There are several mythological stories associated with the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, in Thanjavur. Here are some of them:
Legend of the bull:
According to legend, the Nandi (bull) statue located in front of the temple was once a demon named Basmasura. Basmasura had received a boon from Lord Shiva that he could turn anyone to ashes by placing his hand on their head. Basmasura tried to test the boon on Lord Shiva himself, but Shiva managed to evade him and hide in the form of a bull. Basmasura chased the bull, but eventually realized his mistake and asked for forgiveness. Lord Shiva then turned Basmasura into a statue of Nandi, which was later installed in front of the temple.
Legend of the temple’s construction:
According to another legend, the Brihadeeswarar Temple was built by the Chola king Rajaraja Chola in fulfillment of a dream he had. In the dream, Lord Shiva appeared to him and told him to build a grand temple in his honor. The king then embarked on a massive building project, which took seven years to complete.
Legend of the temple’s lingam:
Another legend associated with the temple’s construction says that the lingam (symbol of Lord Shiva) that is housed in the temple was brought to earth by Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu gave the lingam to a group of sages, who installed it in a forest. The Chola king Rajaraja Chola later discovered the lingam and had it brought to the site of the Brihadeeswarar Temple, where it was enshrined.
These mythological stories add to the cultural and religious significance of the Brihadeeswarar Temple and help to further cement its place as a revered site of worship and pilgrimage for Hindus.
