriculture: It is the largest
producer of rice in the state.
o Tourism: Heritage tourism
is a massive revenue generator.
o Education: It is a major
center for higher education in the delta region.
Education Hub:
Schools and Colleges
Thanjavur has been a center of learning since the Chola times.
·
Universities: Tamil University is
a unique institution dedicated to the research and advancement of the Tamil
language and culture. SASTRA Deemed University is a
world-renowned engineering institution located nearby.
·
Medical: Thanjavur Medical College
is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical colleges in Tamil Nadu.
·
Schools: The city hosts historic institutions
like St. Peter's Higher Secondary School and modern CBSE schools.
Major Festivals
·
Brihadeeswarar Temple Car Festival: The massive
chariot procession during the Chithirai month
(April-May) draws lakhs of devotees.
·
Sathaya Vizha: Celebrated in October to mark the
birth anniversary of the great King Raja Raja Chola, the
builder of the Big Temple.
·
Thyagaraja Aradhana: Held in January at
Thiruvaiyaru, where thousands of musicians sit together
and sing the "Pancharatna Kritis" in unison to honor Saint
Thyagaraja.
·
Mahamaham: Held once every 12 years in the
Mahamaham tank at Kumbakonam (next one due in 2028),
it is the "Kumbh Mela of the South."
Unique Highlights:
Why Thanjavur is Special
1. The Shadowless
Tower: The Vimana (tower) of the Big Temple is 216 feet high. It
is an architectural marvel built with interlocking stones (no cement). A
popular (though debated) myth is that the shadow of the tower never falls on
the ground at noon.
2. Saraswathi Mahal
Library: One of the oldest libraries in Asia. It houses over 49,000 palm-leaf
manuscripts in Tamil, Sanskrit, Telugu, and Marathi. It was developed by the
Maratha kings of Thanjavur.
3. The Granary of the
South: The district's irrigation network, originally built by the Cholas (Grand
Anicut) and expanded later, makes it the most fertile land in the state.
Top Tourist
Attractions and Sightseeing Places
Thanjavur is a treasure trove for heritage lovers.
1. Brihadeeswarar Temple (The Big
Temple)
A UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 AD.
·
Must-See: The massive monolithic Nandi (bull)
statue, the soaring Vimana, and the Chola frescoes (paintings) on the inner
walls.
·
Note: Visit during sunset to see the
stones glow golden.
2. Thanjavur Royal Palace (Maratha
Palace)
A mix of Nayak and Maratha architecture.
·
Highlights: The Durbar Hall, the Bell Tower, and
the Art Gallery containing magnificent bronze idols from
the Chola period.
3. Saraswathi Mahal Library
Located within the palace complex. A museum of knowledge showcasing rare
books, maps, and paintings.
4. Gangaikonda Cholapuram
(Located in the nearby Ariyalur district, but historically part of the
Thanjavur circuit). The "brother" of the Big Temple, built by Raja
Raja's son, Rajendra Chola. It is known for its refined sculptures.
5. Thiruvaiyaru
The home of Saint Thyagaraja and the Cauvery river. A serene town filled
with music and spirituality.
6. Punnainallur Mariamman Temple
A powerful temple located near Thanjavur, built by the Maratha kings.
The deity is made of an ant-hill (Putru) and not stone.
7. Poondi Madha Basilica
A famous Catholic pilgrimage center located near Thirukattupalli, known
for its miraculous history.
Walk in the
Footsteps of Emperors!
From the grandeur of the Big Temple to the intricate beauty of Tanjore
paintings, Thanjavur is a royal experience.
For
customized temple tours, heritage walks, and art shopping guides in Thanjavur,
contact us:
Mobile: +91 77088
94141
Website:
www.renghaholidays.com
Rengha
Holidays – The Royal Route to Chola Heritage.
