 Thanjavur , formerly Tanjore , is a city in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu . Thanjavur is an important center of South Indian religion , art , and architecture . Most of the Great Living Chola Temples , which are UNESCO World Heritage Monuments , are located in and around Thanjavur . The foremost among these , the Brihadeeswara Temple , is located in the centre of the city . Thanjavur is also home to Tanjore painting , a painting style unique to the region . 
