Tamil Nadu is a state which is not only known for its food, culture or just the best places to visit. Rather, there are innumerable temples here, which are symbols of the faith of the people here. At the same time, there are some temples which have their own historical importance. Tamil Nadu is a state in South India. Its capital and largest city is Chennai. Tamil Nadu is also known as the 'Land of Temples'. Tamil Nadu is a land of cultural and religious heritage, which offers its tourists and pilgrims every chance to be enchanted by the vast plethora of history. The major temples of Tamil Nadu are a mix of both modern and ancient, which makes Tamil Nadu a beautiful place to explore and experience our past cultural heritage with all the amenities of the present.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva and in this sense this temple holds a very important place for Shiva devotees. One of the specialties of Ramanathaswamy Temple is that the corridor of this temple is the longest among all Hindu temples in India. This site is part of the holy Char Dham Yatra. Here Lord Shiva is worshiped as Ramanathaswamy and the temple has two lingams. According to mythology, one was created by Goddess Sita and the other was brought by Lord Hanuman from Mount Kailash.
Pancha Ratha
Pancha Ratha is a memorial complex at Mahabalipuram on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal in the Kancheepuram district of Tamil Nadu. These temples are built in the same shape as pagodas, and are similar to Buddhist temples and monasteries. The complex is under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the main temple of Tamil Nadu. The Pancha Rathas represent the diversity of the Dravidian architecture of the time. The chariots are associated with the great epic Mahabharata. The first chariot located just in front of the entrance is Draupadi's chariot. It is shaped like a hut and is dedicated to Goddess Durga. Arjuna's chariot has a small portico and carved pillar stones and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Right in front of Arjuna's chariot is Nakula Sahadeva's chariot. This chariot includes some huge elephant sculptures which are a great attraction for the five chariots. It is dedicated to Lord Indra, the god of rain. Bhima Rath is 42 feet long, 24 feet wide and 25 feet high. The pillars have carvings of lions, even though the chariot is completely unfinished. The largest of the five chariots is the chariot of Dharmaraja Yudhishthira. This chariot is also dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Brihadeshwara Temple
The Brihadeeswarar Temple of Thanjavur is also known as the Big Temple of India. It is a World Heritage Site and is part of the Great Living Chola Temple of India. It is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple has one of the tallest temple towers in the country and also the tallest statue of Nandi bull.
Thillai Nataraja Temple
Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is dedicated to Lord Shiva Nataraja and here Lord Shiva is worshiped as Nataraja. This temple is one of the five holiest Shiva temples and one of the three most prominent Shiva abodes in the world. This temple is counted among the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu.
Marundeeswarar Temple
Marundeeswarar Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva located in Thiruvanmiyur. A fine specimen of Dravidian architecture, this temple is a must visit for anyone visiting Chennai or nearby cities. This temple was expanded by the Chola Empire in the 11th century. Also, given the name, Marundeshwara Temple has been a place of worship especially for people with diseases and facing various problems with their health. This temple is also known for its one and a half foot self-styled Shivling. It also has idols of Lord Vinayaka and Lord Muruga. Marundeshwara Temple is one such place which is known to bless the sick. Various festivals are held in the temple throughout the year, such as Panguni Brahmotsavam in March-April, Shivaratri in February-March, Vinayaka Chaturthi in October-November, Skanda Shashthi. Coming during these celebrations will lighten up your journey with more joy and excitement.
Kailasanathar Temple
Kailasanathar Temple is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram. Located in Tamil Nadu, it is a Hindu temple in the Tamil architectural style. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and known for its historical importance, it is one of the major temples of Kanchipuram. The temple holds great importance for Hindu devotees and is visited by a large number of tourists throughout the year, but there is a huge increase in the number of visitors during the time of Mahashivratri. The architecture of the temple is a classic example of the Dravidian style of construction, and the temple is carved out of sandstone. A prominent feature is the sixteen-armed Shivling which is made of black granite in the main temple. The Kailasanathar temple is adorned with beautiful paintings and magnificent sculptures. The temple is the oldest of all the temples located in Tamil Nadu and was built between 685 AD and 705 AD. The construction of this grand structure was started by the Pallava ruler Rajasimha while it was completed by his son Mahendra Varma Pallava. The best time to visit Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is in February and March when the Maha Shivratri festival is going on. Visiting the temple during this time is considered extremely auspicious.
Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the top Shiva temples in Kanchipuram. The temple complex is said to have been built during the rule of the Chola dynasty. This temple represents the Prithvi Lingam element of the Panch Bhoot Sthalas. The four highest gateways in the temple are gopurams and the complex of this temple is huge. There is also a Vishnu temple in this temple complex.
Jalakandeshwara Temple
Jalakandeshwara Temple was built during the reign of Vijayanagara Empire. It is located inside the Vellore Fort and is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The deity of Lord Shiva is called Jalakandeshwara because the lingam is said to have been found inside an anthill surrounded by water.
Gangaikondacholeswaram Temple
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple is similar to the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur, but is much smaller in size. Gangaikondacholeswaram temple is also one of the three 'Great Living Chola Temples'. Despite being small in size, devotees visit this temple in large numbers.
Quick Links About Temples In Tamil Nadu
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