Context

• The consecration (kumbhabhishekam) of 1,010-year-old Brihadeeswarar Temple or the Big Temple in Thanjavur has been performed with religious fervour and gaiety. 
• As per the customs of Hinduism, ‘kumbhabhishekam’ is done once in 12 years.
• According to the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department, the temple had ‘kumbhabhishekam’ in 1010, 1729, 1843, 1980 and 1997.
• Built by: Brihadeeswarar Temple, which is dedicated to Shiva, was built by Raja Raja Chola I (985 CE-1014 CE).
• Structure: The structure is an example of Dravidian architecture and it represents the ideology of Tamil civilization and the Chola Empire.
• The temple, which is believed to be built between 1003 and 1010 AD, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also known as Great Living Chola Temples.