Thanjavur...... The rice bowl of Tamil Nadu


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Situated at a distance of 350 KM for Chennai, Thanjavur has history engraved almost everywhere. The air, the roads and the buildings over there have stories to narrate and yet with so much happening in the past, the city has much to offer for any globetrotter. Once a capital of renowned  dynasties, the city witnessed many battles being fought and numerous dreams turning to dust. The place bears remembrance of many dynasties by the means of architectures they created. The modern day moniker of being a rice bowl also makes one peep back into history for its origin. Such was the wisdom of the rulers then that they invested in dams and worked extensively in improving irrigation. The credit for having developed Thanjavur as a place of interest today rests solely on the shoulders of yesteryear kings. 

Though known as the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu, those with a taste for arts and culture would not take long to realise that Thanjavur is a nerve center of dance and music. Famed as the fertile bed  of Carnatic music, Thanjavur can also boast about other form of art like Thanjavur paintings and Thanjavur dolls. Three great dynasties of Cholas, Nayaks and Marathas have left their marks in the annals of Thanjavur history.

Here is list of things to do and places to be at when in Thanjavur. 

1. The Big temple or Brihadeeshwara Temple.

    
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 A part of great living Chola Temples , Brihadeeshwara temple or the big temple is majestic and serene at the same time. The temple built by  Rajaraja Chola between 1003 CE and 1010 CE, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple attracts tourists and devotees alike and stands as a testimony of bygone era. Hiring a tour guide will always be worth the money as a lame eye is bound to miss the architectural beauty of the temple. Besides Shiva, the temple houses many other Devas and has shrines dedicated to them. The best time to visit the temple would be before noon as the temperature may soar in the afternoon.

2. Gangaikonda cholapuram: 


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Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Gangaikonda Cholapuram is a small village that once served as the capital of Chola empire during the reign of  Rajendra I. The emperor assumed the name of Gangaikonda Cholan after he defeated kings far and near and then asked then to send pots of water from the Ganges to fill the well over there. The place is soaked in history and anyone with a taste of history is bound to fall for it and dig deeper. Though the place had many temples and structures built during those days only a Shiva temple could make it through the journey of time.

3. Darasuram: 


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Originally a locality, Darasuram is known for Airavateshwara Temple constructed by Rajaraja Chola II. The temple, as it is bound to, finds itself recognised as a World heritage site. Steeped in astonishing stone carvings narrating different stories and various poses of Bharatnatyam dancers, the temple is window to peep into the artistic brilliance of rich Tamil culture. Other than Airavatheshwara, Darasuram has other temple also. Any visit to Darasuram would be incomplete if you fail to notice and appreciate the magnificent Vimana, Mandapa and Gopuram. Not very far from Darasuram is  Kumbakonam, again famous for temples of immense cultural importance.

4.Maratha Palace. The original name of Thanjavur Palace is Shivaganga Fort, which is rarely in vogue these days. Originally built by the Nayak rulers, the palace became official dwelling place of Bhosle family. The local populace calls the place as Aranmanai. While the Saraswati Museum, Darbar hall and Art gallery will take you trough the pages of history, the narrow staircases with low ceiling and small steps would highlight the amount of thinking that would have went into making the fort unbreachable. There are three secret chambers with inter connecting doors which are acoustically designed to her even whispers. However, the chambers are  closed for normal public.

                                                

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5. Stroll around to see old buildings

Being a historic city, Thanjavur is full of monuments and ruins. The best option to explore the beauty of these buildings is to stroll through the city in the evening while shopping . Thanjavur is famous for its dolls and paintings and has many shops selling those.

6. Enjoy Chettinadu lunch : 

Somehow negected, probably due to the glitz of history, Thanjavur has a lot to titillate the taste buds. Be it vegetarian or non vegetarian food, Thanjavur has it all its lap. Advent of Marathas has added a flavour of it's own. When in Thanjavur, try the Chettinadu lunch,  famous for its spices. Vegetarian dishes like Thavala Adai, Ashoka Halwa, Panagam are also not to be missed 

7. Watch Bharatnatyam: 

With all these things done, why not do what every art lover does. Bhratanatyam has been attracting people from far and near for years now. Thanjavur is blessed to have many places where tourists can have  taste of it.

Now, that we have had an unforgettable experience of the Thanjvur, what is left behind is to keep it safe in the urns of memory. But before leaving Thanjavur, make it  point to be at Kallanai dam, built in 150 CE by Karikala Cholan. The dam happens to be the oldest water regulator structures of India. Perhaps the vision of those rulers helped Thanjavur become the Rice Bowl of Tamil Nadu. Visionaries indeed they were.

How to reach :

Nearest Railway station : Thanjavur 

Nearest Airport :     Trichy  

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