Around 30,000 temples are dispersed throughout the length and breadth of
the state. This innumerable presence of temples also speaks of numberless
dynasties that patronaged art and architecture and set forth a legacy that
the state is proud of even to this day. These antiquated temples, today,
attract legions of tourists, travellers and pilgrims from all across the
country and the world.
Though a superficial architectural similarity can be observed among all the
temples, each of the temples has a different story to disclose and
celebrates different festivals that have been a part of the rituals for
ages. It would be false to say that these temples were mere places of
worship. In fact, they served as the centre for education, performing arts
and social meetings. So, in a nut shell, these temples can be termed as the
cultural hub of the bygone eras.
Dynasties like the Pallava, Chola, Pandya and Vijayanagar hugely supported
architectural initiatives and took temple architecture to appreciable
heights. Dravidian artistic brilliance can be observed perhaps in every nook
of the state where a temple stands. Soaring gopurams of the temples speak
volumes of what this legacy is all about.
Some of the most popular temples in the state include :
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple lies in the sacred city of Madurai, the Athens of
South India. One of the largest temple complexes in India, the temple
signifies hard-core faith of the people. It's almost a thousand years since
the temple got established and still today the same grandeur and magnanimity
prevails all over the place.
Chidambaran Kapaleeswarar
A chief Saivite shrine, Chidambaran lies 250 km south of Chennai, the
capital city of Tamil Nadu. The holy city is seat of the cosmic dancer
Natraja, who is enshrined in the Chit Sabha. Chidamabaram finds its mention
in numerous Tamil literary works.
Rameshwaram Temple
According to Hindu Mythology, it is the very place where Rama offered
thanks to Lord Siva. The Rameshwaram Temple attracts both Shaivites and
Vaishnavites and is known for its multi-pillared corridors that measure
1,220 m in length. Don't forget to pay a visit to this Varanasi of the
South.
Kanyakumari Temple
Kanyakumari has been an important centre of art, culture and civilisation
for ages. The temple that is associated with legends of Kanya Devi, a
manifestation of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. The presiding deity is
enshrined here facing east while the entrance to the temple is through the
northern gate. Vaikasi and Navratri are the popular festivals here.
Kumbeswara Temple
The Kumbeswara Temple lies centrally in the town of Kumbakonam. This the
largest and the oldest Shiva Temple here. Lord Kumbeswara is the presiding
deity here. The grans Mahamaham Festival pulls in a great number of tourists
taking place once every 12 years.
The state has a plentiful supply of ancient temples that need to be
explored to get the spiritual heart of Tamil Nadu. So, make up your mind
pack your bags and get out there to be a part of it all.
Kerala
