Tamil Nadu, often called the land of temples, is home to an incredible array of sacred sites. With around 33,000 temples spread across its expanse, the state is a treasure trove of spiritual heritage and architectural grandeur. Though history tells us that many temples faced destruction during the British rule, what remains today still captures the essence of Tamil Nadu’s rich cultural and religious legacy.
This article highlights some of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu, celebrated for their stunning art and architecture. These temples are not just places of worship but are also embodiments of the artistic and engineering marvels of ancient India. As you plan your visit in 2024, prepare to be mesmerized by the beauty and sanctity of these sacred sites.
10 Most Popular Temples in Tamil Nadu:
1. Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Tamil Nadu. It is an excellent example of traditional sculptures & magnificent architecture. The statue of goddess Meenakshi is believed to be made out of a single piece of emerald. Read More: Interesting facts about Meenakshi Amman Temple
The origin of this temple is not known certainly but it is renovated by several kings during the Nayak period. This amazing temple is dated back to the 17th century. An interesting story behind the temple is Goddess Meenakshi got married to Lord Shiva and that function took place in Madurai. Hence, she got the name Meenakshi. Read Also: Top 10 Places to Visit in Madurai
- Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Madurai city; nearest airport is Madurai Airport.
- Best Time to Visit: April to May for the Chithirai Festival
- Nearby Other Attractions: Thirumalai Nayakkar Mahal, Gandhi Museum
2. Rameshwaram Temple
It is said that the Rameshwaram temple is formed when lord Rama prayed to god Shiva to get this blessing and ask him to forgive him. This Rameshwaram temple also boasts various interesting stories. The temple has a strong sand linga which was developed by Lord Hanuman when he brought a shiva statue from the Himalayas known as Vishwalingam.
The corridor of this temple is quite long about 3000 feet. Rameshwaram temple is famous for holy water bodies which are in the form of wells and tanks. Visitors and devotees have to stand in a long queue to get sacred Theerthams which resemble the 22 arrows from Rama’s Quiver.
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Connected by road to major cities; nearest railway station is Rameswaram Station.
- Best Time to Visit: Between October and April
- Nearby Other Attractions: Dhanushkodi, Pamban Bridge
3. Kumari Amman Temple
It is not surprising that there are many Amman temples in our city, of which, Kumari Amman temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage places and is among the top 10 famous temples in Tamil Nadu. Here, goddess Amman is said to pour her blessings to every devotee that visits this temple. It is believed that she has great powers thus people ask for various daily prayers. Kumari Amman is an incarnation of Parvathi who is the virgin Goddess of Kanyakumari. Also, read Top 10 Destinations to Visit in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.
This ancient temple was developed in the 8th century. Although it was built by Pandya kings, it was renovated by Chola and Nayak rulers. It is believed that she is an extinguisher of evil who is in the form of a demon, Banasura. Here, the blue idol is known as Devi Kanya who has a sparkling nose jewel. Read Also: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Kanyakumari.
- Location: Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 4:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: Well connected by road; nearest railway station is Kanyakumari.
- Best Time to Visit: September to October and March to April
- Nearby Other Attractions: Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue
4. Nagannathaswamy Temple
It is one of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu. Here, devotees from different parts of the city visit the Naganthaswamy temple. It is a special temple for those who want to get rid of Raghu Doshas. Here, Lord Raghu is worshiped in this temple especially during Shivarathri to bless the devotees. Here, devotees provide milk Abhishekam to Raghu which will turn out blue.
The sacred water bodies in this temple namely Vasishta Theertham, Indira Theertham, Prugu Theertham, Kannuva Theertham, Suriya Pushkarani, Gowthama Theertham, Kula Theertham, Gowthama Theertham.
Some of the popular poojas that are done in this Raghu temple include Arthajama pooja, Uchikkala, Irandam Kala, Kalasandhi, Ushakkala, etc.
- Location: Keezhaperumpallam, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible by road; nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai.
- Best Time to Visit: February to March for the Masi Magam Festival
- Nearby Other Attractions: Thirunallar Saniswaran Temple
5. Brihadeeswarar Temple
Brihadeeswarar temple is also known as Periyar Kovil, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Interestingly, the Brihadeeswarar temple is known as the largest temple in Tamil Nadu.
It was developed in 1010 C.E. still, now it is the best temple to visit in Thanjavur.
- Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible by road; nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli Airport.
- Best Time to Visit: September to October for Navaratri
- Nearby Other Attractions: Thanjavur Royal Palace, Saraswathi Mahal Library
6. Kapaleeshwarar Temple
Kapaleeshwarar temple is located in Chennai and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 7th Century yet it seems to be the most beautiful temple in Tamil Nadu.
It was destroyed by Portuguese kings but renovated later. It is one of the top temples in Tamilnadu and features several interesting things you can admire and inspired. Many inscriptions and statues that were designed during the Chola kingdom can be seen inside the temple. With astonishing sculptures and sacred statues, still, the Kapaleeshwarar temple is worth visiting.
- Location: Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- How to Reach: Located in Chennai, easily reachable by road, rail, and air.
- Best Time to Visit: March to April for the Panguni Peruvizha Festival
- Nearby Other Attractions: Marina Beach, San Thome Cathedral
7. Nataraja Temple
Having located in the heart of Chidambaram, the Natraja temple is considered one of the most popular temples in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Panch Bootha Sthalas, which represents temples of five different cities and each city represents a natural element.
Spreading over 50 acres of land, the Natraja temple features various incarnations of Lord Shiva. Interestingly, it features amazing sculptures of Vaishnavite and Shaivite.
- Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible by road; nearest railway station is Chidambaram.
- Best Time to Visit: December to January for the Margazhi Festival
- Nearby Other Attractions: Pichavaram Mangrove Forest
8. Arunachaleswarar Temple
The temple is located in Thiruvanamalai. It is one of the Pancha Bootha Sthalas, which represent temples of five different cities. The posture of Lord Shiva makes the Nataraja temple more attractive.
- Location: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- How to Reach: Accessible by road; nearest railway station is Tiruvannamalai.
- Best Time to Visit: November to December for Karthigai Deepam
- Nearby Other Attractions: Ramana Maharshi Ashram, Sathanur Dam
9. Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar temple is one of the top temples in Kanchipuram. The city is not just known for sarees and garments but also for traditional temples. Kanchipuram is the temple town of prime pilgrimages in India. It is one of the popular Shiva temples. Ekambareswarar temple is also known as Pancha Bootha Sthalams as each temple represents a natural element.
The goddess Parvathi is associated with the temple. The main god is being worshipped as Prithvi Lingam, which is built under a mango tree, which is 3500 years old.
It bears delicious fruits of different tastes. Here, various types of worships are offered include Kaalasanthi, Sayarakshai, Kaalam, Uchikaalam, Ushadkalam, Sayarakshai & Ardhajamam.
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: Free
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
- How to Reach: Well connected by road; nearest airport is Chennai Airport.
- Best Time to Visit: March to April for Panguni Uthiram
- Nearby Other Attractions: Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Varadharaja Perumal Temple
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10. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple
Mahabalipuram shore temple is the most popular temple of Lord Shiva. It is built on the coast of Mahabalipuram shore along the Bay of Bengal. It is considered a heritage site by UNESCO. Having been built in the 7th century, the Mahabalipuram shore temple is home to various historical events in India.
It has three shrines and the dominant one is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The temple is amazingly covered with real sculpted images of people in daily life. Tourists can easily reach the shore temple by bus/cab.
- Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians, INR 600 for foreigners
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- How to Reach: Easily accessible by road from Chennai; nearest airport is Chennai Airport.
- Best Time to Visit: November to February
- Nearby Other Attractions: Pancha Rathas, Krishna’s Butterball
List of other famous temples across India:
- South India Temples
- Kerala Temples
- Karnataka Temples
- Andhra Pradesh Temples
- Telangana Temples
- North India Temples
- Top 10 Chennai Temples
- Jyotirlingas Temple in India
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