The state of Tamil Nadu is popularly called the Land of Temples owing to the fact that there are 38,000 temples spread across major cities and towns. These ancient and iconic temples that are thousands of years old have an interesting historical background and are globally recognized for their intricate and unique architectural style. So explore and fulfill your spiritual desires by visiting 30 most famous temples in Tamil Nadu.
Table of Contents
Famous Temples in Tiruchirapalli
1. Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli
This temple is one of the topmost pilgrimage places in Tamil Nadu spread across 156 acres of land with 56 shrines. This temple is a very prominent place among all the 108 temples of Lord Vishnu. It is the second-largest Hindu temple in the world, and also possess the tallest gopuram (entrance tower) in the entire world!
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620006
Phone: +91- 0431 2432246
Temple timing: For Pooja And Darshan timings, check here
2. Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Tiruchirapalli
Considered the second-wealthiest temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, the main deity here is Samayapurathale/ Durga or Maha Kaali. Visit this temple to offer small metallic/silver replicas of body parts to the deity for good health. Also offer the famous sweet called maavilakku ( an offering made of rice flour, jaggery) to the deity.
Architecture Style: Hindu Temple architecture
Location: 13/1, Maruthur Rd, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 621112
Phone: +91- 0431 267 0460
Temple timing: For Pooja And Darshan timings, check here
3. Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort, Tiruchirappalli
Climb up the hill at Rockfort to not only worship the idol of Lord Ganesha, which is made out of a huge rock, but also to get a panoramic view of the entire city of Trichy.
Architecture style: 7th century, Dravidian architecture.
Location: Tiruchirapalli Rock Fort, N Andar St, Teppakulam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620002
Phone: +91- 0431 270 4621
Temple timing: 6am – 8pm
4. Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, Tiruchirapalli
Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is considered the water element out of the five elements of the Universe. This temple is also called Thiruvanaikaval.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: N Car St, Thiruvanaikoil, Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620005
Phone: 0431 223 0257
Temple timing: For Pooja And Darshan timings, check here
How to reach Tiruchirapalli? You can catch a flight and land at Trichy airport to visit these temples or can reach Trichy railway station that is connected to almost all the major cities in the country.
Famous Temples in Thanjavur
5. Naganathaswamy Temple, Thanjavur
Visit this famous Navagraha temple that is devoted to Lord Rahu. People believe that visiting this temple gets rid of all the Rahu doshas ( sins in your ruling planet) from your horoscope. This is the only temple where he is shrined in the human form.
Architecture style: 10th century, Chola architecture
Location: Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 612204
Phone: +91- 0435 246 3354
Temple timing: 5:00 am to 12:30 pm and 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
6. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Built by the emperor Raja Raja Chola, this temple made out of granite is devoted to Lord Shiva and is considered the 7th largest Hindu temple in the world.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Membalam Road, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
Phone: +91- 04362 274 476
Temple timing: 6 – 12:30pm, 4-8:30 pm
How to reach Thanjavur? You can find frequent trains and buses routed directly to Thanjavur from Chennai central railway station and from its bus depot.
Famous Temples in Kanchipuram
7. Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram
Devoted to Lord Shiva, this temple is known for its ancient carvings, half animal deities, more than 50 sub-shrines, vegetable oil paintings and is one of the oldest of all the temples in South India.
Architecture style: Built in 685-705AD, Dravidian architecture
Location: Pillaiyarpalayam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
Phone: +91- 44 – 27442232
Temple timing: 5:30am–12pm and 4–9pm
8. Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram
This famous temple consisting of the sixth tallest gopuram (temple tower) is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is considered one of the five elements of nature and is devoted to the element Earth.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Ekambaranathar Sannidhi Street, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
Phone: +91- 44-27420836, +91- 99441 17450
Temple timing: For Pooja and Darshan timings click here
9. Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram
This temple is considered one of the 51 shakti peethas ( significant shrines) and is devoted to Goddess Kamatchi, also called Thiripura Sundari. This ancient temple, which is more than 1600 years old and built during the Pallava dynasty, happens to be the heart of Kanchipuram district.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: New No. 6, Old No. 144/A, Kamakshi Amman, Sannathi St, Periya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
Phone: +91- 044 2722 2609
Temple timing: For Pooja And Darshan timings check here
10. Singaperumal Koil , Kanchipuram
This temple is also called Padalathri Narasimhar temple and is one of the ancient temples built during the Pallava dynasty. Covering an area of 1.5 acres of land, this temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and celebrates several festivals during the months of February to July.
Architecture style: 8th century, Rock-cut architecture
Location: Singaperumalkoil, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, 603204
Phone: +91- 044 2746 3863
Temple timing: 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
11. Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
This ancient temple consists of 23 acres and 32 shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Vishnu temples that was apparently considered to be visited by the Alwars. With 350 inscriptions from various dynasties like Pandya, Chola, Chera, Hoysala, Kakatiya, this temple is a must-visit in Kanchipuram.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Nethaji Nagar, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
Phone: +91- 044 2726 9773
Temple timing: 6 am to 12.30 pm, 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm
How to reach Kanchipuram? Catch a flight to Bangalore or Chennai and reach Kanchipuram which is 232 km away from Bangalore and 67 km away from Chennai. Or take a train to Chennai and travel to this city by road.
Famous Temples In Madurai
12. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
Devoted to two main deities, Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, a form of Lord Parvati and Lord Shiva, this temple holds the ninth position among the tallest temple gopurams in the world with a height of 170 feet. With around 30,000 sculptures in the temple’s premises, this decades-old temple is a must-visit when in Madurai.
Architecture style: Dravidian architecture
Location: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
Phone: +91- 0452 234 4360
Temple timing: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm
13. Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple
This 6th-century temple built by the Pandyas is devoted to Lord Murugar or Subramanya Swamy. It is considered one of six prominent places of Lord Muruga.
Architecture style: Rock – cut architecture
Location: Thiruparankundram, Tamil Nadu 625005
Phone: +91- 0452 248 4359
Temple timing: Check here to know all about Pooja timings
14. Azhagar Temple, Madurai
This temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu, who is called Kallazhagar, along with wife Goddess Lakshmi Thirumaamagal. This temple, situated in a small village in Madurai, is one among 108 famous divya desams (important shrines) of Lord Vishnu. Its carvings and sculptures along with the scenic views are worth visiting.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Alagar Kovil, Melur Taluk,
Madurai District – 625301.
Phone: +91- 0452 – 2470228
Temple timing: Check here to know all about Pooja timings
15. Pazhamudircholai Murugan Temple, Azhagar Hills
Pazhamudhircholai is the last among the six famous abodes of Lord Muruga, popularly called as Arupadai veedu (six abodes). It is devoted to Lord Muruga and his wife Goddess Valli / Deivayani. It is very close to Azhagar temple and is situated on a hill which can be reached via a bus.
Architecture style: Hindu temple architecture
Location: Alagar Hills R.F., Tamil Nadu 624401
Phone: +91- 095842 36781
Temple timing: 5.30 AM to 1 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
How to reach Madurai? The city of Madurai is just 10 km away from Madurai airport and it has direct trains connecting to all main cities across the country. You can also travel by road and explore this famous temple city of Tamil Nadu.
Famous Temples in Kanyakumari
16. Kanyakumari Devi Temple , Kanyakumari
Situated on the seashore of Kanyakumari, this 2,500-year old temple is devoted to God Kanya Kumari / Kumari Amman, is a virgin Goddess. This historical temple is considered one among the 108 Shakthi Peethas (significant shrines) and is very powerful.
Architecture style: Travancore Kingdom style
Location: Temple Road, Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu 629702
Phone: +91- 04652 246 223
Temple timing: 4.30 AM to 12.30 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM.
17. Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple, Kanyakumari
This is another famous temple in the district of Kanyakumari along the seashore. With the main deity being Goddess Bhagavathi Amman, also called Goddess Parvathi, this temple is a must-visit if you want to witness the Kodai festival.
Architecture style: Hindu temple style
Location: Thooppra moola, Near CSI Church, Vanniyoor Rd, Kaliakkavilai, Tamil Nadu 629153
Phone: +91- 075980 86121
Temple timing: 4:30 am to 12 noon, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
How to reach Kanyakumari? This city is near to Trivandrum International Airport at a distance of 67 km and is also easy to reach through bus/train from other major cities in Tamil Nadu.
Famous Temples in Chennai
18. Kapaleeswarar Temple, Chennai
With the main deity being Lord Shiva along with his consort Goddess Parvathi, also called Karpagaambal , Kapaleeswarar temple is another ancient temple from the 7th century Pallava dynasty. Step into this temple and find complete solace amidst the buzzing life in Chennai.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Kapaleesvarar, Kesava Perumal Sannathi St, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Phone: +91- 044 2464 1670
Temple timing: Poojas and daily rituals happen between 5 am to 10 pm.
19. Cave Temple, Mahabalipuram,Chennai
This UNESCO world heritage site consists of around 400 ancient monuments and few religious cave temples like Varaha, Panchapandava, Krishna, Dharmaraja, Krishna all rooted in Hindu mythology. It also consists of shrines devoted to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This 7th-8th-century architecture from the Pallava dynasty is sure to ignite your love for art.
Architecture style: Cave style architecture, Chola architecture
Location: Fisherman Colony, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104
Phone: +91- 044 2744 2232
Temple timing: 6am – 6pm
How to reach Chennai? Chennai is one of the main hubs in South India and the capital of Tamil Nadu, can be reached easily by air or by train. Reach these temples by road.
Famous Temples in Vellore
20. Sri Danvantri Arogya Peedam, Vellore
The main deity in this temple being Lord Danvantri, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, is known to cure any kind of illness and health issues. Huge number of devotees visit this temple and offer their prayers to the Lord of Ayurveda.
Architecture style: Hindu temple style
Location: Kilpudupet, Ananthalai Madura, Walajapet, Tamil Nadu 632513
Phone: +91- 94433 30203
Temple timing: 8am – 8pm
21. Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Vellore
This is another very famous temple which is 21kms away from Vellore. The main shrine is devoted to Lord Vishnu, which is 6 feet tall and stands along with Goddess Lakshmi in a small hillock in this region. This eminent temple, built by the then-bigwig Rajavarman, is worth visiting.
Architecture style: 8th century Hindu temple style
Location: Thirukoil, Vellore District, Sholinghur, Tamil Nadu 631102
Phone: +91- 04172 262 225
Temple timing: 9 AM to 12 PM and 5 PM to 6:30 PM
How to reach Vellore? Take a flight or train to Chennai and reach Vellore which is 138 km away from Chennai.
Also Read: 18 Must Visit Temples In Bangalore To Indulge In Complete Divinity
Famous Temples In Other Cities Of Tamil Nadu
22. Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai
Considered one of the largest temples of Lord Shiva, this temple is located on the foothills of Arunachala. Visit this temple to celebrate the famous Karthigai Deepam and also to witness the third tallest gopuram in the world.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Pavazha Kundru, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu 606601
Phone: +91- 04175 252 438
Temple timing: 5:30am–12:30pm and 3:30–9:30pm
How to reach here? Catch the Rockfort Express from Chennai Central railway station to Tindivanam and then reach the temple through car/taxi swiftly or catch a direct train from Chennai to Thiruvannamalai.
23. Anjaneyar Kovil, Namakkal
This temple has the tallest statue of Lord Anjaneya / Hanuman in the country with a height of 18feet carved out of a single stone. Situated at the heart of this small town named Namakkal in Tamil Nadu, one can find a huge number of devotees every day offering their prayers here.
Architecture style: Dravidian style
Location: Hanumar Koil Street, Thillaipuram, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu 637001
Phone: +91- 04286 233 999
Temple timing: 6:30 am – 1pm, 4:30 pm – 9pm
How to reach here? a direct train from Chennai to Namakkal or travel by road through car/bus which takes around 6 hours ( 390 km)
24. Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram
This eminent temple situated in the town of Chidambaram is devoted to Lord Shiva and is also called as Thillai Natarajar Temple. Visit this temple to see the ancient shrines, 1000 pillar halls, 17-18th-century architecture, which also happens to be the world’s largest Hindu temple by area, which covers a mammoth area of 402 acres of land!
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu 608001
Phone: +91- 9443635280
Temple timing: Check all details with respect to Darshan timings here
How to reach here? Catch a direct train from Chennai to Chidambaram or travel by bus which takes four hours.
25. Nagaraja Temple, Nagercoil
With numerous serpent statues and images, this temple is purely devoted to its main deity, Nagarajar. The entire town of Nagercoil seems to be apparently formed starting from this temple.
Architecture style: Hindu temple style
Location: N Car St, Ozhuginasery, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu 629001
Phone: +91- 04652 232 420
Temple timing: 5:00 am. to 11:30 pm and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
How to reach here? Catch a bus or a train from Chennai and reach Nagercoil directly to reach this temple.
26. Bannari Amman Temple, Erode
With the main deity being Mariamman ( Maha Kali) , this temple is a very famous one in the state of Tamil Nadu. Visit this temple during the Panguni Kundum festival to witness the celebrations.
Architecture style: Hindu temple style
Location: National Highway 209, Sathyamangalam Taluk, Erode District, Bannari, Tamil Nadu 638401
Phone: +91- 04295 243 289
Temple timing: 5:00 am. to 9 pm
How to reach here? Catch a direct train from Chennai to Erode and reach this temple which is 75 km away from Erode .
27. Palani Murugan Temple, Palani
A very eminent temple in the state of Tamil Nadu, situated in Palani hills, this temple is dedicated to Lord Muruga . It is also called Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Temple and is one of the six abodes (Arupadai veedu) of Lord Muruga.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Giri Veethi, Palani, Tamil Nadu 624601
Phone: +91- 04545 242 236
Temple timing: 5:00 am. to 10 pm
How to reach here? Take a train from Chennai to the nearest city Coimbatore and reach Palani hills by car/bus. Or take a direct train from Chennai to Palani.
28. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
Situated in the island of Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu this temple is one of the famous twelve Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This place marks the significance of pilgrimage among Hindus who take a tour from Kashi/ Varanasi to Rameshwaram and vice versa.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
Phone: +91- 04573 221 223
Temple timing: 4:30am–1pm and 3–8:30pm
How to reach here? The shortest way to reach Rameshwaram is via a direct train from Chennai to this island.
29. Swaminathaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam
This temple is situated in Swamimalai near Kumbakonam and is also situated near the river Cauvery. The main deity here is Lord Murugan, whose statue is 6 feet in height and decorated with golden crowns.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Kumbeswaran thirumanjana veedhi, Swamimalai, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612302
Phone: +91- 0435 245 4421
Temple timing: 5:30 am – 9 pm
How to reach here? Take a direct train or bus from Chennai to reach here
30. Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy Temple, Thiruchendhur
Situated along the shores with an oceanic view, this temple is another iconic religious place for Hindus devoted to Lord Muruga. With ancient sculptures and notable history, this temple is worth visiting.
Architecture style: Dravidian
Location: Arulmigu Subramanian Swamy Temple, Tiruchendur – 628 215.
Phone: +91- 04639 242 221
Temple timing: Check here to know all the details about Pooja and Darshan.
How to reach here? As it is an important pilgrimage place, there are direct trains and buses available frequently from Chennai to Thirunchendur.
Things To Remember
Dress code:
What’s allowed? Sarees. Half-sarees, churidar, and salwar suits are allowed for women. Dhotis, Pyjamas and formal pants are allowed for men.
What’s not allowed? Leggings, jeans, shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops are not allowed for women . Lungis , shirts ( in some temples) aren’t allowed for men.
Footwear:
It is mandatory to remove your footwear before you enter any of the Hindu temples.
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