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India has had a glorious past, nobody can deny that. The powerful royal families of the country have spent hundreds of years decorating each and every corner of India with majestic forts, ravishing monuments, and magnificent temples. Let’s dig into the country’s rich cultural legacy by exploring one particular region that represents the lavish tastes of the valorous rulers of India.
A land enveloped in mystical vibes and studded with several ancient yet astoundingly beautiful temples, Tamil Nadu leaves all its visitors spellbound. Reigned by some of the most famous dynasties like the Cholas and the Pandyas, this land is adorned with some spectacular temples of medieval times that let admire the artistic skills and talents of the brilliant sculptors of the past.
Marvel at the brilliant architecture and immerse yourself in divinity by visiting the following 7 temples in Tamil Nadu.
Resting on the shoreline of the Kanyakumari Beach from where one can witness the magical confluence between the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, the Kumari Amma temple attracts travelers from all over the country. Dedicated to the virgin goddess, Devi Kanyakumari (reincarnation of Goddess Shakti), it dates back to the 8th century. This beautiful temple was established by the Pandya dynasty and then was renovated multiple times by the rulers of the Vijayanagar, Chola, and Nayaka dynasties.
According to the mythological legend, Devi Kanyakumari is revered for having killed the evil demon king, Banasura. To add to that, it is believed that this goddess then performed severe penance to impress Lord Shiva and get married to him. The stone idol of the goddess is believed to have been installed by the great sage Parshurama.
The idol portrays the goddess in deep penance with a jeweled ring in her nose and a garland in her hand. The spiritual atmosphere in the midst of the picturesque landscape allures devotees as well as nature lovers alike.
Visiting Time: 05:00 am to 12:30 pm and 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kanyakumari Railway Station and Trivandrum Central Railway Station
Also read: Top 7 Things To Do In Kanyakumari For A Fun Holiday
Your pilgrimage across the state of Tamil Nadu would truly be incomplete if you don’t explore the magnificent monolithic rock temples of Mahabalipuram. Located on the Coromandel coast, the brilliant architecture and sculptures of these temples have earned them a spot on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. Believed to be established during the rule of the Pallava dynasty, these temples have surely witnessed some of the most interesting historical moments.
The five monolithic rock temples are in the shape of Pancha Rathas (chariots). Each Ratha is devoted to one of the five Pandavas and is adorned with fascinating sculptures of gods, humans, and animals. The lovely Shore Temple which is ornamented with spectacular sculptures and intricate carvings symbolizes the artistic prowess of the Pallava times. Comprising three shrines that are dedicated to deities like Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, these temples date back to the 7th century. Don’t forget to attend the Mahabalipuram Dance Festival if you’re in the town in January-February.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Thirumani Railway Station and Ottivakkam Railway Station
Also Read: Mahabalipuram Travel Guide
You might know that Tamil Nadu is brimming with several wonderful Shiva temples and the Ekambareswarar is one of the most sacred ones amongst all of them. Considered to be one of the seven most important pilgrimage spots in the country, Hindu devotees flock to this temple as it is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas. This means that it is one of the five most prominent Shiva temples that represent natural elements. In this case, the Ekambareswarar Temple symbolizes the Earth and houses the Prithvi Lingam.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva's spouse, Goddess Parvati worshipped the Prithvi Lingam which is said to be made out of sand under a huge mango tree. Currently 3,500 years old, this mango tree is considered to embody the four Vedas. The most fascinating part this tree is that it bears mangoes that have a different taste with every passing season. You should also know that the Ushad Kalam, Kaalasanthi, Uchi Kaalam, Pradosham and Sayarakshai, and Ardhajamam are the six devotional services held at this temple every day.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station
The land of Kanchipuram is blessed with another temple of architectural brilliance that was established by the rulers of the Pallava Dynasty. Believed to be built in the 7th-8th century, the Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is a pilgrimage destination that’s on the bucket list of every Hindu pilgrim of the South.
Believed to be the oldest Shiva temple in the state, it was constructed using only sandstone. The majestic temple complex (primary sanctum surrounded by 58 shrines) that uses the Dravidian style and the 16-sided Shiva Lingam made out of black granite are some of the main attractions of this temple.
The divine ambiance that engulfs the temple complex offers a chance for the devotees to experience spirituality in peace. Explore the shines and you will be met with some intricately carved sculptures that Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati in vivid dance poses. These sculptures decorate the interior walls of the temple. This temple was truly the pride of the Pallava dynasty and it symbolizes their splendor and glory.
Don’t forget to attend the grand celebrations of Maha Shivratri and lose yourself in the devotion of Lord Shiva along with the other pilgrims that crowd the temple during the festival.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Kanchipuram Railway Station
Also Read: Kanchipuram Travel Guide
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and her husband Lord Shiva (Sundareshwar), the Meenakshi Amman Temple is an indispensable part of South India’s rich cultural heritage. The archaeological record of this location claims that it was established way back in the 6th century. Unfortunately, it was attacked by Muslim invaders and a large of it got damaged in the process. The current temple has actually been renovated and re-established by the rulers of the Nayak Dynasty.
This divine masterpiece is truly the epitome of the Dravidian architectural style. 14 majestic Gopurams adorn the temple complex out of which two are golden and have been intricately painted and sculpted for the main deities of the temple. There are several life-sized sculptures and figures of gods and goddesses that are scattered across the temple complex. In fact, the locals will tell you that the image of Goddess Meenakshi has been carved out of a single sparkling emerald.
If you’re in Madurai, do celebrate the vibrant Chithirai Festival alongside the locals. This festival celebrates the marriage between the deities and is simply visually delightful.
Visiting Time: 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Madurai Junction Railway Station.
Also Read: Madurai Travel Guide
Commonly known as the Thanjavur Periya Kovil, the Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur is considered to be one of the best temples in India due to its particularly exquisite and gorgeous architecture. Built in the 11th century by the famous Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola I, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. Not only does this temple exhibit some of the most talented architectural skills of the past, but it also represents the prosperity and the opulence of the Chola Dynasty.
This temple is said to be the first temple in the world to be completely built out of granite (they used 130,000 tons of granite!). The Vimana tower (more than 200 feet high) and the Kumbam that sit on top of it add to the overall charm of the temple. The massive Nandi statue (13 feet tall!) is believed to be quite unique as it is carved out of a single stone.
There are about 250 lingams and hundreds of Lord Shiva sculptures scattered across the enormous temple complex. Having survived the test of time (a fire and about 6 earthquakes included), this temple has been registered as a World Heritage Monument by UNESCO.
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Trichy Junction Railway Station
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the four major pilgrimage centres (Char Dham) because of which it is swarmed by Hindu devotees from all over the world. The fact that the temple is home to one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country enhances the divinity of the temple. Established on the bewitching Pamban Island by the Pandy rulers, the Ramanathaswamy is extremely popular for housing the longest corridor (3,000 feet long!) in the country.
Do spend an enthralling evening in the temple complex and listen to the mythological legends associated with the temple. After rescuing Goddess Sita from Lanka, Lord Rama wanted to pray to Lord Shiva and ask him for his forgiveness for killing his ardent devotee (Ravana). You can find both the Ramalingam (that was built by Sita with sand) and the Vishwalingam (that was brought from the Himalayas by Lord Hanuman) in the inner sanctums of the temple. Don’t forget to take a dip in one of the 22 Teertham (water bodies) before you enter the innermost sanctum of the temple.
Visiting Time: 05:00 am to 12:30 pm and 04:00 pm to 09:00 pm
Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Rameswaram Railway Station
Also Read: 8 Things To Do In Rameswaram For An Awesome Holiday
Which Is The Most Beautiful Temple In Tamil Nadu?
The Meenakshi Amman Temple, the Ramanathaswamy Temple, and the Brihadeeswarar temple are some of the most beautiful temples of Tamil Nadu.
How Many Temples Are In Tamil Nadu?
It is believed that Tamil Nadu is home to more than 33,000 ancient Hindu temples.
Why Is Tamil Nadu Called The Land Of Temples?
Tamil Nadu has been accurately dubbed the land of temples owing to the fact that it is home to more than 33,000 temples that display the brilliant architectural styles of the glorious dynasties of the past.
Which Is The Queen Of Hills In Tamilnadu?
Perched at a height of 7,440 feet and nestled in the Nilgiri Hills, Ooty is considered to be the ‘Queen of Hill Stations' in Tamil Nadu.
What Is Tamilnadu Famous For?
The South Indian state of Tamil Nadu is renowned for its stunning temples, brilliant architectural and artistic styles, mouthwatering food, enthralling movies, Carnatic music, and Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam.
Which Food Is Famous In Tamil Nadu?
You will be missing out on a lot if you don’t try out the following dishes while vacationing in Tamil Nadu.
Rasam
Sambar
Chettinad Chicken
Paruppu Payasam
Filter Kaapi
Pollachi Nandu Fry
Mutton Kola Urundai.
What Is Tamil Nadu Famous For?
Tamil Nadu is known for its ancient temples, rich heritage and culture, and a variety of vibrant festivals and traditions.
Which Is The Temple City In Tamil Nadu?
Kanchipuram is known as the Temple City of Tamil Nadu due to the sheer number of ancient temples and shrines the city has.
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