Temples in Tamil Nadu

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The temples in Tamil Nadu are pretty much of the show stealers when it comes to sightseeing in the state. The temples of Tamil Nadu were mostly built by its Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Nayak and Vijaynagar rulers. Each of these temples sports a distinctive style reflective of its patronage. For instance, the Pallava temples are the oldest and scooped out of rocks. The temples built by Cholas on the other hand boast of big ornate halls and towering gopuras. The Pandyas introduced huge towered gateways and walled enclosures.

As for the Vijayanagar style, it consisted of intricately carved monolithic pillars and the temples built by the Nayaks are noted for their circulatory paths or prakarams. Towering gopurams are pretty much the focal point and the most attractive features of the Dravidian temples in Tamil Nadu. Below is a comprehensive list of must see temples on your temples of Tamil Nadu Tour.

Major Temples of Tamil Nadu

  • Meenakshi Temple:

Located in Madurai, the Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati. The temple was built by the Nayaks in the 18th century. The temple is surrounded by a walled courtyard and boasts of 12 magnificent gopuras.

  • Kanyakumari Temple:

The Kanyakumari temple overlooking the sea at Kanyakumari is dedicated to Parvati in her virgin incarnation when she performed a penance to acquire the hand of Lord Shiva in marriage. The idol of the goddess famously sports a diamond nose ring that shines brilliantly and according to many is even seen from the sea.

  • Rameshwaram Temple:

The Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram boasts of the longest corridor in India. It is 197 metres long East-West and 133 metres in length South-North. The sea is just about 100 m from the main entrance to the temple. The temple is considered to be one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Shiva.


FAQs

Q: How many temples are in Tamil Nadu?

Ans: No other state in India has more temples than Tamil Nadu. The land of temples is home to over 40,000 Hindu temples, some of which are atleast 800 years old.

Q: Which is the famous temple of Tamil Nadu?

Ans: Meenakshi Amman Temple of Madurai has to be the most famous Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu. The temple is also called Meenakshi-Sundareshwar Temple – because it is dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and her companion Lord Shiva (Sundareshwar).

Besides, there are hundreds of popular temples in Tamil Nadu such as Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannargudi; Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval; Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram; Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram; Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram, among others.

Q: Which is the largest temple in Tamil Nadu?

Ans: Spread across an area of 156 acres, the Srirangam Temple is considered the largest operating Hindu temple in the world. It is situated in the ancient city of Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu.

Q: Which city is famous for temples in Tamil Nadu?

Ans: The city in Tamil Nadu that is famous for its temples is Madurai. It is located 10 hours from Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. Over 100 temples can be found in and around the Madurai region, which brings a large number of tourists to the region every year from far and wide.

Q: Which are the oldest temples of Tamil Nadu?

Ans: Being home to more than 40,000 Hindu temples, Tamil Nadu has many temples that are at least 800 years old scattered over the state. These are constructed by rulers over centuries of their rule in the region. A distinct one among them has to be a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur, which is believed to be 1,000 years old. The temple is one of the most ancient in Tamil Nadu and India.

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