Temples of Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is the home for temples from ancient history. The architecture wonders the people all over the world which were constructed in the eras of A.D. and B.C. None can ever say they have visited all the temples of Tamil Nadu. I’m sharing some of the temples from Chennai to Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Gangai Konda Cholapuram and Chidambaram.


Adi Kumbeshwarar Temple, Kumbakonam:

I started by noon from Chennai by car via ECR and reached Kumbakonam in 6-7hours (including lunch and tea breaks). When you are near the temple locality, don’t trust the Google map anymore. There is a big market around the temple street where you can’t even drive a two-wheeler. It is good to enquire local people to take temple road. Adi Kumbeshwarar is a very famous temple in Kumbakonam where Lord Perumal resides and a lot of celebrations and poojas happen most of the days.


Where to halt at night?

We stayed at hotel around Adi Kumbeshwarar Temple locality. Around this place in radius of 5 km, you’ll get many decent hotels and fine-dining restaurants.


Swamimalai Temple, Kumbakonam:

I started by morning to visit Swamimalai Temple which is a famous temple for ‘Lord Muruga’. We made time to be in the temple from 8 to 9 A.M. during which you can see Abhishekam for the Lord Muruga and have a great darshan. You’ll see Kaveri River flowing through this town in the temple locality.


Thanjavur Big Temple, Thanjavur:

Big Temple is known for its head-raising tall architecture constructed during the period of Raja Raja Chola I in 1010 A.D. This is one of the UN Heritage sites in the world and attracts foreign tourists all through the year. We have a majestic ‘Shivalinga’ in the temple devoted by people. Since I visited a week post (February) Kumbabishek, there was a long queue for 2 hours to enter inside shrine. You’ll see shrine for other Gods in the temple complex surrounded by resting place for people. This temple locality is well protected by police patrol to control crowd and fixed parking lot. You can buy the famous ‘Thanjavur Dancing dolls’ in the temple complex at a good price compared to shops outside.


Arulmigu Peruvudaiyar Temple, Gangaikonda Cholapuram:

After visiting Big Temple, I reached Gangaikonda Cholapuram constructed during Rajendra Chola I period in 1035 A.D. Temple complex opens at 4.30 P.M. by evening for people. This is another beautiful architecture but a smaller compared to the Big Temple with a ‘Shivalinga’ for worship. The temple is surrounded by well-maintained park in the complex. This is a good place to relax in peace. The complex has shrines for other Gods with a big Nandi idol. The entrance of the temple depicts the great architecture of Cholas.


Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram:

It takes an hour to reach Chidambaram from Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Nataraja Temple complex is very vast and has four entrances facing each direction (East, West, North and South). The temple has shrines for many other Gods and Goddesses. You’ll definitely need 2 hours if you want to worship all the deity. First, visit the main temple to worship Lord Nataraja in dancing posture and can see the famous ‘Golden shrine’ of the temple. The temple gets closed by 8 P.M. so make sure to leave the temple complex by the time.


Finally, started travel back to Chennai and reached by mid-night.


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