Saraswathi Mahal Library
Asia's ancient repository of knowledge, housing over 49,000 palm-leaf and paper manuscripts from the medieval period.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere
Saraswathi Mahal Library
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Asia's ancient repository of knowledge, housing over 49,000 palm-leaf and paper manuscripts from the medieval period.
"A true hidden gem and a treasure trove for anyone interested in history, literature, or ancient manuscripts."
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography inside the library is restricted. Be mindful of the rules to protect ancient manuscripts.
⏳ Allow ample time
Explore the library, art gallery, and museum within the palace complex. Set aside 2-3 hours.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Palm Leaf Manuscripts
Library Collection
Discover thousands of ancient manuscripts on palm leaves, showcasing diverse languages and historical texts.
Rare Books & Texts
Library Collection
Glimpse into medieval literature with a collection of rare books in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi.
Royal Museum Exhibits
Thanjavur Palace Complex
See royal artifacts, paintings, and even a 92-feet whale skeleton, offering a unique historical perspective.
Darbar Hall Paintings
Thanjavur Palace Complex
Admire detailed paintings in the Darbar Hall that retell epic stories and showcase intricate stucco work.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manuscript Marvels Await
Palace Complex Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography inside the library is restricted. Be mindful of the rules to protect ancient manuscripts.
⏳ Allow ample time
Explore the library, art gallery, and museum within the palace complex. Set aside 2-3 hours.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
The entrance fee is nominal, around 50 INR per person, making it a budget-friendly visit.
📚 Manuscript Focus
The library's primary focus is on manuscript preservation and study.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photography Restrictions
Photography inside the library is restricted. Be mindful of the rules to protect ancient manuscripts.
⏳ Allow ample time
Explore the library, art gallery, and museum within the palace complex. Set aside 2-3 hours.
💰 Affordable Entry Fee
The entrance fee is nominal, around 50 INR per person, making it a budget-friendly visit.
📚 Manuscript Focus
The library's primary focus is on manuscript preservation and study.
📜 Diverse Collections
Manuscripts are in Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Manipravalam.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Saraswathi Mahal Library is lauded as a significant historical treasure, offering a unique glimpse into ancient manuscripts and medieval literature. Visitors appreciate the vast collection and the historical context provided by the surrounding palace complex, though photography restrictions are a common point of note.
"one of the oldest libraries in Asia called Saraswathi Mahal Library also known as Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Saraswathi Mahal Library.
It is one of the few remaining mediaeval libraries in the world constructed by Nayak and Thanjavur Maratha rulers. More than 49,000 manuscripts, both on paper and on palm leaves, are kept in this library. The manuscripts are of diverse languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Manipravalam. There is a section of the museum with numerous old and rare collections, such as old medical manuals, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and other Sanskrit writings."
AJC
"Timing 📌
10 am–1 pm
1:30–5:30 pm
The royal objects that are on display in the museum include royal clothing, headgear and hunting weapons. On the upper floor is a skeleton of a 92-feet whale that washed ashore near Tranquebar in 1955.
Thanjavur Palace has the famous Saraswathi Mahal library, an art gallery and the Royal Museum with an interesting collection of artifacts, paintings, books and other memorabilia.
The paintings in the Darbar Hall retell the stories from the epic Ramayana. The walls and ceilings are covered with detailed stucco figures of gods and goddesses
Saraswathi Mahal Library - Tanjore
One of Asia's oldest libraries is this one. There are over 60,000 volumes in the collection, although only few of them are on display
It is one of the few remaining mediaeval libraries in the world constructed by Nayak and Thanjavur Maratha rulers. More than 49,000 manuscripts, both on paper and on palm leaves, are kept in this library. The manuscripts are of diverse languages like Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Manipravalam"
Abhilash S
"Credited as first library of India, the Sarasvati Mahal Library was founded by the Nayak and Thanjavur Maratha rulers. It flourished under the patronage of Maharaja Serfoji housing 47,334 palm leaf manuscripts and texts in Tamil, Telugu, Sanskrit, Marathi, and English. It’s one of the very few libraries in the country to preserve literature from the medieval period. Many of these rare palm leaf manuscripts and books have now been made accessible to the public."
D G BERA
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Saraswathi Mahal Library is located within the Thanjavur Palace complex in the heart of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. You can reach Thanjavur by train or bus from major cities. Once in Thanjavur, local auto-rickshaws or taxis can easily take you to the palace.
Yes, it's situated in a central location within the Thanjavur Palace complex, making it quite accessible for visitors.
The nearest major transportation hub is the Thanjavur Railway Station, followed by the Thanjavur Bus Stand. From there, local transport is readily available.
Ride-sharing apps are generally available in Thanjavur and can be a convenient way to reach the palace complex.
Parking is usually available within or near the Thanjavur Palace complex, though it might be limited during peak hours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The library is typically open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM. It's advisable to check for any specific holiday closures.
The entry fee is approximately 50 INR per person. This fee often covers access to the library, art gallery, and museum.
Advance booking is generally not required for individual visitors. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance.
Information on concessions is not widely publicized, but it's worth inquiring at the ticket counter upon arrival.
Accessibility information for individuals with disabilities is limited. It's recommended to contact the library directly for specific details.
🎫 📚 Onsite Experience
You can see a vast collection of over 49,000 palm-leaf and paper manuscripts in various languages, along with rare books and texts.
Photography inside the library is generally restricted to protect the delicate manuscripts. Check for specific signage or ask staff.
The library is part of the Thanjavur Palace complex, which includes an art gallery, a royal museum with artifacts, and the Darbar Hall.
To fully appreciate the library and the surrounding palace complex, allocate at least 2-3 hours for your visit.
Visitors often describe the staff as polite and helpful, willing to assist with inquiries.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food facilities directly inside the library. However, numerous local eateries and restaurants are available in Thanjavur town, offering traditional South Indian cuisine.
It's generally not permitted to bring food and drinks inside the library to preserve the manuscripts.
Don't miss trying Thanjai Elai meals (meals served on a banana leaf), Korzhkatai, and filter coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography inside the library is usually prohibited to protect the ancient manuscripts. You might be able to take photos in the art gallery or museum sections, but always check for signs.
While interior shots are restricted, you can capture the exterior architecture of the palace complex and the library building.
The Darbar Hall with its paintings and stucco work, and the general architecture of the palace offer good photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that photography is restricted inside the library, so manage expectations for younger ones who might want to capture everything. The overall experience is more educational than overtly entertaining for very young children, but older kids interested in history and unique exhibits will find it engaging. Consider combining the visit with other child-friendly activities in Thanjavur.
📚 History Buffs & Researchers
Beyond the library, the Thanjavur Palace complex provides a broader historical context, with its art gallery, royal museum, and the Darbar Hall's narrative paintings. Researchers may find the staff to be polite and helpful, potentially offering insights into accessing specific collections, though direct access to all manuscripts might be limited.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1However, it's crucial to be aware that photography inside the Saraswathi Mahal Library is strictly prohibited to protect the delicate manuscripts. Respect these rules to ensure the preservation of these ancient artifacts. Focus your photographic efforts on the museum exhibits and the palace's architectural details.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Medieval Scholarship
The library's mission extends beyond mere preservation; it actively engages in the conservation, preservation, and publication of manuscripts. This dedication ensures that the knowledge contained within these ancient texts is not lost to time and can be shared with future generations. The sheer volume and diversity of the collection make it a crucial resource for understanding the cultural and literary heritage of South India.
While the library itself is a treasure trove, it's important to note that only a fraction of its vast collection is put on display for public viewing. However, the accessible exhibits provide a profound insight into the scholarly pursuits of the era, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in history, literature, or ancient Indian knowledge systems.
Exploring the Thanjavur Palace Complex
A significant highlight within the complex is the Darbar Hall. Its walls and ceilings are adorned with intricate stucco figures of deities and detailed paintings that vividly retell stories from the epic Ramayana. This visual narrative provides a captivating glimpse into the artistic and religious life of the Maratha court.
Adding to the unique exhibits is the astonishing skeleton of a 92-feet whale that washed ashore near Tranquebar in 1955. This unusual display, alongside royal clothing and hunting weapons, adds an element of natural history and royal regalia to the historical exploration, making the entire palace complex a comprehensive destination for history buffs and curious travelers alike.
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