Thanjavur’s Brihadeeswarar Temple, built by Raja Raja Chola I, was begun in 1003 and completed in 1010. Constructed using the traditional “adukkumanam” technique—stones interlocked and layered—it continues to stand as a landmark of Tamil architectural skill.
The temple has already been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage monument. However, historians and social activists have for years been campaigning to see it included in the World Wonders list, forming a group titled “Thanjavur Big Temple – 8th World Wonder” and carrying out various initiatives.
In the Tamil Nadu Assembly, School Education Minister Rajmohan reportedly spoke with pride, contrasting a leaning Pisa tower with the Big Temple’s towering vimana that has remained firm for centuries, calling it a true wonder.
Following his remarks, several voices have urged the minister to go beyond speeches and actively pursue the matter. Researchers said the temple meets all qualifications, noting it as the world’s tallest temple built solely with granite and highlighting the “adukkumanam” construction method as a wonder in itself.
They added that professionals and students from Thanjavur—engineers, doctors, researchers, historians, professors and others—have been brought together in recent years to strengthen the campaign. They appealed to the minister to take the issue to the Union government and work towards securing a place for the temple in the World Wonders list.
