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Temples in Tamilnadu

Thousands of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline of the southernmost state of Tamilnadu in India. These temples are torchbearers of the glorious heritage of the Tamil speaking region, and are repositories of the magnificient art forms that evolved over several centuries. Several of these temples have been glorified by the ancient tamil hymns of the 1st millennium CE.

" Where adoration sublimes ! "

"A land of temples", as Tamil Nadu is better known enchants divinity. There are more than 30,000 temples in Tamil Nadu. The temples were constructed by various dynasties. Tamil Nadu is the home of the legacy of ancient Dravidian art and culture, characterised best by deliberately ornate temples with their towers known as gopurams which aspire to touch the heaven.

These temples bear a superficial architectural resemblance with each other in that they share the similar physical features,which include the gopuram or the imposing tower over the entrance, from all four directions the vimanam which is the tower over the sanctum and the spacious halls and corridors. The temples were also much more than a place of worship. They were a place for social gathering, for education, for celebration.

Temple Architecture

Tamil Nadu, the holy land, is the land where temple architecture grew with innovation. The Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayakas have made worthwhile contributions to temple art in Tamil Nadu.

Thousands of temples with rising towers touch the skyline of the entire state of Tamil Nadu. The Tamils have been the most innovative temple builders. Temples from the pre Christian era as well as those from the 20th century exist in this state, where the ancient rulers have made outstanding contributions to the growth of these monuments of great artistic value. The spectacular architecture of these temples indeed inspires architectural innovation.

History rewind

The most ancient temples were constructed of brick and mortar. Upto about 700 AD temples were replicated out of caves. The Pallava Kings (upto 900) were great builders of temples of stone. The Cholas (900-1250 AD) have a number of monuments to their credit. It must be mentioned about the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur which unfurls history itself. The Cholas added many ornate mandpams or halls to temples and built large gopurams - towers. The Pandya Style (Upto 1350 AD) saw the emergence of the architecture of huge towers, high wall enclosures and enormous towered gateways. The Vijayanagar Style (1350 - 1560 AD) is recognised for the intricacy and beauty especially for the decorated monolithic pillars. The Naik style (1600 - 1750 AD) is known for the addition of large prakarams (circumambulatory paths) and pillared halls.
 

	Chidambaram Kapaleeswarar   Chidambaram is the seat of the cosmic dancer Nataraja (Ananda Tandava pose ; the Cosmic Dance of bliss). Chidambaram is one of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, More
	Meenakshi Temple   In one of the largest temple complexes in India, from her rambling maze-like palace the Goddess Meenakshi presides over the ancient city of Madurai-the Athens of South India. More
	Madurai Murugan Temple   Tirupporur (place of the sacred war) is one of the 33 major temples of Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Muruga, situated 25-km away from Chingleput and 45-kmfrom Chennai. More
	Rameshwaram   The sacred island town of Rameshwaram at the extreme south-eastern limit of the Indian Peninsula. Rameshwaram is the Varanasi of the south and a major pilgrimage centre for both Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites as it was here that Rama offered thanks to Shiva. More
	Kanyakumari   Kanyakumari was once referred to as the Alexandria of the east. This place has been a great center for art, culture, civilization, and pilgrimage for years. More
	Chayavaneashwara Temple   About a mile away the confluence of River Kaveri with the sea, known as Kaveri- patnam, and two miles from Tiruvengadu, there exists an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Siva revered as Chayavaneswarar. More
	Chennai Krishnapuram Temple   Krishnapuram is a small village situated in Tirunelveli District at a distance of about six miles from Tirunelveli town. There are a plenty of images and idols of sculptural interest in the temple, enticing hundreds of visitors. More
	Kumbeswara Temple   This is the largest and the oldest Shiva temple located in the center of the town of Kumbakonam. The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Kumbeswara and the presiding Goddess is Sri Mangalambigai. More
	Swamimalai   Swamimalai is one of the six renowned abodes of Lord Subramanya. The temple is built on an artificial hill and is approached by a flight of steps. The presiding deity is worshipped as Swaminathan. More
	Jainism In Tamilnadu   Swamimalai is one of the six renowned abodes of Lord Subramanya. The temple is built on an artificial hill and is approached by a flight of steps. The presiding deity is worshipped as Swaminathan. More
	St. Stephen's Church   It was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Turner, Bishop of Calcutta, on November 5,1830,and was given the name of the Governor since he was the driving force behind it. It was thrown open to public communion on Easter Sunday-April 3,1831. More
	Airavatheeswara Temple   The temple, constructed by Raja Raja II, 1150- 1173 AD, has now been recognised as a world heritage monument by the UNESCO. It rises to a height of 23 meters. More
	Kailasamundaiyar Temple   The inscriptions on the wall of the temple contains the earliest known reference to Sankara Bhashyam, a commentary on Sankara's philosophy, written by Chidaananda Bhattaara. The inscription is in Tamil with a few Sanskrit words in between written in Grantha characters. More
	Nageswaran Temple   Built around 1005 A.D, this temple is an outstanding symbol of Chola sculpture. It draws many foreigners keen to interpret the rock wall edicts and study the sculptures.                                                                                                                                                    More