Temples in Tamil Nadu are the perfect places to be if you want to experience the bliss of spiritual energy. These temples are not just known for their powerful influence on the devotees’ lives but also stand as living examples of exemplary architecture.
Read on to find out about the most gorgeous temples in Tamil Nadu!
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13 Must Visit Temples in Tamil Nadu
1 – Meenakshi Temple – Madurai
All of us must have heard about the Madurai Meenakshi Temple at least once in our lifetime! This is one of the best temples in Tamil Nadu, known for its elaborate Dravidian architecture and beautiful surroundings. There are multiple gopurams and two main golden gopurams dedicated to the deities – Sundareswarar and Goddess Meenakshi (Forms of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati). The exact origins of the temple are unknown but various kings from the 12th to 17th century made many changes to the structure of the spiritual abode. Today, several devotees from across the world come here to witness the glory of the Gods. It is said that the face of Goddess Parvati in Madurai Meenakshi Temple is carved out of a single, huge emerald.
Location – Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Timings – 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
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2 – Isha Shiva Temple – Coimbatore
Isha Adiyogi in Coimbatore is one of the most serene temples in Tamil Nadu. However, it is not a temple in the conventional sense. If you believe a temple to be a place where spiritual energy engulfs you and expels negativity from your life, then Isha offers exactly that! Here, you will find the huge Adiyogi statue that signifies the first yogi of the world. Here, you can indulge in several yoga programs, learn the art of clean living, and eating, and explore spirituality in its truest sense. The surroundings of Isha are tranquil with lush greenery! You can come here and spend a day or two in the heart of nature.
Location – 20, 9th St, Tatabad, Gandhipuram, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641012
Timings – 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM; For ones staying overnight – 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee – Isha Yoga Centre – Adults – INR 690 and Children – INR 345
3 – Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur
Brihadeeshwarar Temple is one of the finest examples of world-class architecture! This is one of the best temples in Tamil Nadu that also found its place in UNESCO World Heritage Monuments. Brihadeeswarar Temple is almost 1000 years old and was built by the Chola Emperor – Rajaraja Chola – 1. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and you will find inscriptions of his 108 dance poses on the walls of the temple. The Vimana over the main sanctum sanctorum is almost 216 feet tall and happens to be one of the tallest towers in the world! The statue of Nandi, the vehicle of Lord Shiva, is carved out of a single stone. Your visit to Brihadeeswarar temple is worth your time!
Location – Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
Timings – 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee – Free; Speedy Darshan at INR 5.
4 – Ranganathaswamy Temple – Tiruchirappalli
Ranganathaswamy Temple is a very peaceful getaway for people who want to escape the metropolitan life and also seek blessings from the Almighty. It is present on the Srirangam Island of Tamil Nadu. The temple is another great example of impeccable Dravidian architecture and houses 49 sub-shrines dedicated to different Gods. The main sanctum sanctorum is where Lord Vishnu rests on a five-headed serpent. The idol seems almost realistic! The intricate carvings and realistic sculptures make this one of the most beautiful temples in Tamil Nadu. The divine abode is spread across 150 acres, part of which is used for temple activities while the other is used as a place for humans to live.
Location – Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620006
Timings – 5:30–8:30 am, 9:30 am–12:30 pm, 3–5:30 pm, 7–8:30 pm
Entry Fee – Free General Entry; Speed Entry – INR 250; INR 50 for Viswaroopa Seva
5 – Ramanathaswamy Temple – Rameshwaram
The Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameshwaram is considered to be one of the ‘Chaar Dhams’ in India. It is a place of great significance and one of the most important Temples in Tamil Nadu, especially for Lord Shiva devotees. It attracts tourists in hundreds daily and the atmosphere is always vibrant with loud chants of prayers and shlokas. The history of this temple dates back to the Ramayana era when Lord Ram returned from Lanka after killing Ravana. He wanted to seek Lord Shiva’s forgiveness seeing how Ravana was a great warrior, Brahmin, and a devoted principle of Lord Shiva. Goddess Sita then made a Shivling using sand, Lord Hanuman brought the biggest Shivling from the Himalayas and both of these lingas have been worshipped in the temple for centuries now.
Location – Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
Timings – 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
6 – Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram
On the Coromandel coast, you will find this spectacular temple that stands mighty strong overlooking the splashing waves of the ocean. Shore Temple in Mahabalipuram is one of those temples in Tamil Nadu where prayers are not being offered. Instead, it stands as a heritage site for tourist visits. The temple also has a well-secured spot in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This is a 7th-century structure that was built by the rulers of the Pallava dynasty. On the premises, you will find several realistic sculptures carved out of stone that depict the daily lives of people. Also, the entire temple is standing on a big boulder of granite and no natural calamity could shake its foundation to date!
Location – J58V+JWW, Beach Rd, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Timings – 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee – Indians – INR 10; Foreigners – INR 250
7 – Kapaleeshwarar Temple – Chennai
Kapaleeshwarar Temple is yet another temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. But here, you will also find Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva appearing in her ‘Karpagambal’ form. The English translation of the word would be – Goddess of the wish-yielding tree. It is believed that if you come to this temple and offer prayers to the Goddess, she is sure to grant you all your wishes. This is one of the finest temples in Tamil Nadu that has a Dravidian architectural style. There are numerous inscriptions and sculptures in the temple that date back to the 12th century. The temple also has 63 bronze statues of saints who worshipped Lord Shiva. You must witness the ‘Arupathumoovar’ festival! Devotees from across the country come here during the festival to offer prayers to Goddess Parvati.
Location – 234, Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Timings – Closed on Mondays; 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
8 – Kumari Amman Temple – Kanyakumari
Kanyakumari is at the southern end of India where the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea combine with the mighty Indian Ocean. Do you know how the place got its name? It is because of the Kumari Amman temple on the serene shores of the place! In this temple, you will find Goddess Parvati in her ‘Kanyakumari’ form or as the ‘Virgin Goddess’. The temple was built by the Pandya rulers in the 8th century and later renovated by the Cholas and the Nayakas. Goddess Parvati’s idol has a garland in one hand and she is seen offering penance to Lord Shiva, to win his hand in marriage. The main attraction here is the nose ring you will find on the idol. It is said that the ring shines so bright during the night that sailors often confuse it with light. It is also visible from the lighthouse!
Location – 3HH2+P9H, Temple Rd, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702
Timings – 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
9 – Naganathaswamy Temple – Thiruvengadu
The Naganathaswamy Temple is the place where people come to rid themselves of Rahu dosas. The deity Rahu is usually present in his serpent form in the temples that we visit regularly. But here, he appears as Lord Naganathaswamy along with his wife and consort, Giri Gujambika. It is believed that taking a dip in the holy waters here can rid a human of all diseases and also help them attain moksha by dissolving all their sins in the flowing water. Offering milk abhisheka can remove bad luck and Rahu doshas from one’s astrological chart. People also say that the milk used for abhisheka often turns blue once it slides down the idol.
Location – Near, Kezhaperumpallam, Thiruvengadu, Tamil Nadu 609105
Timings – 5:00 AM to 12:30 PM; 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
10 – Nataraja Temple – Chidambaram
Traditional dance lovers will love visiting the Nataraja Temple. This is one of the most fascinating temples in Tamil Nadu dedicated to Lord Shiva in his dancing form. Here, you will find his statue in his eternal dancing pose – Ananda Tandava. In one hand, he holds fire which signifies the destruction of evil, the drum in his hand is the source of life, the demon below his leg signifies ignorance and ego and the wheel behind the Lord is the universe. In the temple, you will also find Lord Vishnu’s idol in the Govindaraja Perumal form. The Nataraja form of Lord Shiva is the basis of Bharatanatyam. That is why you will find several paintings and carvings on the temple walls that are different Bharatanatyam poses.
Location – Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001
Timings – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM; 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
11 – Papanasam Temple – Tirunelveli
People believe that coming to Papanasam Temple and offering prayers will rid them of all their sins that they have done intentionally or unintentionally. This is one of those special temples in Tamil Nadu whose origins are still unknown. Some say that Lord Shiva appeared on his vahana Nandi at the same spot where this temple is standing today. Also, there is a section of devotees who say that Lord Indra prayed to Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness after he killed his son for siding with the evil demons. Either way, coming to the Papanasam temple and offering prayers can cleanse your soul and add more positive energy to your life.
Location – 25, Nort St, Papanasam, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627425
Timings – 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Entry Fee – Free
12 – Kailsanathar Temple – Kanchipuram
The Kailasanathar Temple is one of the most gorgeous temples in Tamil Nadu. The main temple complex houses a 16-sided Shivling made out of granite and an idol of Goddess Parvati. The temple also has several smaller shrines of Lord Shiva. What makes this temple stand out is the intrinsic carvings made on sandstone. You will see how beautifully the artists have carved the figures of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati standing in their different dance poses. The entire Dravidian architecture makes you stand in awe and appreciate the creative thinking of the Pallava rulers in the 7th and 8th centuries!
Location – Pillaiyarpalayam, Karuppadithattadai, Tamil Nadu 631501
Timings – 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
13 – Kamakshi Temple – Kanchipuram
The Madurai Meenakshi, Kashi Visalakshi, and Kanchi Kamakshi Temples are the three main spiritual abodes in Shaktism. It is said that visiting these three shrines will bring immense good health, positivity, and confidence to one’s life. The Kamakshi temple in Kanchipuram is dedicated to Goddess Adi Parashakti, the supreme form of power and energy. Here, you will also find Lord Vishnu in his Varaha (pig) form. It is very surprising to know that Kanchipuram doesn’t have any other temple dedicated to a Goddess except for this one!
Location – Kamakshi Amman Sannathi St, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
Timings – 5:30 AM to 12:00 PM; 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Entry Fee – Free
So, which of these temples in Tamil Nadu are you going to visit first? Let us know in the comments section!
