Vijayanagar fort

Vijayanagar Fort is a famous tourist spot is located nearly 2 km from the Brahadeeswara temple. This majestic fort was built by Nayaks and partly by Maratha rulers during the early 1550 AD. The fort houses a Tanjore Palace, Sangeetha Mahal, Library and an exquisite art gallery that includes many sculptures and paintings. The Shiva Ganga Gardens are also a part of the complex. Though the fort is mostly in ruins, it still echoes its strength and grandeur it must have once possessed. A fascinating Fort. Presently most of its parts are ruined. Entry fees is just Rs.20/- for adults and Rs.10 for children. The fort encloses the Palace, Sangeeth Mahal, Library, Art Gallery etc. Worth visiting. simple but elegant palace with the museum to provide the information about Thanjavur. All Nayakers, who ruled Thanjavur during 15th and 17th century, except Sevappa Nayakker were Vaishnavaites. They were the pioneers after the Cholas, in geting installed the famous Library Saraswathi Bhanda, now is known as Thanjavur Serfoji Saraswathi Mahal Library and Research Centre. That Library was entirely meant for the royal folk and later during the period of Serfoji, it was opened for the general public. It was the Vijayanagar Nayakkers who strengthened the fort , surrounding Thanjavur,after the fall of Chola dynasty to prevent the intrusion of Dutch, French, Mohammedan and British invaders. Out of ever so many Nayakkers, Sevappa Nayakker, who followed SAIVISM and had artisitc bent of mind, needs mentioning. He built the" Kantha Kottam" i.e. Murugan Temple inside the Big Temple, which is on par with the sculptural niceties of the great Chola Dynasty, particularly Rjaraja Chloan.

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