Temple Treasures of Tamil Nadu – Must visit temples of Tamilnadu
Tamil Nadu is a state located in the southern part of India, and it is home to a plethora of ancient temples that are famous for their rich cultural heritage, intricate architecture, and stunning sculptures. Many of these temples are not just places of worship but also storehouses of valuable treasures that have been preserved for generations.
In this post, we will take a look at some of the most significant temple treasures of Tamil Nadu, their historical and cultural significance, and their locations.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple was built by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The temple is known for its massive tower, which stands at a height of 216 feet and is one of the tallest in India. The temple also houses several valuable treasures, including a Nandi statue made of solid gold weighing around 750 kg, a statue of Lord Vishnu in the Anantasayana posture made of green stone, and a bronze statue of Lord Shiva in the Nataraja form.
Address: Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007, IndiaMeenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai, and it is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, a form of the goddess Parvati. The temple was built by the Pandyan dynasty in the 16th century and is known for its Dravidian-style architecture.
The temple is a popular pilgrimage site and is also famous for its intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also houses several treasures, including a golden crown for the goddess Meenakshi, a silver chariot, and a collection of ancient scriptures.
Address: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, India
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Rameswaram and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built in the 12th century by the Pandyan dynasty.
The temple is known for its massive corridors, which are lined with intricate carvings and sculptures. The temple also houses several treasures, including a 6-foot-tall Shivalingam made of black granite, a golden chariot, and a collection of ancient scriptures.
Address: Ramanathapuram, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526, IndiaKanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
The Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Kanchipuram, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 8th century AD by the Pallava dynasty and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures.
The temple is also famous for its collection of ancient scriptures, which include several rare palm leaf manuscripts. The temple also houses several valuable treasures, including a Nataraja statue made of emerald, a silver chariot, and a collection of ancient jewelry.
Address: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501, India
Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
The Thillai Nataraja Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Chidambaram, and itis dedicated to Lord Nataraja, a form of Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 10th century AD and is famous for its unique architecture and sculptures.
The temple is also home to several valuable treasures, including a gold-plated roof, a collection of ancient scriptures, and a collection of rare musical instruments. The temple is also famous for its annual Natyanjali dance festival, where dancers from all over the world perform classical Indian dance forms in front of the idol of Lord Nataraja.
Address: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001, IndiaKapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai
The Kapaleeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Chennai, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 7th century AD by the Pallava dynasty and is known for its Dravidian-style architecture.
The temple is also famous for its collection of ancient scriptures and sculptures, including a statue of the goddess Kali made of black stone. The temple is also home to a golden chariot that is used during the annual Brahmotsavam festival.
Address: Kapaleesvarar Sannathi St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, IndiaSri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple located in the town of Srirangam, and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century AD by the Chola dynasty and is famous for its massive tower, which stands at a height of 236 feet.
The temple is also famous for its collection of ancient scriptures, which include several rare palm leaf manuscripts. The temple is also home to several valuable treasures, including a gold-plated vimana, a silver chariot, and a collection of ancient jewelry.
Address: Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu 620006, IndiaEkambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
The Ekambareswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Kanchipuram, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD and is famous for its massive tower, which stands at a height of 192 feet.
The temple is also famous for its collection of ancient scriptures, which include several rare palm leaf manuscripts. The temple is also home to several valuable treasures, including a collection of ancient jewelry, a silver chariot, and a golden vimana.
Address: Ekambaranathar Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502, IndiaKoodal Azhagar Temple, Madurai
The Koodal Azhagar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai, and it is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is believed to have been built in the 8th century AD and is famous for its Dravidian-style architecture.
The temple is also famous for its collection of ancient scriptures and sculptures, including a statue of Lord Vishnu in the Anantasayana posture made of black stone. The temple is also home to a golden chariot that is used during the annual Brahmotsavam festival.
Address: Koodal Azhagar Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001, IndiaNellaiappar Temple, Tirunelveli
The Nellaiappar Temple is a Hindu temple located in the city of Tirunelveli, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century AD and is famous for its Dravidian-style architecture.
The temple is also famous for its collection of ancient scriptures and sculptures, including a statue of Lord Shiva in the Ardhanareeswarar posture made of black stone. The temple is also home to a golden chariot that is used during the annual Brahmotsavam festival.
Address: Nellaiappar Temple, Vasantha Nagar, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627001, IndiaConclusion
Tamil Nadu is home to some of the most stunning and ancient temples in India, and these temples are known for their unique architecture, intricate sculptures, and valuable treasures. Each temple has its own history and cultural significance, and visiting them is a must-do activity for anyone interested in Indian culture and history.
Whether you are a religious person or not, the temples of Tamil Nadu offer a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From the massive towers to the ancient scriptures, each temple has something special to offer, and exploring them is an unforgettable experience.
So, next time you visit Tamil Nadu, make sure to add these temples to your list of places to visit. They are sure to leave you awe-inspired and give you a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of India.
