UNESCO-recognised temples in Tamil Nadu every traveller should visit

Tamil Nadu, also known as the 'Land of Temples', is home to a number of ancient temples. The majority of these temples showcase Dravidian architecture and are over a thousand years old. In fact, every temple here narrates tales from the golden ear of India; a tale of religious faith and the architectural wonders in making.


Let us learn more about these famous temples in Tamil Nadu:

Situated in the city of Thanjavur, the construction of the temple was commissioned by Rajaraja I in 1010 CE. This temple is constructed using granite and features a tall vimana which is the highest in South India. and contains one of the largest Shiva Lingas. Surrounding this temple are the mandapas of Nandi, Murugan, Ganesha, Parvati, and others. This grand temple is also one of the Great Living Chola Temples included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is in the center of Madurai city and is one of India's most visited temples. It is over 2,000 years old dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, revered as a form of Parvati, and her consort Sundareswar, a form of Shiva. This temple boasts great architecture with 14 high gopurams where each one has thousands of colorful sculptures covering it and a pillar hall. One should surely plan a trip around April because it is the time when the divine wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar is celebrated, also known as Chithirai festival.

Airavatesvara Temple is situated near Kumbakonam and is another example of the Chola temple built during the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II. This temple is famous throughout the world for its delicate carvings in stone and musical steps, each one of which gives a distinct note if touched. The Agra Mandapa in front is constructed as a chariot of stone, which is pulled by horses with ornamented wheels, hubs, and mythical animals.

The temple is adorned with intricate ornamental carvings depicting scenes from mythological epics, graceful dancers, revered sages, and everyday village life. It is also part of the renowned Great Living Chola Temples and holds the prestigious status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This temple is also a UNESCO-recognised Chola temple that was established around 1035 CE by Rajendra Chola to commemorate his victories. This temple was copied after the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur; they are similar, but there is more sophisticated sculpture on this temple. The tank in this temple was consecrated with sacred water of Ganga to dedicate it as a victory monument, and thus the name "Gangaikonda" originated. This temple was the capital of the Chola Empire.

This temple is situated at a place from where one gets to view the Bay of Bengal and also happens to be one of the oldest structural stone temples in South India and was constructed by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman II in the 8th century. The Shore Temple was built using granite blocks and depicts the early Dravidian architectural style. This temple boasts shrines for both Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. This temple is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu.