The Most Unique Temple Architecture In Tamil Nadu
The south Indian temple architecture is characterized by its distinct style, which is different from the North Indian style of temple architecture. The Dravidian style of temple architecture is found in South India, which is known for its ornate and intricate carvings, as well as its emphasis on the vertical axis. The gopuram, or tower, is a prominent feature of South Indian temple architecture. It is a multi-tiered structure that towers over the entrance to the temple and is often decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures.
The temple complex itself is usually surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and mandapas (pillared halls) and usually encloses a central sanctum where the main deity is enshrined. The vimana, or the main shrine, is usually a multi-storeyed structure that is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. The walls of the temple are also adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures, depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
BRIHADISVARA TEMPLE
THANJAVUR/ தஞ்சாவூர்
The Brihadisvara Temple, also known as the Rajarajeswaram or the Peruvudaiyar Koyil, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India. It was built by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I in the 11th century and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of South Indian temple architecture.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its massive, ornate tower (gopuram) that stands over 60 meters tall. The temple complex is surrounded by a series of smaller shrines and mandapas, and the central sanctum contains a massive lingam (an iconic representation of Lord Shiva). The walls of the temple are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology, including the 108 dance poses of Lord Shiva. The temple also has a large Nandi (bull) statue at the entrance and a water tank known as the “Golden Lotus Tank” that is surrounded by smaller shrines. The temple is an architectural marvel and is considered to be a masterpiece of Chola architecture and is visited by many tourists and devotees.
SHORE TEMPLE
MAMALLAPURAM/ மாமல்லபுரம்
The Shore Temple at Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the town of Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the oldest stone temples in South India and is believed to have been built during the reign of the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I in the 7th century AD. The temple is known for its architectural and sculptural beauty and is considered to be one of the best examples of Dravidian architecture.
The Shore Temple is a complex of three temples, two of which are dedicated to Lord Shiva and one to Lord Vishnu. The main temple is a five-storeyed structure that stands on a granite plinth and is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple is known for its pyramidal roof, which is topped by a large amalaka (a disc-shaped stone) and a kalasha (a pot-like structure). The walls of the temple are also decorated with sculptures, including those of Lord Shiva in various forms and other Hindu deities.
The temple is situated right on the shore of the Bay of Bengal, which gives it its name and is also known for its beautiful location and the panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding landscape. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is visited by many people interested in architecture and Indian history.
Thillai Natraja Temple
CHIDAMBARAM/ சிதம்பரம்
The Chidambaram Temple, also known as the Thillai Nataraja Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Chidambaram in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most important and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and is considered one of the most sacred shrines in South India. The temple is known for its architectural beauty, as well as its spiritual significance.
The Chidambaram Temple is believed to have been built during the 10th century AD by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Dravidian architecture. The temple complex is surrounded by a series of mandapas (pillared halls) and smaller shrines, and the central sanctum contains a massive lingam (an iconic representation of Lord Shiva) which is said to be self-manifested. The temple is also known for its beautiful gopuram (tower) and the golden roof of the main sanctum.
The temple is also known for its spiritual significance, as it is considered one of the five elemental Lingams, representing the element of space. The temple is also associated with the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva (Nataraja) and is considered to be one of the most important centres of Shaivism in South India. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists each year and is also known for its annual Natyanjali festival, which is a celebration of classical Indian dance.
Airavatesvara Temple
DARASURAM/ தாராசுரம்
Airavatesvara Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Chola architecture. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is an active place of worship. It was built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century AD. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, as well as its beautiful architecture.
Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple
Gangaikondacholapuram/ கங்கைகொண்ட சோழபுரம்
Gangaikondacholeeswaram Temple is a Hindu temple located in the village of Gangaikondacholapuram in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It was built by Rajendra Chola I, the son of Rajaraja Chola, who also built the Airavatesvara Temple. The temple was built as a symbol of the Chola dynasty’s victory over the Pala dynasty of Bengal and was meant to serve as the capital of the Cholas. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and is an active place of worship. It is an example of Chola architecture and known for its intricate sculptures and carvings. The temple was built in the 11th century and it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
MEENAKSHI SUNDARESHWARAR TEMPLE
MADURAI/ மதுரை
The Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most important and ancient temples in South India and is dedicated to Lord Shiva (in the form of Sundareswarar) and his consort, Goddess Meenakshi. The temple is known for its architectural beauty, as well as its spiritual significance.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandya king Kulasekara in the 7th century AD and later expanded by the Nayak king Tirumala in the 16th century. The temple complex is surrounded by high walls and has four entrances, known as the “gopurams”, which are adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple has a total of 12 gopurams and is the largest temple complex in Tamil Nadu, with an area of 45 acres.
The temple is also known for its spiritual significance, as it is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in South India. The temple is also associated with the marriage of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi and is considered to be one of the most important centres of Shaivism and Shaktism in South India. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists each year and is also known for its annual Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, which is a celebration of the divine wedding.
Arunachalesvara Temple
Tiruvannamalai/ திருவண்ணாமலை
Arunachalesvara Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Tiruvannamalai in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the god Shiva and is one of the largest temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred places in the state and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 9th century by the Chola dynasty and has been expanded and renovated over the centuries by various rulers. It is notable for its architectural and sculptural beauty, with a massive gopuram (temple tower) that stands over 60 meters high, and a complex of mandapams (halls) and shrines. The temple is also known for the annual Karthigai Deepam festival when a huge fire is lit on the top of the hill, which is visible for miles around.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Tiruchirappalli/ திருச்சிராப்பள்ளி
Srirangam Temple, also known as Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the city of Tiruchirappalli (also known as Srirangam) in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the god Vishnu and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu). The temple is considered to be the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world and is known for its architectural and sculptural beauty. The temple complex is surrounded by seven concentric walls, and the innermost of these encloses the main sanctum, which houses the image of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ranganatha. The temple has 21 gopurams (temple towers) with the tallest one reaching up to 73 meters and is a good example of Dravidian architecture. The temple has several mandapams (halls) and shrines and is known for its daily ritualistic worship and special celebrations.
Nellaiappar Temple
Tirunelveli/ திருநெல்வேலி
Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Tirunelveli in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati, also known as Nellaiappar and Kanthimathi Amman respectively. The temple is one of the most visited and ancient temples in the state, which is believed to be built around the 7th century AD, during the Pandya Dynasty. The temple is known for its architectural and sculptural beauty, with a massive gopuram (temple tower) that stands at over 40 meters high, and a complex of mandapams (halls) and shrines. The temple is also famous for the annual float festival or “Theppa Thiruvizha” which is celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai (January–February) when the deities are taken around in a grand procession on a decorated float.
Ramanathaswamy Temple
Rameswaram/ ராமேஸ்வரம்
Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located on Rameswaram island in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a Jyotirlingam, which means “pillar of light”. The temple is also considered one of the most sacred places of pilgrimage for Shaivites (followers of Lord Shiva) in India. It is believed that Lord Rama, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, built this temple to absolve himself of the sin of killing the demon king, Raavana, who was a Brahmin.
The temple has a massive gopuram (temple tower) that stands at over 60 meters high, and a complex of mandapams (halls) and shrines. The temple is also known for the annual float festival or “Theppa Thiruvizha” which is celebrated during the Tamil month of Thai (January–February) when the deities are taken around in a grand procession on a decorated float. The temple is also an important pilgrimage site for people of different religions, especially Muslims and Christians.
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