Tamil Nadu Beautiful Temples
Temples Present in Beautiful Tamil Nadu
About Temples in Tamil Nadu
Temples tell the story of glorious pasts. They speak about cultures, history, bygone eras, architecture, values, customs, rituals, tales, etc. They are much more than just places of religious significance. One such place whose temples speak glory is Tamil Nadu. It not only has spiritual importance but also, they have beautiful architecture. The mystical stories about the temples are delightful. They are the backbone of the Tamil and Dravidian cultures. They are jewels enriching the history of our country.
Must Visit Temples in Tamil Nadu
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple
It is one of the most famous Temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple is in Madurai. It has the shrine of Goddess Parvati, which is in the form of Meenakshi. The temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva, her consort, in the form of Sundareswaran. It was first built in the 6th century, and Muslim invaders destroyed the temple and later got renovation in the 17th century by the Nayaka rulers. The architecture has a classic Dravidian style. It has richly decorated “Gopurams.” The temple has many intricately carved sculptures of gods, goddesses, and demons. It uniquely displays Hindu mythology tales. Tourists flock to the annual Meenakshi Thiru Kalyanam festival, celebrated in the temple. It takes place during the month of April-May.
2.Brihadisvara Temple
The temple is one of the greatest temples of the Chola dynasty. It is in the Thanjavur district. The temple dates back to the 11th century AD and reflects the era of the Chola dynasty. The creation of vimana tower that crosses the shrine is the tallest temple tower in the world. “Kumbam” is carved from a single granite and is 80 Tonnes in weight. It is on the top of Vimana. The temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva. When you are in Tamil Nadu, you should miss the chance to see the brilliance of the architecture of the largest Chola temple.
3. Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple
The temple is present in Mannargudi, one of India’s most famous Vaishnava temples. The temple is popular with the name Dakshina Dwaraka and Guruvayoor by Hindu people. The main highlight of the temple is Raja gopuram – 192 feet gateway tower. It has one of the largest tanks, called Haridra Nadhi. It soothes your soul. The temple is a dedication to Lord Krishna and is one of the grand abodes of Lord Krishna. The minute carvings are very mesmerizing. The temple holds a famous festival, the “Chariot Festival”. It happens in the month of March to April.
4. Kanchi Kailasanathan Temple
The temple dates back to the 7th – 8th century during the Pallav dynasty. The marvel of the beauty of architecture is visible even from a distance. The temple reflects the city’s Dravidian culture. It has pyramid shape tower on the sanctum. The temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva. The temple’s main attraction is the stone used in its construction, sandstone. There are 16-sided Shelving in the main sanctum made up of black granite. Along with these are 58 small Shiva shrines inside the temple complex. The temple has beautiful sculptures of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati with different dancing postures. Devotees come to see the grandeur of the Pallav dynasty and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, especially during the pious occasion of Mahashivratri.
5. Adi Kumbeswarar Temple
The temple is a Chola dynasty masterpiece which got renovation by Govinda Dikshitar in the 16th century AD. It is familiar as the Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is a dedication to Lord Shiva. The Shiv Lingam in the temple is broad at the bottom and narrow as a needle at the top. There is also an idol of Goddess Mangalambika on the left side. Other shrines are Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, and Lord Kiratamurati. There is Potra Marai Tank in the complex. Devotees worldwide take holy baths in the water during the Mahamaham festival, which happens once every 12 years.
6. Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple
The complex is a beautiful blend of temple and township. It’s the co-existence of temple activities and township activities for humans. The temple is across an area of 150 acres. It is a dedication to Lord Vishnu. The temple has Dravidian-style architecture. It has 50 shrines and 21 carved gopurams, and the main “Raja gopuram” of 240 feet height. It is the tallest gopuram Present in Asia. The temple also has seven prakaras. The temple is among the 108 “Divya Desams.”
7.Jambukeswarar Temple
Located on the Srirangan Island of Tamil Nadu is the ‘Jambukeshwar Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva. Built during the Chola period this temple is a brilliant example of Dravidian style of architecture. It has 7 tiered Gopuram adorned with delicate carvings which depicts the artistic grandeur of Chola Kingdom. Shiva Lingam is in the form of Appu Lingam (water lingam) and there is an underground stream flowing underneath the Shelving from which water continuously flows out.
8.Ekambareswarar Temple
The ‘Ekambareswarar Temple’ attracts thousands of pilgrims and other tourists from different parts of India and abroad. Counted amongst five ‘Panch Bootha Sthalas’ (five elements of the universe), the temple is dedicated to the element, Earth and holds a great religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva.
Goddess Parvati’s Penance
As per mythological beliefs, Goddess Parvati performed a penance here under a sacred mango tree, for Lord Shiva with a Shivling made of sand. Pleased with her devotion, Shiva appeared before her and came to be known as Ekambareswarar or the ‘Lord of Mango Tree’.
Astounding Architecture
The temple is believed to have been existing since 600 AD but the present structure is said to be dating back to the 11th-12th centuries. The architecture of the temple showcases a signature Shaivite structure with a lofty Gopuram, 5 concentric circumambulatory enclosures. The 1000 pillared hall adorning carvings of 1008 Shiva Lingam is believed to be added by the Vijayanagara kings during the 15th century. The inner sanctum houses the Prithvi Lingam.
9. Ramanathaswamy Temple
One of the four primary pilgrimage destinations (‘Char Dhams’) for all Hindus across the world, the ‘Ramanathaswamy Temple’ is swarmed by hordes of pilgrims every day. Besides being one of the holy ‘Chardham’, the temple is also counted amongst the 12 sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Legends Divine
According to mythological legends, the story associated with the Shivling enshrined in the main sanctum of the temple goes back to the times of Ramayana. It is believed that after returning from Lanka, Lord Rama wanted to absolve his sins of killing the demon Ravana who was also a great Brahmin and scholar.
In order to do so, he decided to worship Lord Shiva and asked Lord Hanuman to get the biggest Shivling from the Himalayas. As it took very long for Hanuman to get the Shivling, and seeing the auspicious time for prayers being run out, Rama’s wife, Goddess Sita built a Shivling from sand.
The same Shivalinga, known as ‘Ramalinga,’ is believed to have been residing in the sanctum of the Ramanathaswamy Temple for centuries. Enshrined next to Ramalinga is the ‘Viswa lingam’, the Shivalinga that was brought by Hanuman.
As per the legends, Lord Rama seeing Hanuman disappointed, ordained that for any devotee visiting Rameswaram, the holy Yatra would be successful only if he first pays his obeisance to Vishwa Linga and since then, all the rituals are first made at Viswa lingam and then at Ramalinga.
Alluring Pillars
Located on the serene island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, the structure of this temple is believed to have been built during 12th century CE by the Pandya rulers. The tallest of its 4 Gopurams stands at the height of 126 feet meters and is built in typical Dravidian style.
The temple is also acknowledged for housing the longest corridor hall in India made of almost 1000 intricately carved granite pillars. A colossal statue of Nandi 6 meters tall also grabs the attention of many.
A visit to the Ramanathaswamy temple not only provides you with an unmatched spiritual experience but also gives you an opportunity to witness the grandeur and opulence of the kings in the times gone by.
10. Nagaraja Temple
Located in the Nagercoil town of Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Nagaraja Temple’ is dedicated to the serpent king Vasuki. The presiding deity of this temple is the five-headed Naga God and is visited by hordes of devotees, especially on Sundays when a special Pooja is performed offering milk and turmeric to the deity.
Highlights
The temple sees an uncountable footfall of people suffering from Naga Dosha during the Tamil month of Avani (August and September) when some distinct rituals are performed for 12 days.
Delightful Legends of significance
According to folk tales and legends, once a village girl was cutting grass in the area when all of a sudden, she noticed blood oozing out of her axe after accidentally hitting a stone. She hurriedly went to the village and brought a few villagers here, out of which one villager recognized the stone as an idol of a five headed snake.
Thereafter, the temple dedicated to Nagaraja was built with its walls made of mud and roof made of coconut leaves. The main sanctum of the temple still has these mud walls and thatched roof with the small stone idol of Nagaraja placed on the soil. The soil underneath the idol remains wet as it is believed that the blood is still oozing out of the deity till date. It is believed that this soil holds special powers and can cure any skin ailments; the soil is also given as prasadam to the visitors of the temple.
Temple Architecture
The architecture of the temple is quite simple with scores of sculptures and images of different snakes adorning the walls, trees and pond around. The main sanctum enshrines the deity and is guarded by two huge statues of five-headed serpents. Inside the temple premises, you will also find Shivling and idol of Vishnu on Anant Shayana position.
One of the very unique temples in India located amidst tranquil and peaceful settings, a visit here is sure to leave you with a blissful experience.
11.Kumari Amman Temple
Located on the peninsula of Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Kumari Amman Temple’ is dedicated to the virgin Goddess Kanya Kumari, an avatar of Goddess Shakti. Dating back to 3000 years, the temple sits on the serene confluence of Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. The idol of the presiding deity is in the form of a charming young girl with rosary in her right hand.
Let’s travel back in time.
As per mythological beliefs, in Puranic times, the demon king, Banasura obtained a boon from Lord Shiva that he could only be vanquished by a virgin.
With this boon in hand, he caused great agony to Devas who in turn worshipped Goddess Parvati to get them relieved from the harassment of the demon king.
As an answer to the prayers of Devas, Goddess Parvati appeared in the form of a young girl and performed a penance for Lord Shiva on the confluence of these three oceans to kill Banasura.
Enchanted with the beauty of Kanyakumari, Banasura tried to force her into marriage that resulted in a fierce battle ending in his death.
Relieved of the atrocities of Banasura, a temple was built here dedicated to Devi Kanya Kumari by Lord Parshuram. The idol of the deity is believed to be the same that was installed by Parshuram.
The nose ring adorned by the deity has another story associated; it is believed that the diamonds of the nose ring are so bright that in the past, few ships sailing in the sea mistook the brilliance of these diamonds as light from a lighthouse resulting in their wreckage upon the nearby rocks. Since those accidents, the eastern door (sea facing) of the temple remains closed.
One of the famous pilgrim destinations in Tamil Nadu, a visit to this temple is sure to leave you blessed with peace and prosperity.
Another significant temple of the ‘Panchabhuta Sthalas’, the ‘Annamalaiyar Temple’ represents the element, fire and Lord Shiva here is revered in the form of Agni Lingam. The structure of the temple dates back to the 9th century when South India was under the rule of the Chola dynasty. Further additions were made to the temple by the Vijayanagara kings during the 15th century.
Architectural Marvel
Located on the foot of Annamalai hills, the temple spreads across an area of 25 acres and is built in typical Dravidian architectural style. The Raja gopuram of the temple stands tall at a height of 217 feet and can be seen from even a far-off distance.
This 11-tiered gopuram with intricate carvings showcases the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara artisans. Inside the temple complex, you will find 6 concentric enclosures with each enclosure housing shrines of various deities. The innermost enclosure has the sanctum that enshrines the Agni Lingam, the presiding deity of the temple.
Popular Festival
While you will see the temple always crowded with devotees and pilgrims travelling from far off corners of the world, the footfall gets multi-fold during the annual ‘Karthigai Deepam Festival’.
Huge processions accompanied with drummers, dancers and people dressed in vibrant attires, this festival provides you with a colourful spectacle also, giving you an opportunity to get an insight into different rituals and customs of South Indian temple festivals.
13.Sripuram Golden Temple
Situated on the hills of Malaikodi in the city of Vellore in Tamil Nadu, the ‘Sripuram Golden Temple’ is on the itineraries of almost all tourists on a trip to temples in South India. Standing tall in its stunning beauty and grandeur, the temple is truly a sight to behold. Built only recently in the year 2007, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) known as ‘Sri Lakshmi Narayani’.
Temple of Fascinating Beauty
The astoundingly outstanding carvings, sculptures, artwork and exquisite lighting work done by these artisans on the walls, ceiling and pillars of the temple is sure to leave you awestruck.
The glittering reflection of the temple in the water body surrounding it, during night is just beyond words and is sure to leave you enchanted with its hypnotizing beauty.
14.Bala Murugan Temple
Dating back to 500 years, the ‘Bala Murugan Temple’ is dedicated to Lord Murugan also known as Kartikeya, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Murugan here fulfils the wishes of all his true devotees and therefore, the temple is visited by hundreds of people every day. The temple has a special place amongst the devotees wishing to purchase a new house or property.
Beliefs
The presiding deity of the temple is of Lord Murugan standing tall at a height of 4.5 feet. Outside the sanctum sanctorum, a sculpture of peacock made with green emerald is also held to be religiously significant.
A shrine in the temple complex, dedicated to Lord Murugan and his consort, Devi Valli depicted in wedlock, is visited by many devotees wishing to get married; praying here on the day of Poosam star is believed to be highly auspicious and fulfils the wish of marriage for all boys and girls.
One of the very popular holy shrines in Tamil Nadu, a visit to this temple provides you with a unique experience and a spiritual bliss.
Temple timings 7:00am to 12:00pm and 4:30pm to 8:00pm
In the End – Get Ready Divinely Inspired Travellers!
Tamil Nadu is home to thousands of temples that are visited by scores of pilgrims and tourists every year. The above list of temples is just a conglomeration of few of the state’s best pilgrimage sites. Providing you a great spiritual and divine experience, a trip to few of these temples makes for a ‘must visit’ if you are on a pilgrimage tour in South India.
Having said so, make sure before visiting these pious shrines, you are dressed appropriately and have a respectful attitude towards the religious sentiments of the people here.
Perur Pateeswarar Temple is a Hindi temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located at Perur, in western part of Coimbatore in state of Tamil Nadu in India. The temple was built by Karikala Chola in 2nd century CE.[1] The temple is located on the bank of the Noyal River and has been patronized by poets like Arumainathan and Kashyapa Munivar. Lord Shiva, known as ‘Patawaran’, is the presiding deity of this temple together with his consort Parvati, who is known as ‘Pachai Nayaki’. The deity is believed to be ‘Swayambhu Lingam’ (self-emerged).
Various names for the temple have been used over the years, including, Komanduri, Patti Puri, Adiputri, Daksha Kailasam, Thavasiddhapuram, Gnana Puram, Kalyana Puram, Pirava Neri Thalam, Pasupathi Puram, and Melai Chidambaram
16. Shore Temple
Shore Temple Shore Temple is a standing testimonial to the regal heritage of India. Located at Mahabalipuram, Shore Temples can easily be reached by taking regular buses or by hiring taxis from anywhere in Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is located at Chennai that lies at a distance of 60 kms from Mahabalipuram. One of the most photographed monuments in India, Shore Temple is a structural monument on the shores of Bay of Bengal.
Built in the 7th century, Shore Temple depicts the royal taste of Pallava dynasty. During the reign of Rajasimha, the temple saw its construction when Pallava art was at its apex. Ravaged by wind and sea, the temple has witnessed the historical events of India. This work of genius was recognized and listed amongst the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Shore Temple comprises three shrines, where the prominent ones are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. In the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), an image of Shivalinga embraces the site. At the rear end, one can find two shrines facing each other. Here, one shrine is dedicated to Ksatriyasimnesvara and other to Lord Vishnu. In the shrine, Lord Vishnu is imaged reclining on the 'Seshanag', which is a symbol of consciousness in Hinduism.
Another remarkable temple devoted to Lord Shiva; the Ekambar Eswara Temple of Kanchipuram is regarded as the primary one of the seven major pilgrimage temples of India. It is a prime Lord Shiva Temple which is a part of Panch Booth Sthalam and it stands for the earth element as the revered God here is Prithvi Lingam. It is said that here Maa Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife, revered a Prithvi Lingam beneath a mango tree and the Prithvi Lingam was made of sand. The ancient mango tree is 3500 years is what is referred to as quintessence of the Four Vedas of Hindu Mythology. This mango tree produces fruits which are of four diverse flavors and corresponding to the four Indian seasons. The temple also hosts six worship pujas every day which are called as UshadKalam, Kaalasanthi, Uchi Kaalam, Pradosham and Sayarakshai and Ardhajamam. This beautiful temple’s quintessential divinity will surround you being here and will transport into a state of spirituality positively.
These temples have been the age-old legends of Tamil Nadu’s rich legacy and are standing strong gloriously to make anyone go wow over their incredible architecture. This religious heritage is what this place is the most visited for and if you spared a day or two you should really relax yourself near the sea pondering over how splendid Tamil Nadu is to awestrike anyone, happy journey.
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