Thanjavur is famous for the sculpture of Brihadishwara Temple. This temple is also known as Rajarajeswaram temple. It is a brilliant piece of architecture belonging to the Chola dynasty. Dating back to the 16th century, the sculpture of Brihadishwara Temple stands secure within fortified walls. As is the case with most of the Chola temples the architecture here reflects the idiom of Dravidian art and sculpture. Brihadishwara Temple is a living testimony to the outstanding achievements of the Chola Empire in the fields of sculpture, bronze casting, architecture and painting.

An important architectural feature of this south Indian temple is its 216 ft vimana. It is considered one of the tallest vimanas in the world. The intricate and detailed sculptures that adorn the temple are appreciable as these had been carved out on the hard granite rock. This stone has been used for the entire temple structure. Apart from the vimana the shikhara is also worth checking out. The architecture of Brihadishwara Temple comprise of various structures that align axially to each other. The temple is accessible through the five storey gopuram as well as through the smaller free-standing gopuram.

The hollow massive shikhara of Brihadishwara Temple is sculpted with 16 stories and it dominates the main quadrangle. Other elements such as piers, pilasters and columns have been also constructed to adorn the shikhara. The interesting architecture and sculpture of this religious building is responsible for its inclusion in UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has also been termed as one of the "Great Living Chola Temples".

The main monument comprises a Nandi, a pillared hall and an assembly hall (mandapas), and many sub-shrines. The inner cell or mandapa is surrounded by massive walls. This is the place where the main deity resides. The walls are divided into different levels by well carved sculptures and pilasters. Every sanctuary has a bay that represents the cult icons. Lord Shiva, in the form of a linga, resides in the garbhagriha.

Reflecting the Dravidian style the garbhagriha in this Chola temple takes the shape of the miniature vimana. However like the other south Indian temples the inner and the outer walls lead to the `pradakshina` path. Te entrance to the sanctum is highly decorated with intricate sculptures. The inner mandapa in the main shrine leads to the rectangular mandapa and the twenty-columned porch with three staircases. Other shrines here include the one dedicated to Nandi, Shiva`s bull.

Besides the foliage sculpture and the images of Hindu gods and goddesses the gopuram or gateway, leading to the temple complex, is worth checking out. This gopuram stands on 400 odd pillars and is enclosed by a high wall interlarded with enormous gopurams that axially line to the main shrine.

Thus the sculpture of Brihadishwara Temple is unique in its enormity. In addition to this its detailed sculptural art completely mesmerizes the beholder.