Tamil Nadu is known as the temple city of India and all for the right reasons this is one place in South India with elaborate and intricate architecture which thrives amidst brilliant sculptures. The ancient temples of Tamil Nadu leave all its tourists spellbound with their remarkable charm. Most of the temples built during historic and medieval times takes you back into the golden era and give you a clear picture of the ancient charm. They also provide with a deep insight into brilliant architectural, sculptural and artistic skills of the engineers, architects, and artisans of the bygone times.
These temples also display the affluent and extravagant tastes of the past royal kings, be it Cholas or Nayakas, all of them fancied art and architecture and made sure that their state was well decorated with everything best from their times. Standing tall as the fortitude of the Tamil culture, these temples are India’s beloved jewels. They also add to India's rich culture and heritage.
1. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
The Meenakshi Temple is sanctified to Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi, Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Sundareswarar, the ‘Meenakshi Amman Temple’ is one of the most aged and prominent temples in Tamil Nadu, and also in entire India. As per the historical records, this temple was formerly built around 6th century AD. But the temple was mostly raptured in the 14th century by the Muslim invaders who looted India frequently during that period. Meenakshi Temple's current structure dates back to 16th century when restored by the Nayaks.
Meenakshi Temple stands as the stunning masterpiece and perfect example of the Dravidian architecture. The famed architecture which can be seen in most of the architectural wonders in the south is truly praiseworthy. The well carved and decorated ‘Gopurams’ of the temple are its important highlight that can be seen from even a far-off distance.
Embellished with thousands of idols and carvings of gods and demons, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is an architectural wonder to behold. Besides gopurams, intricately sculpted statues and scenes depicted from Indian religion in the halls add to the aesthetic appeal of the temple. Thousands of devotees throng the temple almost every day and it and it is also believed that the temple raises around 1 million during the annual Meenakshi Thirukalyanam festival observed in April-May.
2. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the largest temples in India which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. The temple, built following the reign of the Chola dynasty in 11th century AD, stands tall as an affirmation to the majestic charm and grandeur of the Chola rulers.
The temple features in the coveted list of UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’. Millions of devotees visit the temple every year. The temple is 216 ft. and looks like an imposing architecture.
3. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
The Ranganathaswamy Temple is another popular temple in South India dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located on the Srirangam Island of the Tiruchirappalli city in Tamilnadu, is another gem of DRahul is a travel blogger from Madhya Pradesh who is currently based in Delhi. He loves exploring remote corners of the world where he meets local people, tastes the local cuisine and learns about different ways of life. He strongly believes in the power of traveling to break down barriers and make people more tolerant of one another. Rahul lives for human moments, as it is through the various interactions with local people that he finds his happiness.ravidian design. The temple is spread across 150-acre area. In total it has 49 sub-shrines dotted with 21 brilliantly carved Gopurams along with the main or the ‘Rajagopuram’ standing tall at 236 ft.
Thus, turning it into the tallest in Asia. It is also only one of its kind shrine where a unique mix of a temple and township co-exist. A part of the temple is dedicated to temple activities while the left portion serves as a township for a people.
4. Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
Jambukeswarar Temple is another famous temple in Tamil Nadu established on the Srirangam Islands. The temple is special because it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Dating back to the Chola era, the temple again represents a Dravidian style of architecture with 7 tiered gopurams adorned with delicate carvings.
There are 5 enclosures inside the temple with the innermost being the main sanctum housing the Shivling in the form of Appu Lingam. An underground stream flows underneath the Shivling. It is from here that the water keeps flowing continuously outwards.
5. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
Another one of the most popular pilgrim centres in South India The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, located in Kanchipuram district of Tamilnadu, is a beauty to behold and dates back to the late 7th century. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram is believed to have been constructed under the reign of the Pallavas. This is the oldest temple in Tamil Nadu cut solely out of sandstone. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva with its main sanctum blessing a 16-sided Shivling formed of a black granite.
The temples of South India uphold the art and fine architecture of the country in true taste. After visiting the temples in South India be prepared to get enthralled with the best of medieval Indian architecture.
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Rahul is a travel blogger from Madhya Pradesh who is currently based in Delhi. He loves exploring remote corners of the world where he meets local people, tastes the local cuisine and learns about different ways of life. He strongly believes in the power of traveling to break down barriers and make people more tolerant of one another. Rahul lives for human moments, as it is through the various interactions with local people that he finds his happiness.