The Thanjavur Big Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple, has a rich history and has been known by several names over time. It is one of the most important architectural and cultural landmarks in South India. Here is a look at its various names and historical significance: 1. Peruvudaiyar Kovil: This is the temple's original name in Tamil, meaning "The Temple of the Great Lord." It reflects the reverence for Lord Shiva, the principal deity worshipped here. The name also signifies the grandeur and scale of the temple. 2. Rajarajeswaram: This name is derived from the temple's founder, Raja Raja Chola I, who ruled the Chola dynasty. He built the temple between 1003 and 1010 CE to commemorate his victories and to glorify the Chola Empire. The name emphasizes Raja Raja Chola’s dedication to Lord Shiva, whom he called "Rajaraja Eswaram" (The Lord of Raja Raja). 3. Brihadeeswarar Temple: This is the Sanskritized version of the Tamil name, combining "Brihad" (great) and "Eeswarar" (Lord Shiva). Over time, this became one of the most common names for the temple, emphasizing its scale and the importance of Lord Shiva in the Hindu pantheon. 4. Thanjai Periya Kovil or Thanjavur Big Temple: In contemporary times, locals and tourists often refer to it as the "Big Temple" (Periya Kovil) because of its massive size and towering structure, especially its 66-meter-tall vimana (tower), which is among the tallest in the world for a Hindu temple.
The Thanjavur Big Temple, also known as the Brihadeeswarar Temple, has a rich history and has been known by several names over time. It is one of the most important architectural and cultural landmarks in South India. Here is a look at its various names and historical significance:
1. Peruvudaiyar Kovil: This is the temple's original name in Tamil, meaning "The Temple of the Great Lord." It reflects the reverence for Lord Shiva, the principal deity worshipped here. The name also signifies the grandeur and scale of the temple.
2. Rajarajeswaram: This name is derived from the temple's founder, Raja Raja Chola I, who ruled the Chola dynasty. He built the temple between 1003 and 1010 CE to commemorate his victories and to glorify the Chola Empire. The name emphasizes Raja Raja Chola’s dedication to Lord Shiva, whom he called "Rajaraja Eswaram" (The Lord of Raja Raja).
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple: This is the Sanskritized version of the Tamil name, combining "Brihad" (great) and "Eeswarar" (Lord Shiva). Over time, this became one of the most common names for the temple, emphasizing its scale and the importance of Lord Shiva in the Hindu pantheon.
4. Thanjai Periya Kovil or Thanjavur Big Temple: In contemporary times, locals and tourists often refer to it as the "Big Temple" (Periya Kovil) because of its massive size and towering structure, especially its 66-meter-tall vimana (tower), which is among the tallest in the world for a Hindu temple.
The great Tamil king Raja Raja Cholan named Lord Shiva as "Peruvudaiyar "( பெருவுடையார்) not "Brihadeeswarar "
Rohini vijayakumar
From Jaffna
We call this " Thnjai Peruvudaiyar koyil " " periya koyil " ( Big temple) or "Raja Rajeswaram ".
Not Brihadeeswarar temple
Sorry for the late reply. Kindly checkout the pinned comment.
Not India's. Tamil Chola's. When they constructed, no India existed.
Yes present india didn't exist