Saraswathi Mahal Library, Thanjavur

Name: Saraswathi Mahal Library
Address: Thanjavur, India

#4 among attractions in Thanjavur

Library

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Facts and practical information

Saraswathi Mahal Library, also called Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library is a library located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest libraries in Asia established during 16th century by Nayakar kings of Thanjavur and has on display a rare collection of Palm leaf manuscripts and paper written in Tamil and Sanskrit and a few other languages indigenous to India. The collection comprises well over 49,000 volumes, though only a tiny fraction of these are on display. The library has a complete catalog of holdings, which is being made available online. Some rare holdings can be viewed on site by prior arrangement. Encyclopedia Britannica mentions the library as the "Most remarkable library of India". ()

Local name: सरस्वती महल ग्रन्थालय Coordinates: 10°47'29"N, 79°8'10"E

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Thanjavur India

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Day trips

Saraswathi Mahal Library – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur Nisumbasuthani Temple, Shri Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Great Living Chola Temples.

0.7 miSW
Monumental 11th-century Hindu shrine
Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur
18 min walk • The Brihadishwara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a magnificent example of Dravidian architecture and a testament to the grandeur of the Chola dynasty. Located in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India, this UNESCO World Heritage site is not just a...
0.6 miNE
Temple
Thanjavur Nisumbasuthani Temple, Thanjavur
17 min walk • Thanjavur Nisumbasuthani Temple is a Hindu temple in Thanjavur in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, India. It was built in the 9th century by Vijayalaya Chola, the founder of the Chola Dynasty.
~1340 ftW
Temple
Shri Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Thanjavur
7 min walk • Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Vishnu. The temple was constructed by the Thanjavur Maratha king Pratapsingh in the 18th century.
0.7 miSW
, Temple
Great Living Chola Temples, Thanjavur
17 min walk • The Great Living Chola Temples is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for a group of Chola dynasty era Hindu temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
0.5 miW
Temple
Thanjavur Bangaru Kamatchiamman Temple, Thanjavur
13 min walk • Sri Bangaru Kamakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu Temple in Thanjavur City, Tamil Nadu. It is located at the West Main Street, Thanjavur.
~50 ftSE
Museum
Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Thanjavur
1 min walk • The Thanjavur Maratha Palace Complex, known locally as Aranmanai, today is the official residence of the Bhonsle family that ruled Tanjore from 1674 to 1855.
1.1 miNE
Temple
Thanjai Mamani Koil, Thanjavur
29 min walk • Thanjai Mamani Koil is a set of three Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India and are close to each other. It is one of the Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars.
0.6 miS
Temple
Arungundram, Thanjavur
16 min walk • Arungundram is a village in Tamil Nadu between Arcot and Kannamangalam. The village is surrounded by hillocks and paddy fields, and is about 8 km from Arcot in Vellore district.
0.6 miS
Historical place
Thanjavur Medical College, Thanjavur
16 min walk • Thanjavur Medical College is a medical college in Tamil Nadu, India. It is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu and is affiliated with the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, Chennai. It is one of the oldest medical colleges in Tamil Nadu.
0.6 miSW
Park, Zoo, Aquarium
Sivagangai Park, Thanjavur
15 min walk • Sivaganga Park is a recreational park in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. It adjoins the Brihadeeswarar Temple, a popular tourist destination.
~1880 ftSE
10°47'12"N • 79°8'19"E
Maharajah Serfoji 2 memorial hall museum, Thanjavur
10 min walk • Museum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When is Saraswathi Mahal Library open?

Saraswathi Mahal Library is open:

Monday 10 am - 5:30 pm
Tuesday 10 am - 5:30 pm
Wednesday closed
Thursday 10 am - 5:30 pm
Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm
Saturday 10 am - 5:30 pm
Sunday 10 am - 5:30 pm

Which popular attractions are close to Saraswathi Mahal Library?

Nearby attractions include Thanjavur Maratha Palace, Thanjavur (1 min walk), Shri Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Thanjavur (7 min walk), Maharajah Serfoji 2 memorial hall museum, Thanjavur (10 min walk), Thanjavur Bangaru Kamatchiamman Temple, Thanjavur (13 min walk).

How to get to Saraswathi Mahal Library by public transport?

The nearest stations to Saraswathi Mahal Library:

Bus

Thiruvayar Bus Stand (8 min walk)
Old Bus Stand (9 min walk)

Train

Thanjavur Junction (25 min walk)