Tamil Nadu is known as the land of temples. Along with its natural beauty, temples in Tamil Nadu attract tourists across the world. If you want to have a religious experience this vacation, you know where to head.
These temples in Tamil Nadu have a long history, dating back to ancient times. These temples have a mythological significance as well. These pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu are indeed the gems of India. We have listed the best temples that you should visit to have an experience of a lifetime.
Best Temples In Tamil Nadu
1. Meenakshi Temple
Madurai’s Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati. In this temple, Lord Shiva takes the form of Sundereshwar, while Parvati takes the form of Meenakshi. This complex temple in Tamil Nadu houses 14 Goparums including 2 golden Goparums for the main deities.
The exact time period for the temple's origin is unknown but the present structures date mostly from the 12th to 18th century CE. The present temple was built by the Nayak rulers in the 17th century CE.
The temple is an example of excellent architecture and unique style native to Tamil Nadu. Goddess Meenakshi’s image is said to be carved out of a single emerald. According to a legend, the marriage of Goddess Meenakshi to Lord Shiva took place in this temple.
2. Kapaleeswarar Temple
Kapaleeswar Temple is one of the best temples in Tamil Nadu. It was built in the 7th century and is dedicated to the goddess Parvati, who is in the form of Karpagombal, and Lord Shiva. The main sanctuary of the temple is an example of the distinct Dravidian Style Of Architecture.
The inscriptions on the premise of the temple date back to the 12th century CE. The temple hosts six different types of Puja such as Ko Pooja, Vaikarai Pooja, Kaala Sandhi Pooja, Uchi Kaala Pooja, Evening Pooja, Kala Pooja, and Ardhajama Pooja.
The temple is visited by devotees across the year. Brahmotsavom and Theppa Thiruvizha festival, Navratri Festival and Vasanta Utsavam are some of the festivals celebrated in the temple. This pilgrimage site should be on your bucket list!
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is another beautiful pilgrimage site in Tamil Nadu. It is located in Thanjavur. It is one of the largest temples in India and the world. The temple is quite ancient, built-in 1010 CE, by the Rajaraja Chola I. The thousand-year-old temple exemplifies the archaeological brilliance and heritage of the Cholas.
The Vimana i.e the tower is 216 feet tall and is among the tallest in the world. The statue of Nandi is 16 feet in length and 13 feet in height. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and has hundreds of sculptures dedicated to him. There are 250 lingams and 108 dance pose on the temple premises.
This temple is one of the best temples in Tamil Nadu and you should definitely visit this temple when you visit the state.
4. Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple is located in Rameshwaram. It is a prominent temple in Tamil Nadu and India. The temple houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is a Char Dham Site for pilgrims.
A legend states that Lord Rama had prayed to Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram to seek forgiveness from Lord Shiva for killing his biggest devotee. The temple has a sand linga that is said to be made by Goddess Sita, which is known as Ramalingam. Another one was bought by Hanuman from the Himalayas, and it was known as Vishwalingam.
Ramanathaswamy Temple has the longest corridor in the world, which measures around 3000 feet. The temple complex has 22 teerthems or holy water bodies in the form of tanks and wells. These teerthems represent the 22 arrows on Rama’s quiver. It is essential for devotees to bathe before entering the temple.
5. Kumari Amman Temple
Kumari Amman Temple is located on the shores of Kanyakumari which is the confluence of the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea and the Bay Of Bengal. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Parvati, who is in the form of Kanyakumari, the virgin goddess. The temple was constructed by the Pandya Kings in the 8th Century CE.
It is said that the bluestone idol of Goddess Kanyakumari was installed by Lord Parshurama. The Devi has garland on the right hand and a sparkling nose jewel. The immense brightness of the nose ring has been mistaken for a lighthouse by the ships sailing on the sea, often resulting in wrecking on the hard rocks.
Kumari Amman Temple is one of the best temples in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the jewels of India.
6. Ramaswamy Temple
Ramaswamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is one of the best temples in India. The temple was constructed by Achuta Nayaka Of Thanjavur during the 16th century. Lord Rama was the 7th avatar of Lord Vishnu. In this temple, unlike the other Ram temples, Lord Ram is seen with all his brothers, his wife Devi Sita, and Lord Hanuman.
The temple has around 219 wall paintings, that depict the Hindu Epic Ramayana. The paintings are drawn with herbal colours. The Maha Mandapam is enriched with stone-carving works depicting the Ram - Katha.
7. Naganathaswamy Temple
Naganathaswamy temple is one of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Navagraha temples. Devotees from all over India visit the temple to rid themselves of Rahu Doshas. The temple is dedicated to Sri Naganathaswamy and his consort Giri Gujambika. In this temple, Lord Rahu is worshipped in human form.
The temple has 12 sacred Waterhead places, namely. Suriya Pushkarani, Gowthama Theertham, Parasara Theertham, Indira Theertham, Pruju Theertham, Kannuva Theertham and Vasishtha Theertham. A dip in the holy water is said to cure one of the diseases and also grants prosperity.
The temple conducts 6 poojas daily. The pujas add to the magnificence and divinity of the temple, making it a famous pilgrimage site.
8. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is located on the shores of Mahabalipuram, on the Coromandel coast facing the Bay Of Bengal. It is a UNESCO Heritage site and one of the best historical temples in Tamil Nadu.
The temple was built in the 7th century. It showcases the heritage of the Pallava Dynasty. The temple comprises three shrines, the prominent ones being dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The temple also hosts the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival.
9. Monolithic Rock Temples
Monolithic Rock Temples are one of the unique temples in Tamil Nadu. Dating back to the 7th century, these temples are known for their heritage and architectural uniqueness. These temples are located in Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main significance of these temples is that they are made in a monolithic rock-cut style. The five monolithic temples look like Pancha Ratha or five chariots. It is said that each temple represents each Pandava brother from the Hindu epic, Mahabharata.
The temples have beautiful carvings of animals, humans and gods. The architectural brilliance of the temples makes it one of the best places to visit in Tamil Nadu.
10. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is located in Kanchipuram, which is also famous for its sarees. It was constructed by the Pallava Dynasty in Dravidian architecture style. It is one of the historical temples in Tamil Nadu that dates back to the late 7th and early 8th centuries.
Stone carvings can be seen across the temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple is also around 58 small Shiva temples. One of the highlights of the temple is the magnificent sculpted statue of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
With so many magnificent temples in Tamil Nadu, you should visit the state if you love history, and heritage and want an experience of divinity. To know more, read our other blogs on the various holiday destinations in India.
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