Today we gonna explore a place of mystic tales and magical temples that make the whole world go crazy. Tamil Nadu, a southern region of India is famous for its rich ancient culture and temples. Tamil Nadu has some of the best temples in India. Let’s take a stroll at what this state has to offer when it comes to temples.
Meenakshi Amman Temple Madurai
Dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi and her consort, Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Sundareswarar, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the most ancient and famous temples of Tamil Nadu. Even in entire India, the temple has its own identity.
Based on historical and archaeological records, originally the temple was built somewhere around the 6th century AD and by the 14th century, the majority of the portion was damaged by the Muslim invaders in India. The present structure of the temple was restored to its prime glory by the Nayak rulers in the 16th century.
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Kumbakonam
The temple of Adi Kumbeswarar is also called the 26th Paadal Petra Sthalam during Chola Period. Masses from all over the world take baths in the Potramarai tank during the Mahamaham festival which is celebrated once every 12 years, also called as Kumbh Mela in the North).
The divine Shiva Lingam is something you should not miss, it is built narrow at the top like a needle and broad at the bottom. On the left side of Kumbeswarar, his consort Goddess Mangalambika resides showering her blessing onto the devotees. Other than main gods, shrines of other gods and goddesses also reside in the same place such as Lord Murugan, Lord Ganesha, Lord Kiratamurati, and others.
Brihadeeswarar Temple Thanjavur
The ‘Brihadeeswarar Temple’ is a delightful place where Lord Shiva resides. Located in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, Brihadeeswarar is one of the largest temples in the country.
This masterpiece was constructed by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD and still stands tall with the same charm and grandeur of the Chola rulers. As of now, the temple comes under the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the list of ‘Great Living Chola Temples’ and is visited by millions of devotees and tourists each year.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple Srirangam
The one-of-a-kind Ranganathaswamy is a complete mix of temples along with its own township co-existing altogether. One part of the temple is an actual temple with deities residing together with the remaining portion is a township for people living there. The temple consists of 7 Prakaras or say enclosures with the statue of Lord Vishnu placed in the form of Lord Ranganathaswamy reclining on a five-headed serpent, enshrined in the innermost prakara. The tower above the most inner Prakara is made in the shape of ‘Om’ entirely of Gold.
Considered as the first among the 108 ‘Divya Desams’ or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu, the temple like the rest of the temples in the south draws many pilgrims throughout the year.
Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple, Mannargudi
Situated in the town of Mannargudi the mesmerizing temple of Rajagopala Swamy is considered as the most popular shrines of Lord Krishna. In Hindus, it is known as Guruvayoor by Hindus.
The architecture of the whole temple is quite beautiful. Consisting engraved stone inscriptions, 154ft gateway tower – Rajagopuram and the largest temple tank Haridra Nadhi gives the most peaceful vibes to re-energies the soul and mind, along with incredible nature’s views. The most popular festival of Sri Rajagopala Swamy Temple is the Chariot Festival which is held in the month of June-July.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchipuram, the ancient town of Tamil Nadu has been attracting many pilgrims to their divine temples. A place where temples tell the mystic tales of deities. Plus you can also enjoy the massive creation of the artistic brilliance of the Pallava Dynasty. Here you are going to see some of the best temples from Pallava’s era.
The city’s Dravidian heritage and glorious past will refresh your soul once you visit this fascinating divine shrine. The place two prominent temples –
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple
Situated in the Kanchipuram district of Tamilnadu, the ‘Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple’ is yet another one of the best pilgrim centres in South India. Built around the late 7th century-early 8th century, the temple is considered to have been built in the reign of the Pallava Dynasty.
Papanasam Temple, Tirunelveli
The Divine temple of Papanasam at Tirunelveli is yet another temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Whereabout regarding its existence is still unknown. But, according to a legend, Once upon a time Lord Shiva was standing between the horns of Nandi giving his divine darshan to sage Patanjali and Vyaghrapada at the place where this temple stands today.
Another legend says that Lord Indra killed the son of Venus- Shukracharya who was performing yagna for demons, then Lord Indra inherited the sins of Brahmahathi Dosha to get rid of it. In order to do that, he worshipped Lord Shiva, it is here at Papanasam Indra came to pray and only by entering its borders did he got rid of his sins.
