This temple of Goddess Bṛhan Nāyaki, (the consort of Bṛhadīśvara) was built by a Pāṇḍya King in the 13th cent. The front portions were added later. The Goddess also called Periya Nāyaki who is the darling of the people of Tanjavur stands gracefully inside. It is an impressive tall image quite appropriate to the Great Lord Bṛhadīśvara. People worship her with great affection and veneration. Great festivals are conducted for her during the navarātri utsava in the month of September. You will witness a great worship offered to her. Adoration of the Supreme as a feminine power is a part of Hindu faith. Womanhood is worshipped as God in India.
The door at the entrance has finely carved wooden sculptures of dancers and musicians. It is an excellent illustration of 17th cent wooden door that deserves to be noticed.
The ceiling of the front hall having mural paintings, depict the conquests of Demons, Sumbha and Niśumbha, Caṇḍa and Muṇḍa by the Goddess Durgā.
