Thanjavur Temple Royalty-Free Stock Image

Thanjavur, formerly Tanjore,[1] is a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion, art, and architecture. Most of the Great Living Chola Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments, are located in and around Thanjavur. The foremost among these, the Brihadeeswara Temple, is located in the centre of the city. Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting, a painting style unique to the region.nnThanjavur is the headquarters of the Thanjavur District. The city is an important agricultural centre located in the Cauvery Delta and is known as the `Rice bowl of Tamil Nadu`. Thanjavur is administered by a municipal corporation covering an area of 36.33 km2 14.03 sq mi and had a population of 3,35,658 in 2011. Roadways are the major means of transportation, while the city also has rail connectivity. The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli International Airport, located 59.6 km 37.0 mi away from the city. The nearest seaport is Karaikal Port, which is 94 km 58 mi away from Thanjavur.nnScholars believe the name Thanjavur is derived from Tanjan, a legendary demon in Hindu mythology. While the early history of Thanjavur remains unclear