List of Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu

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The state of Tamil Nadu has many Tamil temples IN-TN.svg
The state of Tamil Nadu has many Tamil temples

This is a list of temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu , which is famed for Tamil architecture styled Hindu temples, culture, and tradition and commonly known as the Land of Temples. [1] Tamil Nadu has more temples than any other states of India. Tamil Nadu is home to more than 400,000 Hindu temples and is aptly called "the land of temples" by the media. Many are at least 800 years old and are found scattered all over the state. The rulers of various dynasties constructed these temples over centuries. Vimanas (storeys) and Gopuram (towering gateways to the temple complex) best characterize the temples of Tamil Nadu. [1]

Contents

As per the Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 390,615 temples. Most of the largest Hindu temples reside here. [2] Studded with complex architecture, variety of sculptures, and rich inscriptions, the temples remain the very essence of the culture and heritage of Tamil land, [3] with historical records dating back to at least 3,000 years. Temples are not only considered as a place for spirituality but also shows the way of living, art, culture, knowledge, and sacrifice of people's life to protect the temples from invaders. [4] Many temples contain inscriptions which explain the democratic rule of Kings also which inspired the current voting system of India. The Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur in Uthiramerur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu God Maha Vishnu. The inscriptions of the temple indicate that the villagers requested the rulers to allow them to choose their representatives. Parantaka Chola readily acceded to their demand and instituted the Kudavolai system (ballot) of democratically electing the village representatives. The eligibility of the candidates was prescribed with minimum age, educational qualifications of the Vedas and property. There were strictures for the candidates should have built their house on their own property, should not be part of any other committee and be between 35 and 70 years of age. The voters had the right to call back their candidate for failing their duties. The inscriptions also specified strict punishments. The institution was dismembered along with the ending of the Chola regime during the 13th century. Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India was inspired by the system after paying a visit to the temple and insisted on improving Panchayat Raj, India's system of local bodies in villages. [5]

Thanjavur, Brihadishwara Temple (7013915633).jpg
Rajarajeswaram, also known as Brihadeshwara temple built by Chola emperor Rajaraja-I at Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Maha Vishnu located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India has the largest temple compound in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. [6] [7] Some of these structures have been renovated, expanded and rebuilt over the centuries as a living temple. The latest addition is the outer tower that is approximately 73 metres (240 ft) tall, completed in 1987. [8] Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, even though Angkor Wat which is still larger being the largest existing temple as it is not in use. [9] [10] The temple is an active Hindu house of worship and follows the Tenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. The temple is one of the oldest temples in the world, which consists of inscriptions dating around 100 BCE. [11] Hence, "making it one of the oldest surviving active temple complexes in the world".[ citation needed ] The Deity finds a mention in the great Sanskrit epic Ramayana and hence is dated around 800 to 400 BCE. [12] [13] and is said to be worshipped by the ancestors of Rama. The temple finds mention in the Sangam literature [14] like the epic Silapadikaram (book 11, lines 35–40):[ citation needed ] and Akanaṉūṟu. The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margali (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors. The temple complex has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is in UNESCO's tentative list. [6]

Other temples like Madurai Kallalagar temple which has high ‘Gopuram’ towers ornamented with colourful figures, and the Meenakshi Temple with high colourful towers and great long halls are notable. On Pamban Island, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a pilgrimage site. The town of Kanyakumari, at India's southernmost tip, is the site of ritual sunrises. [15]

The state also abounds with temple tanks. The state has 2,359 temple tanks located in 1,586 temples. The government has identified 1,068 tanks for renovation. [16] People from all over the world visit the Temples of Tamil Nadu and it is the major Tourist attraction in India.

Temples of Ganesha

S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation (Travel Base)Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1 Karpaka Vinayakar Temple Karpaka VinayakarPillayarpatti (Karaikkudi)7th century CE [17] One of only two temples in the world that show Ganesha with two arms. The other is in Afghanistan. [18] [19]
2 Ucchi Pillayar Temple Uchhi Pillayar Tiruchirappalli 700-900 CE [20] Ganesha is shown with a small bump on his head, which was caused when Vibhishana knuckled him on his head. [21]
3 Manakula Vinayagar Temple Manakula VinayagarPondicherry (Puducherry)1688 CE [22] Named as Bhuvaneshar Ganapathy, now called as Manakula Vinayagar. In Tamil 'Manal' means sand and 'Kulam' means pond near the sea, meaning God near the pond of sand.
4 Uchchhishta Ganapathy Temple Uchchhishta Ganapati Tirunelveli 1000 CEThe only big ancient temple more than 1000 years ago for Uchishtta Ganapathy is situated in Manimoortheeswaram on the banks of River Thamirabarani in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
5Sri Poyyamozhi Vinayagar TempleSri Poyyamozhi Swayambu VinayagarTheevanur (NH 66 (Krishnagiri-Pondicherry National Highway), Tindivanam, Tamil Nadu)1100 CE [23] Swayambu Vinayaka temple with a Ganesha that looks like Siva Lingam. Very Powerful deity that cures all diseases, gives boon for power and position
6 Meenakshi Temple Mukkuruni Vinayakar Madurai 1600 CEThis popular Ganesha shrine is located inside the Madurai Meenakshi Temple.
7Adi vinayagar TempleAdi vinayagar Poonthottam (Thiruvarur)700 CEThe name Thilatharpanapuri comes from two words thil meaning Gingely and tharpana is the Hindu ritual of performing pithru karmas (ritual of paying tribute to ancestors) to one's ancestors. It is also known as Sethalapathy.

There are 7 sthalams for performing these rituals viz. Kasi, Rameswaram, Srivanchiyam, Thiruvenkadu, Gaya, Triveni Sangamam & Thilatharpanapuri.

8Abhishtavaradha Ganapathi TempleAbhishtavaradha Ganapathi Thiruvaiyaru (Tanjavur)- Agastya attained his dwarf form at this abode. [24]
9Naramuga Vinayakar TempleNaramuga Vinayakar Chidambaram (Cuddalore)-The Ganesha idol is human-faced in this temple. [25]
10Ganapatheeswarar TempleVatapi GanapathiTiruchenkattankudi (Tanjavur)700 CEThe Ganesha idol was brought here from Vatapi by the Pallavas. [26]
11 Khabartheesar Karpaga Nathar Temple Sweta VinayakarTiruvalanchuzhi (Tanjavur)-The deity represents the white image of Ganesha that was formed when the Devas churned the holy milky ocean
12 Eachanari Vinayagar Temple Ganesan Eachanari (Coimbatore)1500 CEThe deity was brought here from Madurai by the Nayaks, originally meant for Perur Temple. [27]
13 Puliakulam Vinayakar Temple Munthi Vinayakar Puliakulam (Coimbatore)1993 CEThe idol of the chief deity here is supposed to be one of the largest in South Asia. [27]
14Sree Vigneswarar TempleSree VigneswarMela Kolappadi-Andimadam (Ariyalur district)1997 CEThe idol of the chief deity here is supposed to be one of the largest in South Asia. [27]
15Periya Uchipillaiyar TempleUchhi PillayarPeriya Uchipillaiyar Temple (Kumbakonam)1000 CEThe temple is in the city centre of Kumbakonam.
16Sri Maha Ganapathi TempleGanapathi AgraharamSri Maha Ganapathi Temple near Kumbakonam 1000 yearsThe temple is 25 km from Kumbakonam on Thiruvaiyaru bus route. The Vinayagar was actually installed at this temple by Agasthiyar (Ancient Hindu priest) more than 1000 years ago. He had done this with a holy intention of

protecting the globe against of massive starvation. The Ganapathi idol has its own look, where this cannot be seen anywhere else.

17Arulmigu Prasanna Vinayagar TempleSri Prasanna VinayagarArulmigu Prasanna Vinayagar Temple, Ganapathy Pudur Coimbatore 1937 CEThe temple kumababishekam held on 1937 ganapathypudur in Coimbatore district Website:https://temple.dinamalar.com/New.php?id=2187
18Jambhulinga Vinayagar TempleSri Jambhulinga VinayagarJambhulinga Vinayagar Temple, Thathankuppam, Chennai1940 CEThe temple is known for a court case in which a statue responded to identify among the many were stolen
19Panchamuga Vinayagar TempleSri Panchamuga VinayagarPanchamuga Vinayagar Temple, Paramathi Velur Namakkal The temple where you will find 4 sides of face and on top of that one face of Vinayagar

Temples of Murugan

The Arupadai Veedu

S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation (Travel Base)Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1 Tiruavinankudi Temple [28] Dandayudhapani Swami Pazhani
(Dindigul)
-This temple is the third among the six Holy Abodes. [29] The Murugan idol was made by Bogar from an amalgam of nine toxic substances (Navabaashaanam) [30]
2 Swamimalai Murugan Temple Swaminatha Swamy Swamimalai
(Thanjavur)
-This temple is the second among the six Holy Abodes. Murugan explained the meaning of Omkaram to his father Shiva here. [31]
3 Sri Subramanya Swami Temple [32] Senthil Andavar Tiruchendur
(Tuticorin)
100 CE
[33]
This is the first among the six Holy Abodes and the only seashore Murugan temple. It is here that Surasamharam takes place, as this temple was Murugan's battle camp against the asura Surapadman who was being hosted at Vira Mahendram, a mid-ocean fortress.
4 Tirupparankunram Murugan Temple Subramanya Swami Tirupparankunram
(Madurai)
-Murugan married Deivanai at this abode, also is the fourth among the Six Holy Abodes of Murugan [34] [35]
5 Tiruttanikai Murugan Temple Tanikesan Tiruttani
(Tiruvallur)
-Murugan married Valli at this abode. This temple is the fifth among the six Holy Abodes. Murugan imparted the knowledge of Tamil to Sage Agathiyar here [36]
6 Pazhamudhircholai Temple MalaikkizhavonPazhamudhircholai
(Madurai)
-This temple is the last one of the six Holy Abodes. Murugan tested Avvaiyar's knowledge under a tree here [37]

Other major Murugan temples

S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation (Travel Base)Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1 Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple MuruganPoombarai (Kodaikanal)1000 CE [38] The Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple (Kulandai Velayudha Swami Tirukkovil)[6] has three thousand years of history and was consecrated by Bhogar. The idol is made of Navaphasanam(Dasabashanam) . As per inscriptions in the temple which temple has built by king of Chera dynasty during 10/12 Century.There is a song-poem(Poombarai Velan) by Aruna giri nathar who lived during the 15th century [39]
2 Sri Navaneethaswara Swamy Temple SingaravelavarSikkal (Tanjavur)-Murugan received his weapon, the Velayudham, from his mother Parvathi and used it to perform the Surasamharam at Tiruchendur. [40]
3 Marudamalai Subramanya Swamy Temple Dandayudhapani SwamyMarudamalai (Coimbatore)1200 CE [41] It's here that The Devas approach Murugan to seek his help in destroying Surapadman.
4 Kumarakkottam Subramanya Swamy Temple Brahmasaastha [42] Kumarakkottam (Kanchipuram)-Kachiappa Sivachariar wrote the sacred Kanda Puraanam at this temple. Also, Murugan assumed the role of the Creator here, after imprisoning Brahma for his ignorance of the meaning of the Pranava manthiram. [43]
5 Valliyur Subramanya Swamy Temple [44] Aanantha Kalyana Subramanyar [45] thirumalai kovil, shencottaiValliyur (Tirunelveli)-The Subramanyar Temple at Valliyur in Tirunelveli District is a rock-cut sanctum carved out of a hill. The Saravanappoigai in this temple was created by Murugan at the request of Valli, his consort. [46]
6 Vallakkottai Murugan Temple Kodaiyandavar [47] Vallakkottai (Chennai)-The Murugan idol in this temple is the tallest in Tamil Nadu, at 7 ft. [48]
7 Kandaswamy Temple KandaswamyTirupporur (Chennai)1000 CE [49] After killing Surapadman at Tiruchendur, Murugan killed the rest of the asuras here, at Tirupporur (literally, 'place of the sacred war')
7a Sri Subramaniya Swamy Temple Kumara VayalurTiruchirappalli1200 yearsMuruga blessed the saint-poet Arunagiri Nāthar at Vayalur by writing OM in his tongue and initiated him to compose Tiruppugal. Arunagirināthar wrote 18 verses (910-927) on Vayalur in the Tiruppukal. Nataraja is in the Sadura Danda pose in this Temple.
8 Shanmuganathan Temple Aarumaga SwamyViralimalai (Tiruchirappalli)-Sage Vasishtar and his wife Arundhathi pray Murugan here to ward off their curses. The temple is also known for its peacocks. [50]
9Mayilam Murugan TempleAarumaga Swamy. [51] Mayilam (Villupuram)-At the end of Surasamharam, one half of Surapadman assumed the form of the peacock here. [52] [53]
10 Pazhani Aandavar Temple Pazhani Andavar Vadapalani, Chennai 1875 CE [54] One of the temples built in the modern era, this temple had extensive patronage from the renowned devotee of Murugan Arulmigu Kribanandha Variyar..
11Sri Vetri Velayudhaswami Temple Kaithamalai Uttukuli Not Known but Reconstructed in 1999 [55] Vetri Velyadhaswami appeared in front the great Tamil saint Agastiyar and helped him to perform his pooja Agastiyar.
12 Thindal Murugan Temple Thindalmalai Erode -Velyadhaswami temple is a model of Birla Mandir, with Golden Temple Car.
13Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy Thirukovil Sivanmalai, Kangayam, Tirupur -One of the well known myths associated with Siva is his conquest of Tripuram – the three celestial cities which the Asuras (demons) had taken over, and wreaked havoc over them. The Devas (celestial gods) appealed to Siva for help and asked him to save them from the demons. Siva made mount Meru his bow, and Vasuki the serpent his bow-string and prepared to wage war against the Asuras.
14 Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple Pachaimalai Gobichettipalayam -One of the two hill temples for Murugan in Gobi, the other one being Pavazhamalai which is only 2 km away from Pachaimalai. Though this temple is very old, the structure has been built starting 1967.
15Muthu Kumaraswamy TemplePavalamalai Gobichettipalayam -The second hill temple for Murugan in Gobi.
16Siragiri Dandayudhapani Chennimalai Erode -This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri and is located between Kangeyam and Perundurai. It is one of the better known temples of Murugan in Coimbatore district where Arunagirinathar was blessed with "Padikasu", wealth of coins. This is where a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12 February. On that eventful day two bullocks of their own accord pulled a bullock cart up the 1320 steps. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam 700 years ago. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Murugan in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.
17Velayudhasamy ThirukoilPugazhi malai Karur 2000CEThe temple is located on a hillock. This place is called Aarunattar malai which is considered as one of the oldest Hill rock of the south.
18 Balasubramaniya Murugan Temple Vennai malai Karur 1800CEThe temple was worshiped by Brahma and Kamadhenu. This ancient temple dedicated to Muruga has the distinction of being visited by the Saiva saint Arunagirinathar once. This hill temple enshrines the images of Murugan.
19 Arulmigu Balamurugan Temple RathnagiriThirumanikundram, Vellore1500CERathinagiri Bala Murugan Temple was built around the 14th century. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine.

The 14th Century poet Arunagirinathar' has sung about this temple as Rathinakiri Vazh Murukane Ilaya Vaaramarar Perumaley, which means 'Murugan, the God of Devas resides in Rathinagiri'

20Rajendra Chozheewarar TempleBalasubramaniyan Periyakulam, Theni --
21 Sri Kolanjiappar Temple KolanjiapparManavalanallur 2 km from Vriddhachalam1000 years oldThe benevolent Shiva so as to liberate the entire living being has incarnated himself in many holy Shrines in the so-called Middle Country. (Nadu Naadu). Vriddhachalam (means age old holy hill) is the best among such holy shrines. Two Mile west of this, there is a small village namely Manavalanallur. Where there is abundance of flowery trees bristling with humming of birds and insects. It is known as Manavalanallur because Murugan, the Manavalan (Eternal Bridegroom) has embodied himself here. In the words of Arunagirinathar. "He is the Manavalan residing in the monkeys inhabited hill"
22 Uthanda Velayudhaswamy temple, Uthiyur Velayudhasamy Uthiyur Hills,

Kangeyam, Tiruppur district

9th century CEUthanda Velayudhasamy Temple is the main shrine dedicated turugan after a flight of 100 steps in Uthiyur hills from the ground. It built in dravidian architecture with a huge water-well as well and the little path with few rocky steps beside the temple lead to the base of a hillock and the steps ended there as well. In this shrine, Velayudhaswamy appears with his spear and Peacock. There are many sculptures here and also some ancient era hero-stones. [56]
23 Balasubramaniyar Temple, Siruvaapuri Balasubramaniyar Chinnambedu, Siruvaapuri,

Tiruvallur

14th century CESiruvaapuri is connected to the epic Ramayanam and is the place where the sons' of Rama, Lava and Kusha lived. Since they fought with Rama here it is called "Siruvar Por Puri", which latter became "Siruvaapuri". However, the village is now called as Chinnambedu. Arunagirinathar the Tamil Saint of 14th century CE has visited this temple and has composed Tiruppukal songs on the Murugan in this temple. He is standing facing the deity. The special feature of this temple is the presence of emarald peacock. The village is located 40 km from Chennai and can be reached by a detour before reaching Puduvoyal near Kavarapettai, before Gummidipoondi in Chennai - Kolkatta NH.

[57]

Temples of Vishnu

கரிகிருஷ்ணா பெருமாள் கோவில் பொன்னேரி.

See also

Temples of Shiva

See also

Temples of Bhairava

Temples of Hanuman

Anjaneyar kovil, Ponneri

Temples of Amman

Ayyanarappan Temples

Nagarajar Temples

SaibabaTemples

Chitra Gupta Temples

Cave Temples of Pandiyas

Rockcut Monolith Temples of Pallavas

Raajasimmeswaram, Kshatriya Simmeswaram - popularly known as shore temples in Mamallapuram built by Rajasimha Pallava - I. (c. eighth century C.E.) Mamallapuram1a.jpg
Raajasimmeswaram, Kshatriya Simmeswaram - popularly known as shore temples in Mamallapuram built by Rajasimha Pallava - I. (c. eighth century C.E.)

Structural Temples of Pallavas

Structural Temples of Vijayanagara

Structural Temples of Chola

Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple.jpg
Gangai Konda Cholapuram Temple

Temples of The Navagrahams

The Navagraham cluster at Kumbakonam

S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation (Travel Base)Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1Suryanaar Temple Surya (Sun)Suryanaar Kovil (Thanjavur)1100 CE [65] This is the only Navagraham temple where the other eight grahams are also present. But, unlike the usual Navagraham arrangement, all other grahams face Surya here [66]
2Agneeswarar Temple Shukra (Venus)Kanchanoor (Thanjavur)600-800 CE [67] [68] -
3Kailasanathar Temple Chandra (Moon)Tingalur (Thanjavur)
4Vaitheeswaran Temple Mangala (Mars)vaitheeswaran kovil (nagapattinam)600-800 CE-
5Tirunageswaram Nageswarar Temple Rahu Tirunageswaram (Thanjavur)950 CEThis temple was built by Gandaraditya Chola, son of Parantaka Chola I. [69]
6Tirunallaru Darbaaranyeswarar Temple Sani (Saturn)Tirunallaru (Karaikkal)--
7Keezhperumpallam Temple Kethu Keezhperumpallam (nagapattinam)--
8Abathsahayeswarar Temple Guru (Jupiter)Alangudi (Thiruvarur)--
9Tiruvenkadu Swetaranyeswarar Temple Budha (Mercury)Tiruvenkadu (nagapattinam)--

Other Navagraham Temples

S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation (Travel Base)Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1Kuchanuraan Temple, Sri Mayakoothar Devasthanams, Perungulam Ashtamathu Sani (Saturn)Kuchanur (Theni)-Shani is the main deity in this temple, unlike other temples where he is worshipped either along with other Navagrahams or is worshipped from a shrine that is a part of a bigger temple. [70]
2Navapasanam Devipattinam TempleNavagaragam

Nine stone

Devipattinam

Ramanathapuram(dist)

-This is one of the Navagaraha temples.

This navagaraha are believed to have built by Rama, an avatar of Vishnu.

3Saneeswarar Tirukkoil Sani (Saturn)Tirunaaraiyur a.k.a. Nachiarkoil (Tanjavur)-This temple is a part of the Sri Ramanathaswami Temple at Tirunaaraiyur. It is the only temple where Saneeswaran is worshipped along with his two wives Mandhadevi and Jyeshtadevi (also known as Neeladevi) and his two sons, Maandhi and Kuligan. [71]
4Sri Vasishteswarar Temple Guru (Jupiter)Thenkudi Thittai (Tanjavur)-Sage Vasishtar is said to have worshipped Shiva in this temple. Brihaspati is worshipped as Guru Bhagavan from a separate shrine here, unlike in Alangudi where he is worshipped as Dakshinamurthi. [72]

[73]

Chennai has its own set of Navagraha Temples located in and around Kundrathur

For detailed write up on these temple refer to page on Kundrathur Ayyanarappan Temples Sri Porkilai, Sri Poorani Samedha Kaliyurayan Ayyanarappan Temple, Pillur, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu. Sri Ayyanarappan Temple, Kanniakoil, Cuddalore Road, Puducherry.

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Tiruchirappalli has a well-developed transport infrastructure. Being located almost at the geographic centre of the state Tamil Nadu India, Tiruchirappalli is well connected by Road, Rail and Air with most cities.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Architecture of Tamil Nadu</span> Overview of the architecture of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is known for its ancient temple architecture. Nearly 33,000 ancient temples, many at least 800 to 2000 years old, are found scattered all over Tamil Nadu. As per Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 38,615 temples. Most of the largest Hindu Temples are located in Tamil Nadu. Studded with complex architecture, a variety of sculptures, and rich inscriptions, the temples remain the very essence of the culture and heritage of Tamil land, with historical records dating back to at least 3,000 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department</span> Tamil Nadu government to maintain Hindu temples

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu manages and controls the temple administration within the state. The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act XXII of 1959 controls 36,425 temples, 56 mathas or religious orders, 1,721 specific endowments and 189 trusts.

References

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  49. "...preserves Pallava inscriptions from as early as the 10th century..." . Retrieved 26 May 2007.
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  54. "...built about 125 years back..." . Retrieved 26 May 2007.
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  64. 1 2 "Other Anjaneyar Temples" . Retrieved 28 May 2009.
  65. "Inscriptions from the period of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120) refer to this temple..." . Retrieved 27 May 2007.
  66. "Six of these eight temples ... clearly go back to the 2nd half of the 1st millennium CE." . Retrieved 26 May 2007.
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  70. There is also another temple dedicated to Suryan at Gnayiru Gramam near Red Hills

Sources