UNESCO one of the organs of the United Nations, to preserve for posterity the architectural and natural wonders of the world has nominated certain locations and structures as World Heritage sites. Three such sites are located in the District of Thanjavur

• Brahadeeswara Temple Thanjavur
• Brihadiswara Temple Gangaikondacholapuram
• Airavateswarar Temple Darasuram

The three temples belongto the Chola Period, the rulers of the Thanjavur belt and its environs for over four centuries. These three temples are renowned for their architectural splendour and have been declared as UNESCO heritage sites.

All three temples, the Brihadeeswara at Thanjavur (popularly known as the big temple), the Brihadiswara at Gangaikondacholapuram and Airavatesvara at Darasuram, very near to Kumbakonam are adherents to the tradition of temple worship and rituals established and practised for centuries. This mode of worship is based on ancient agamic (procedure for rituals and worship) texts and continues till date.

The Thanjavur temple is showcasing to the entire world the architectural finesse and the unsurpassed skills of the builders of this temple. The deities of Lord Shiva and his mount Nandi occupy the pride of place in this temple. The sheer size, beauty and the intricate carvings leaves one awestruck at its sheer majesty. There is also a shrine for Amman the goddess in this massive complex dating back to the 13th Century. The walls of this temple depict the various poses of the Bharata Natyam dance form of the Tamil culture. The walls have more than 80 such poses.

The temple at Gangaikondacholapuram in was built for Lord Shiva by Rajendra I. This temple sculptures are of exceptional quality. The bronze statutes of Bhogasakti and Subrahmanya are a sight to behold for their superb workmanship and showcase Chola metal icons. The Saurapitha (Solar altar), the lotus altar with eight deities, is considered auspicious.

The Airavatesvara temple at Tanjavur was built by the Chola king Rajaraja II This is much smaller than the Brihadisvara temple at Tanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram. It differs from them in its extremely complex execution.

The front manadpam of this temple has pillars with beautiful sculptures and is unique as it was designed as a chariot with wheels. Exquisite sculptures dominate the entire construction and are testimony to the highly skilled Chola Artisans and their masterpieces.