Tamil Nadu is known as the temple town of India; it homes innumerable rock-cut temples. The south of India has been ruled by the Cholas, the Cheras , the Pandiyas, the Chalukyas and the Pallavas for centuries.
The Pallavas were the originators of Dravidian design temple architecture. Renowned for its legendary temple culture let us learn more about the glorious temples of Tamil Nadu.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
This iconic temple has a history of more than 2000 years old. It is the twin temple of Sundsareswarar and Meenakshi.
It has an interesting architectural work of the Hall of Thousand Pillar called as the Ayiram kaal Mandapam in Tamil: where pillars viewed from any angle will be on a straight line.
How to reach: The city is easily accessible by well connected roads and rail in Tamil Nadu and has a domestic airport of its own.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur.
Brihadeeswarar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva by the Great Chola Emperor in the year 1010 AD. It is more than 1000 years old and has a 216 feet tall sanctum sanctorum, which is tallest of its kind in the world.
How to reach: connected to Trichy airport- 65 km away. Its also convenient to reach by roads and railways.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram.
It is the only Jyothirlinga temple in south India, and is included in the list of Chaar Dhams.Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here and has an important space in Indian mythology.
How to reach: It is 170 km away from Madurai and 310 km away from Kanyakumari. Roads and railway suit best to reach here.
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram.
This temple has one of the tallest Gopurams (a structure of gate or porch) and thousand pillar halls in Tamil Nadu. Goddess Parvati worshipped the Lingam here.
How to reach: Chennai airport is the nearest airway, nearest railway station is Kanchipuram station and Tamil Government buses travel to this place.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram.
The name is the literal meaning of this temple, it overlooks the shore of Bay of Bengal. The temple tells the tales of the 7 Pagodas of the past. And also is UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to reach: The temple is nearest to Chennai city.
Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram.
This temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kamakshi, seated in Padmasana yoga posture signifying peace and prosperity. It is believed that the temple is built by the Pallava Kings whose capital was Kanchipuram.
It is the only shrine dedicated to Goddess Shakti in Kanchipuram amongst all the temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How to reach: the city is connected to other major cities like Chennai through roads and railways.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Trichy.
This temple is built between the Kaveri and Killidam rivers. Lord Vishnu’s idol resides here reclining on the snake Anantha.
How to reach: Trichy airport is nearest, is connected with railways to Chennai city.
Thiruchendur Murugan Temple, Tiruchend
It is one of the 6 abodes of Lord Murugan. Jayanthipuram is the historical name for this temple. The idol of Lord Murugan is holding a string of rudraksha beads instead of his usual spear and is worshipping Lord Shiva
How to reach: It is 48 km away from Tirunelveli. Roads and railways connect the city.
Jambukeswarar Temple, Tiruchirapalli.
One of the five major temples of Shiva representing Pancha Bhoota Stalam (five prime elements of nature) this one represents water or neer in Tamil.
How to reach: Nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli airport. Railway station Trichy.
Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram.
This is the oldest Dravidian temple of its times. It stands magnificently on the massive Nandini stands, being the first structural temple built in south India.
How to reach: Temple is 80 km away from Chennai city.
Tamil Nadu is rightly said as the ‘temple town of India, boasting the elegant rock cut structures and astounding architecture. It’s a must place state to experience the divinity of the temples.
Conclusion:
The town of temples– Tamil Nadu will leave you stunned with every temple visit here. Dravidian style temples, Gopurams, thousand pillar hall at Meenakshi temple, beautiful shore temple shining golden during the day vast temples like kailasanathar in Kanchipuram are an astounding sight to the eyes.
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