It’s hard to be in Tamilnadu without being near a sacred temple or shrine. A spiritual journey to these holy temples and shrines bestows spiritual fulfilment and brings eternal joy to the heart and soul of every divinely inspired traveller visiting it. Tamil Nadu’s temples will not just soothe you with their divine bliss and serene vibes; they will make you go ‘wow’ over their incredible architectural grandeur and amazing historical and mythological legends.
We have come up with a list of the Most Popular Temples in Tamilnadu You Must Visit On Your Spiritual Journey. Take a look:
Great Living Chola Temples, Tamilnadu
Your spiritual journey to Tamilnadu can’t be deemed complete without paying a visit to the Great Living Chola Temples. The three temples in this circuit – Brihadeeswara Temple locally known as Thanjai Periya Kovil or Peruvudaiyar Kovil in Thanjavur, Brihadisvara Temple in Gangaikonda Cholapuram, and Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram are counted among the most popular and sacred temples in Tamilnadu.
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All three temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Adorned with unique carvings and sculptures, along with inscriptions that give an account of life 1,000 years ago, these temples stands as a glorious tribute to the craftsmanship of the mighty Chola Empire.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Meenakshi Amman Temple is the crowning glory of Madurai and is considered one of the oldest and most important places of Hindu pilgrimage in India.
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A symbol of grand and impressive Dravidian architecture, Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is known for its enormous size and sky-scraping gopurams studded with colorful and exquisite sculptures. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi and her consort Lord Shiva in the form of Sundareswarar. Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple is definitely worth a visit on your spiritual journey to Tamilnadu.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple is the first and foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Situated on the pristine Srirangam Island in Tiruchirappalli, this temple is another masterpiece of Dravidian architecture.
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It is one of the world’s largest operating Hindu temples. Srirangam Temple covers a whopping 150 acres with 81 shrines out of which 49 are dedicated to Lord Vishnu and 21 brilliantly carved Gopurams with the Rajagopuram standing tall at 236 ft. making it the tallest Gopurams in Asia. You should not miss visiting Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple on your spiritual trip to Tamilnadu.
Jambukeswarar Temple, Thiruvanaikaval
Jambukeswarar Temple in Thiruvanaikaval, Trichy dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the most popular temples in Tamilnadu you must visit on your spiritual journey. This beautiful temple is one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams and also one of the five temples of Lord Shiva in India which represents the five great elements (Pancha Bhoota Stalam); this temple represents the element of “Water” or neer in Tamil and is also known as Appu Lingam.
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The temple dates back to the Chola period and displays an excellent work of the Dravidian style of architecture. The stupendous 7-tiered Gopuram decorated with delicate carvings depicts the artistic grandeur of the Chola Kingdom. Do visit this mighty temple to seek blessings from the supreme being.
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple holds great significance and value for Hindu devotees and offers an ideal setting for meditation and reflection. It is the earliest surviving temple in the ancient city of Kanchipuram.
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This sacred Shiva Temple is said to be the first temple in Southern India to be constructed by joining pieces of stones together. Carved out of sandstone and ornamented with marvelous paintings and fantastic sculptures, Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple showcases an impressive Dravidian style of architecture. The most striking feature of this temple is the sixteen-sided Shiva lingam which is made up of black granite.
Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the biggest and holiest Lord Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu, definitely one of the largest in Kanchipuram noted for its towering Gopuram and the Hallway with Thousand Pillars (Aayiram Kaal Mandapam).
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It is counted as one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams and signifies the element “Earth”. The presiding deity Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Prithvi Lingam. Visit Ekambareswarar Temple and marvel at its astounding architecture, awe-inspiring legends, and divinely blissful ambience.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the most popular and holiest temples in Tamilnadu, worth visiting on your spiritual sojourn. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples and one of the Char Dham, four sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India.
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The Lingam of Ramanathaswamy (Shiva) of this temple is believed to have been established and worshipped by Lord Rama before crossing the bridge to Lanka. The architectural magnificence of Ramanathaswamy Temple is worth admiring. The grand and beautiful corridors and the Hall of 1000 Pillars with immaculate carvings on pillars will leave you in awe.
Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai
Being one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams (5 sacred temples of Lord Shiva) which represents the five basic elements of life viz. Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Sky; the Arunachaleswarar Temple in Tiruvannamalai is one of the most sacred Shaivite temples which represents the element “Fire”. Therefore Lord Shiva is worshipped here in the form of Agni Lingam (Agni- Fire).
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The Karthigai Deepam Festival is celebrated on the full moon day between November and December is a major festival in this temple. The Maha deepam lit on the Mount Arunachala on the 10th day of the festival is the most auspicious event. Every year during this festival millions of people thrive into the temple to get the blessings of Lord Arunachaleswara. On the previous day of each full moon day, devotees encircle the temple base and the Arunachala hill completely with devotion. This worship is called as Girivalam, which is carried out by millions of pilgrims every year on this auspicious day.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is no more a living temple but it is well worth a visit for its extraordinary architecture. The temple dates back to the 8th century AD and is said to be one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India, built with blocks of granite which have stood the test of time. It has three shrines, and the prominent ones are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Topped by a pyramidal tower, shaped like a chariot and full of splendid artworks and carvings.
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Located at Mahabalipuram (also called Mamallapuram) in the Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu, the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple is a visual delight of the finest Dravidian architecture. This amazing temple is one of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram and also enjoys the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India. This temple is just around 55 km south of Chennai.
Srivilliputhur Andal Temple, Virudhunagar
Srivilliputhur Andal Temple is a must-visit temple for devotees of Lord Vishnu. It is counted as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is noted for its lofty 11-tier Raja Gopuram which is the tallest in Tamilnadu and also represented as the iconic Emblem of the State Government.
You cannot miss the mind-blowing Dravidian architecture of the temple which can leave anyone in awe. The granite temple walls embellished with beautiful mythological figures are another captivating feature of Srivilliputhur Andal Temple that offers a true spectacle.
Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari
Kumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari is one of the sacred pilgrimage places in Tamilnadu. The beautiful temple is devoted to the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari, an avatar of Goddess Shakti. The3000 years old divine temple sits on the serene confluence of the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and the Bay of Bengal, providing an excellent setting to seek spiritual solace. The deity of this temple is seen in the form of a charming young girl holding a string of beads in her right hand. A visit to Kumari Amman Temple in Kanyakumari will be bliss for your soul.
Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
Visit Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram on your spiritual journey and soak in its divine aura. Dedicated to Nataraja, the dancing form of Lord Shiva, Thillai Nataraja Temple is counted as the foremost of all temples to Saivites. It is one of the revered Panchabootha Sthalams where the Lord manifests the sky (akasha). Here Lord Shiva himself is displayed as the Nataraja performing the Ananda Tandava (“Dance of Delight”).
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Thillai Nataraja Temple is one of the most popular temples in Tamilnadu which has influenced worship, architecture, sculpture, and performance art for over two millennia. The intricate carvings on the temple wall exhibit all the 108 Karanas from Bharata Muni’s Natya Shastra and these postures form a foundation of the famous Indian classical dance, Bharatanatyam. The annual Natyanjali Dance Festival on the auspicious day of Maha Shivaratri is a notable one here.
Rock Fort Temple, Tiruchirappalli
With a history that dates back almost a billion years ago, Rock Fort Temple in Trichy is deemed the oldest in the world. The temple is perched on a massive outcrop and houses two temples namely the Ucchi Pillayar Temple at the top, dedicated to Lord Ganesha and the Thayumanaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
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The beautiful River Kaveri flowing nearby adds to the exceptional charm of the temple. Do visit the Rock Fort Temple on your spiritual journey to Tamilnadu. The divine ambience and the breathtaking views from the temple with the entire Trichy sprawling all around are worth your time.
Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, Palani
Drench in devotion with a visit to Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani on your spiritual journey. Popularly known as Palani Murugan Temple, it is counted third among the six holy abodes (Arupadai Veedu) of Lord Murugan.
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Beautifully perched on a hilltop, the temple provides astounding views and marvelous architecture. A visit to the Palani Murugan Temple offers you unmatched spiritual peace. The temple is visited by uncountable pilgrims and tourists every year seeking the eternal blessing of the Lord.
Sripuram Golden Temple, Vellore
Sripuram Golden Temple in Vellore is the divine seat of the Goddess of Wealth, Goddess Lakshmi. It is popularly known as the Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple of Sripuram. It is considered the largest golden temple in India. Enwrapped with 1500 Kg of pure gold foil in fifteen layers Sripuram Golden Temple is a true delight for the eyes.
You will be really surprised to know that the deity of Maha Lakshmi itself is made of 70 kilograms of gold. The beauty of Sripuram Golden Temple at night is just beyond words. Visit Sripuram Golden Temple to seek spiritual bliss and admire the marvelous architecture.
Kapaleeshwara Temple, Chennai
Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Chennai is an absolute must-visit if you are taking a spiritual journey to Tamilnadu. The spectacular temple is an exceptional piece of Dravidian architecture.
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Featuring a golden chariot, huge colorful gopuram, vahanas(vehicles), sacred statues and stunning sculptures, it seems to be the most beautiful temple in Tamil Nadu. It is built over 300 years ago and is Chennai’s largest, most active, and most impressive temple. The prime deity Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Kapaleeshwarar along with his consort Parvati, in the form of Karpagambal (Goddess of the Wish-Yielding Tree).
Thiruchendur Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple
Visit Thiruchendur Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple to seek the divine blessings of Lord Muruga. It is Second, among the six holy abodes of Lord Murugan (Arupadai Veedu). This sacred Murugan Temple sitting serenely by the Bay of Bengal is more than a millennia-old and attracts millions of devotees from all across the world every year.
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It is said to be the only temple of Lord Murugan located on the seashores. The idol of Lord Murugan is seen in a standing posture alongside Shivalinga. This represents the legend of the Lord worshipping his father, Lord Shiva at this sacred place after defeating the demon Surapadma.
Sri Saneeswara Bagwan Temple, Thirunallar
Thirunallar Sri Saneeswara Bagwan Temple is the only temple where Lord Saneeswaran (Planet Saturn) lost all his power to Lord Shiva that saved his devotee Nalan from the curse of Saturn. Hence, it is believed that those suffering from Shani Dosha or the adverse effect of Lord Shani will get relief by offering prayers at this temple.
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The holy abode of Lord Shiva and Lord Shani, Thirunallar Saneeswara Temple is a must-visit on your spiritual journey. The temple is also called Sri Dharbaranyeswara Swamy Temple as it is believed that the deity is made up of Dharba grass. It is situated in Thirunallar in the Karaikal district of Pondicherry. The main attraction of the temple is its holy tank named Nalan Theertham that possesses healing powers. A holy dip in the sacred waters of Nalan Theertham is believed to wash off all kinds of afflictions and misfortunes caused by one’s past karmas.
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A spiritual journey to Tamilnadu is a sheer delight to experience!
Now, you have the list of the Most Popular Temples in Tamilnadu with which you can plan a blissful spiritual sojourn to the amazing ‘Land of Temples’, without a second thought. So, make your way to the beautiful temples of Tamilnadu and get immersed yourself in its divine yet positive aura.
Which temple in Tamilnadu will you visit first?
If you think there’s something we missed out, let us know in the comments below!
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