Famous Temples In Tamil Nadu: List of 8 Important Tamil Nadu Temples
Tamil Nadu is an Indian stated situated in the south of the country and has been inhabited since the prehistoric times.. Its official language is Tamil and the state is home to a number of historic buildings, multi-religious pilgrimage sites, hill stations and eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Several religious sites were created from the Chola dynasty to the Nayak Period in Tamil Nadu. A lot of pilgrims from all over the world come to Tamil Nadu to worship their gods. Here is a list of temples you must visit.
Also Read: Chennai Navagraha Temples List
List of 8 Famous Temples in Tamil Nadu
1. Sri Agastheeswarar Temple Kolapakkam
The temple is said to be over 1500 years old. It was in ruins till 1998 when it was discovered and renovated using immaculate gold and beautiful carvings. The temple has a separate shrine for Sri Surya Bhagvan and according to legends, Sri Surya Bhagvan had worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple.
- Distance From City: 18 km
- Temple Timings: 7 am – 11 am | 4 pm – 8 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Shiva, Sri Agastheeswarar, Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli
- Best Time To Visit: Sundays, when red cloth, red flowers and wheat are offered to deities
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How To Reach: Buses can be hailed from Porur | Nearest Railway Station is Guindy|Distance from Airport: 30 minutes
Also See: Chennai Shiva Temples List
2. Kapaleshwarar Temple
This is one of the most famous temples in Chennai. The Dravidian style architecture of the temple comprises wood carvings, Gopuram, stone pillars and magnificent entryways. The popular temple sees 4 yearly festivals and six daily rituals. The most popular boat festival or Theppam is celebrated behind the temple in a large man-madea tank.
- Temple Timings: 5:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Shiva as Kapaleeswarar and Goddess Parvati as Karpagambal
- Time Taken: 2-3 hours
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport | Well connected by buses and Taxis
3. Jambukeswarar Temple
The temple dates back to the Chola reign in Tamil Nadu. It features a 7 tiered Gopuram with intricate gold carvings. According to legends, Goddess Parvati paid great penance to Lord Shiva on the temple grounds. This penance was paid under a Jambu tree which contributed to the name Jambukeswarar.
- Distance from City: 12 km
- Temple Timings: 5:30-9:30
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Shiva
- Best Time To Visit: Noon, as it is the time for the special prayer
- Time Taken: 2-3 hours
- How to Reach: Nearest Airport: Tiruchirapalli | Well connected through trains and buses
Also See: Chennai Murugan Temples List
4. Siva Subramanya Swami Temple
This temple is dedicated to Sri Murugan and along with consorts vallinayaki and deivanayaki. Nearest railway station is west saidape. It was established when Lord Murugan had won Deivanayaki in war and Vallinayaki with love. The walls have intricate designs and the murals are something to admire.
- Distance From City: 10 km
- Temple Timings: 6 am to 8:00 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Murugan
Best Time To Visit: November to February - Time Taken: 1 hour
- How To Reach: Nearest Railway Station: SaidapetRailway Station |Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Also See: Famous Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu
5. Ranganathaswamy Temple
The temple is located in Srirangam Island of the Tiruchirappalli city in Tamilnadu. It displays beautiful Dravidian style architecture. It has 7 prakaras or enclosures with the presiding deity of Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Ranganathaswamy reclining on five-headed serpent, in the innermost prakara. The structure dates back to the tenth century under the Chola rule.
- Distance from City: 12 km
- Temple Timings: 3 pm – 10pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Vishnu in the form of Lord Ranganathaswamy
- Best Time To Visit: October – February
- How to Reach: Nearest Airport : Tiruchirappalli | Nearest Railway: Tiruchirappalli Railway Station
Also See: Famous Murugan Temples in Tamil Nadu
6. Ramanathaswamy Temple
The incredibly popular temple is a part of the holy ‘Char Dham’ yatra for Hindus across the globe. Thousands of pilgrims come seeking blessings at the temple every day. According to legends, the temple was created when Lord Rama prayed to Lord Vishnu to ask for forgiveness for killing a scholar such as Raavan. Lord Sita created a Shiva linga with sand and this Ramalinga resides in the inner sanctum till date.
- Distance from City: 2 km
- Temple Timings: 4:30 am – 1pm | 3pm – 8:30 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Rama, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Sita, Lord Hanuman
- Best Time To Visit: October – February
- How To Reach: Rameswaram Railway Station | Nearest Airport: Madurai Airport
Also See: Famous Temples in Coimbatore
7. Bala Murugan Temple
The temple is 500 years and has a 4.5 feet idol of the deity within the premises The courtyard displays a majestic emerald peacock with religious significance. According to legend, there was a woman who used to chant Murugan’s name all the time which angered her husband. He got so infuriated that he cut her arm off but still she kept chanting the Lord’s name which made the Lord appear and mend her severed arm. The temple was built to honor his appearance there.
- Distance From City: 10 km
- Temple Timings: 7 am – 12 pm | 4:30 pm – 8 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Murugan
- Best Time To Visit: November to February
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How To Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Kavaraipettai Railway Station |Nearest Airport: Chennai International Airport
Also See: Famous Temples in Kerala
8. Meenakshi Amman Temple
Located in Madurai, it is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu. It boasts of one of the largest temple complexes in Tamil Nadu and has 14 splendid Gopuram. It was built in the 6th century making it the most ancient temple in India. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi and Lord Shiva, as her consort.
- Distance from City: 10.9 km
- Temple Timings: 9 am – 7 am
- Main Gods Worshipped: Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva
- Best Time To Visit: November – February
- Time Taken: 2-3 hours
- How To Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Madurai | Nearest Airport: Madurai
