The peruvudaiyar kovila, also known as Brihadeswara temple, Rajarajeshware temple and Rajarajeswaram , at Thanavur in the Indian state of Tamil nadu, is a Hindu temple dedicated to shiva and an of the work achieved by cholas in Tamil architecture. the temple is part of the unexco world heritage site "great living chola temples"

This temple is one of Indians most prized architectural sites. the temple stands amidst fortified walls that were probably added in the 16th century. the vimana of (temple tower) is 216 ft (66 m) high and is among the tallest of its kind in the world. there is a big statue of Nandi (sacred bull), carved out of a single rock, at the entrance measuring about 16 feet long and 13 feet high. the entire temple structure is made out of granite, the nearest sources of which are close to Tiruchirapalli, about 60 km to the west of Thanjavur. built in 1010 ad by raja raja chola l in Thanjavur, Brihaadeeswarar temple, also popularly known as the 'big temple' turned 1000 years old in 2010. this temple is the first building fully built by granite and finished within 5 yrs[1004 Ad-1009 Ad].