| " Tamil Nadu can easily be referred to as the 'The Land of Temples' for its unmatched mastery in designing temples. Tamil Nadu is home to more than 30,000 temples with every one of them being an architectural wonder. The temples were constructed over a vast period of time by various dynasties. Tamil Nadu is where the legacy of ancient Dravidian art and culture is still preserved in all its glory. The temples are the greatest mark that Dravidians left on the face of Tamil Nadu |
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| The main principle behind every temple is almost the same with same composition. There are Gopurams, huge gateways, pillared hallways and a Sanctum Sactorum. However it is the subtle effects given to the temple that makes then standout. The carvings, the size of hallways, the shape of the gopurams are all different. Unlike other states where century old temples are no more operational and are just a tourism attraction, Temples of Tamil Nadu still hold daily rituals and one has to maintain complete purity inside the temples. So tourists are advised to follow all the rules. The temples were also much more than a place of worship. They were a place for social gathering, for education, for celebration |
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| Marvels of Temple Architecture |
| The most noticeable contribution to Tamil Nadu Temple architecture was made by the Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Vijayanagar rulers and the Nayakas. Every one of these dynasties believed heavily in innovations and tried not to copy the style of any other dynasty. This gave the architects exposure to different types of temples. And with every passing dynasty, their mastery only grew. Ever since, people of Tamil Nadu are known to be the best Temple builders in India. The earliest temples were built uisng brick and mortar. Up till 700 AD, temples were replicated out of caves. The Pallava Kings were the first known dynasty to have given great priority to construction of temples. They also started and perfected the art of constructing temples of stone. The Cholas (900-1250 AD) have a number of monuments to their credit. The most well known temple by Cholas that still stands today is The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur. The carvings on it are simply out of this world. The Cholas added many ornate mandpams or halls to temples and built large gopurams - towers |
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| The high wall enclosures, gigantic towers and magnificent gateway arches were all the contribution of Pandya Dynasty and the carved pillars are the addition of Vijayanagar Dynasty. Today, thousands of temples with rising towers adorn skyline of the entire state of Tamil Nadu. 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 |
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| Chidambaram Temple |
| The Kapaleeswarar Temple in Chidambaram is one of the most important temples in Tamil Nadu. 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 |
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| 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, where Natarajar is enshrined in the Chit Sabha or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying the 5 elements of wind water , fire , earth and space. The Moovar (Sambandar, Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram...MORE |
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| 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. But for older than the city itself is the nucleus of the temple. Far older than that, the faith that the Meenakshi temple signifies |
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| The grandeur of the Meenakshi temple has remained undiminished for the past two thousand years. This sprawling and awe-inspiring temple complex is not only a marvel of architecture but also a veritable treasure trove of Indian culture and civilization. It is also one of the largest temple complexes in India |
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| The 'city of virtue' is one of the most ancient heritage sites of India truly reflective of the cultural ethos of India. Madurai is closely associated with the literary wealth of Classical and Modern Tamil. The crowning glory of this historic city is the sprawling Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. Four of the 6 major streams of the indigenous system of beliefs as codified by Sankaracharya (i.e. Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and the worship of Skanda) meet in this historic city during festive occasions when the entire region is transformed into a vast space of celebration...MORE |
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| The Gopuram ! Meenakshi Temple Tamilnadu |
| This magnificent temple complex sprawls over an area of 6 hectares. It also has 12 gopurams or gateways, ranging in height from 45 to 50 m, the tallest being the southern one. The southern gateway is beautifully proportioned and is nine stories high. Like the other gopurams, it is also crowded with the images of gods, goddesses, gargoyles, and gryphons. Like the statues of classical Greece, the people who follow the ancient Dravidian culture of South India also paint their gods in brilliant colors. Thus, one can experience a myriad of colors atop these gateways |
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| Rameshwaram Temple |
| 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 Lord Shiva |
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| Rameshwaram is one of the most sacred pilgrimage destinations in India. No pilgrimage is over without taking a trip to this holy island of Rameshwaram. Whosoever visits Varanasi, is supposed to make a trip to Rameshwaram to consider his pilgrimage completed. Situated in the Ramanathpuram of Tamil Nadu, Rameshwaram is home to some of the most fascinating temples in entire India. This island in the Gulf of Mannar is connected to the mainland at Mandapam by Indira Gandhi Bridge. Completed in the year 1988, this was considered as an engineering marvel, a feat unparalleled at that time |
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| Rameshwaram, as it is said, is the place where Lord Rama offered thanks to Lord Shiva in return for his support in defeating King Ravana. This makes Rameshwaram an important pilgrimage destination for devotees of both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu |
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| The Beauty of Ramanathaswamy Temple |
| This magnificent temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas situated in different parts of India. Ramanathaswamy Temple also has its name in history books as it has the largest hallway anywhere in India. The construction of Ramanathaswamy Temple which was started in the 12th century was contributed to by many rulers. During its construction period, many dynasties came and fell and each of them put their input into the temple. However one thing that did not change was its Dravidian style of architecture. Ramanathaswamy Temple is an epitome of flawless Dravidian architecture |
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| The list of unique features in its construction seems to be endless. There is this huge hallway that is of approximately 1220 meters in length. Throughout the length of the hall, there are brilliantly carved pillars, the alignment of which will leave you totally mesmerized. The 54 meter tall Gopuram has become the symbol of divinity in the heart of many pilgrims; such is the beauty and presence of it. Another famous feature of Ramanathaswamy Temple are the 22 wells spread throughout the premises, It is said that water from each well tastes totally different. and have curative features. Don’t forget to taste it yourself. |
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| Kanyakumari Temple |
| 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 |
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| It was also a famous center for commerce and trade. During the early part of the eighth century AD Islam entered the southern part of India through the sea route with traders and missionaries. Through St. Thomas, one of the twelve Apostles of Christ, Christianity arrived in this area in AD 52. Islam, Christianity and Jainism have greatly contributed to the architectural wealth and literary heritage of this place. Kanyakumari was also under the control of the Cholas, the Cheras, the Pandyas and the Nayaks who were great rulers of south India. The architectural beauty of the temples is the work of these rulers |
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| Legend has it that Kanya Devi, an avatar of Goddess Parvati, was to wed Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. But he did not turn up at the auspicious time and the wedding never took place. The rice and cereals meant for the marriage remained uncooked. Even today, one can buy stones there that look exactly like rice and cereals. Local folks believe that they are the leftovers of the legendary marriage that could not be solemnized. As for the princess Kanya Devi, she became a virgin goddess |
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| 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 |
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| Religious anchorage Much ecclesiastical adherance is anchored to this temple and the pilgrims after sanctification at the confluence of worship of Lord Chayavaneswara seek his blessings. According to Hindu religious rites an ablution at the concourse of a river with the sea is considered religiously meritorious |
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| 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 |
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| Lord Venkata- Chalapathy has been installed here with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi. Pujas and abhishekam are being conducted to the Lord daily and some important festivals are celebrated every year |
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| 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. There is a shrine dedicated to Adi Vinayaka (Lord Ganesh) |
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| A Chola King built the temple and the temple building itself would seem to have been renovated by the Nayak King. Some of the old images like "Sri Ambal", "Sri Durgaiamman" and "Sri Kirathamoorti" bear the impress of the antiquity about them |
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| Kailasamundaiyar Temple |
| Amidst the lush green paddyfields and sylvan surrounding on the northern banks of the Uyyakondan channel in a sleepy hamlet named Cholamadevi near Thiruverumbur, 12 km away from Trichy City, stands a dilapidated temple. But for a trained eye, the historical importance of its majestic ruins wouldn't go unnoticed. The temple, dating back to the 11th century, is a virtual treasurehouse of historic information pertaining to the Cholas. The adhistana and the walls of the temple are fully covered with inscriptions belonging to the periods of Raja Raja Chola I, Rajendra Chola I and Vira Rajendra Chola I. A majority of the inscriptions belong to Raja Raja I. Further, the inscriptions contain 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 |
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| Structure of the Temple |
| Apart from the importance of the inscription, the temple itself is rated as an architectural marvel and built as per specifications of the Silpa Shasthra. The Siva temple consists of a central shrine, ardha and Mahamandapas. The presiding deity, the Linga has a square base. The four-pillared ardhamandapa has exquisite in the front. Two dwarapala sculpture adorn the entrance of the ardhamandapa |
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| Apart from the importance of the inscription, the temple itself is rated as an architectural marvel and built as per specifications of the Silpa Shasthra. The Siva temple consists of a central shrine, ardha and Mahamandapas. The presiding deity, the Linga has a square base. The four-pillared ardhamandapa has exquisite in the front. Two dwarapala sculpture adorn the entrance of the ardhamandapa |
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| 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 |
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| The Tanjore district has a definite magic- a magic endowed by the towering presence of many ancient temples, built over 1000 years ago. One such temple is the Nageswaran temple, a place where where devotion, mythology and aesthetics form an ideal medley. Built around 1005 A.D, it is an outstanding symbol of Chola sculpture. It draws many foreigners keen to interpret the rock wall edicts and study the sculptures. |
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| Airavatheeswara Temple |
| The Chola architecture, as manifested in the various monuments, came into full flowering in the district of Tanjore. One such living monument is the temple of Airavatheeswara located at Dharasuram. The temple, constructed by Raja Raja II, 1150- 1173 AD, has now been recognised as a world heritage monument by the UNESCO. The temple is an outstanding creative achievement in the architectural conception of the pure form of the Dravida type temple |
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| A Gaze at the Temple |
| The Structure The vimanam of the temple rises to a height of 23 meters. The sanctum sanctorum is nirandhra- that is, without the circumambulatory passage. There is an ardha Mandapam, and a 100-pillared Maha Mandapam |
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| Sculptural Marvels The outer walls of the Maha Mandapam and the garba griha have exquisite sculptures. Apart from these, the inside of the Maha Mandapam, the pillars supporting the Maha Mandapam as well as the walls of the prakara (enclosure) have beautifully-carved panels |
