Temples of Tamil Nadu

Famed as a temple state, Tamil Nadu has thousandsafter the triumph over demon King Ravana. Due to
of temples that are torchbearers of glorious heritagethis, temple of Rameswaram attracts both
of Dravidian culture. These temples represents theVaishnavites and Saivites. Apart from its architectural
excellent art forms that are evolved over severalzenith, the main attraction of Rameshwaram temple
centuries. Numerous ancient rulers of Chola, Pallavas,is the Linga of Sri Ranganatha.
Pandyas and of other dynasties has built theseChidambaram Temple: As the name suggest, the
temples which are architectural masterpieces in theirChidambaram temple or the temple of Sri Nataraja is
own selves.located at Chidambaram town of south Arcot district,
Temples in Tamil Nadu are the greatest treasures.Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Nataraja, the
Most of these temples are made up of mortar andLord of Cosmic Dance of bliss. It is one of the most
brick or scooped out of rocks. Ranging fromfamous Saivite shrines. The idol of Lord Natraja is
pre-Christian era to 20th century, millions of Hinduplaced in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness,
pilgrims from far and wide places comes here toin the Ananada Tandavan (Dance of bliss) pose. The
worship. Most of them gifts expensive gold or silverdeity of Chidabaranm represents one of the five
jewelries to the residing deities of these temples.great elements of nature. The temple is also known
Thanks to the donations and offerings given by thefor its Akasa Lingam. Two annual Bhrammotsavams
devotees, temples of Tamil Nadu are reputed as thefestivals that takes place in this temple are the main
wealthiest shrines in the world.attraction that woo thousands of pilgrims and tourists
Some of the highly visited temples of Tamil Nadu areevery year.
Sri Meenakshi Temple, Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple,Kamakshi Ammam Temple: Positioned in Kanchipuram
Chidambaram Temple, Kamakshi Temple,town, the 'silk city of India', Kamakshi Ammam
Sri Meenakshi Temple: The Sri Minakshi SundaresvaraTemple was built in 14th century by Chola rulers.
Temple, one of the most visited temple of southDedicated to Goddess Kamakshi-the presiding deity
India is located at Madurai. Both Minakshi temple andof Kanchi, Kamakshi Ammam Temple has a golden
Madurai city originated together. Dedicated to Lord“gopuram” in the centre. Here, in this temple,
Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi, this ancient templethe Goddess Kamakshi is worshiped in the form of a
was constructed by the Pandyan King, Kulashekara inChakra placed in front of the idol. Along with it, an
between 16th to 18th century. Several legends areimage of Adi guru Shankaracharya is also worshiped
related to this temple. It is the actual site where thehere. This huge temple is also renowned as holy place
wedding between Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshiof Shakti worship in India. Every year, the Kamakshi
took place. Try to visit the temple, during Meenakshitemple hosts the annual car festival that takes place
Kalyanam festival that takes place during April-Mayon the 9th lunar day of February/March
and Teepam festival.Parthasarathy Temple: Dedicated to Lord Krishna,
Sri Ramanathaswamy temple: Renowned as aParthasarathy temple is located at Triplicane in
famous pilgrimage site for Hindus in India, the SriChennai. Here, in this temple Lord Krishna is worshiped
Ramanathaswamy temple is situated in Rameswaramin the form of 'Charioteer of Arjuna of Mahabharatha'
town of Tamil Nadu. This 17th century temple is. Originally, built by Pallavas in 8th century, and then
dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famed as the largestrenovated by Cholas and Vijayanagara kings,
temple of India. From time immemorial, it is said thatParthasarathy temple has the four incarnations of
pilgrimage to Kashi is not considered completeLord Vishnu namely Narasimha, Rama, Varaha and
without a pilgrimage to Rameswaram. This giganticKrishna. This ancient temple has some elaborately
temple is built on the western shore of the island ofdesigned gopurams( towers) and mandaps( pillars).
Srirangam formed by Kaveri and Kolladam rivers. It isApart from them there are some more temples
connected to mainland by a one kilometer longdotted in every part of Tamil Nadu such as Temples
railway bridge. According to a legend, Lord Rama hasof Mahabalipuram, Temples of Thanjavur, Jain Temple
performed thanksgiving ceremony to Lord Shiva,of Chennais etc.