List of Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu


This is a list of temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu is the state with the highest amount of temples in India. According to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 390,615 Hindu temples in the state. Many of these temples are over 800 years old and are spread across the state. These temples were built over centuries by the rulers of various dynasties.
The state holds some of the [List of largest Hindu temple|Hindu temples|largest Hindu temples]. Historical records for the temple date back to at least 3,000 years ago. In Indian and Tamil culture, temples are not only considered as a place for spirituality but also shows the way of living, art, culture, knowledge, and sacrifice of people's life to protect the temples from invaders. Many temples contain inscriptions detailing the democratic rule of kings, which later inspired India's modern voting system.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Maha Vishnu, is located in Srirangam. It is the largest temple compound in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world. Some of these structures have been renovated, expanded and rebuilt over the centuries as a living temple. The latest addition is the outer tower that is approximately tall and was completed in 1987. The temple is an active Hindu house of worship and follows the Tenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. The temple is one of the oldest temples in the world, which consists of inscriptions dating around 100 BCE. The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margali attracts at least one million visitors every year. The temple complex has been nominated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is in UNESCO's tentative list.
Other temples like Madurai's Kallalagar temple — which has high Gopuram towers ornamented with colourful figures — and the Meenakshi Temple, which has high colourful towers and great long halls, are also of note. On Pamban Island, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a pilgrimage site. The town of Kanyakumari, at India's southernmost tip, is the site of ritual sunrises.
The state also abounds with temple tanks. The state has 2,359 temple tanks located in 1,586 temples. The government has identified 1,068 tanks for renovation.

Temples of Murugan

Other major [Murugan] temples

S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1Balasubraminiya Swamy TempleMuruganThiruvidakazhi, Mayiladuthurai25 CEIt is a 2000-year-old Murugan temple believed that Lord Murugan worshipped Lord Shiva here, making the temple a sacred site for absolving sins and removing obstacles to marriage.
2Kuzhanthai Velappar TempleMuruganPoombarai 1000 CEThe Kuzhanthai Velappar Temple has three thousand years of history and was consecrated by Bhogar. The idol is made of Navaphasanam. As per inscriptions in the temple which temple has built by king of Chera dynasty during 10/12 Century.There is a song-poem by Aruna giri nathar who lived during the 15th century
3Sri Navaneethaswara Swamy TempleSingaravelavarSikkal -Murugan received his weapon, the Velayudham, from his mother Parvathi and used it to perform the Surasamharam at Tiruchendur.
4Marudamalai Subramanya Swamy TempleDandayudhapani SwamyMarudamalai 1200 CEIt's here that The Devas approach Murugan to seek his help in destroying Surapadman.
5Kumarakkottam Subramanya Swamy TempleBrahmasaasthaKumarakkottam -Kachiappa Sivachariar wrote the sacred Kanda Puraanam at this temple. Also, Murugan assumed the role of the Creator here, after imprisoning Brahma for his ignorance of the meaning of the Pranava manthiram.
6Valliyur Subramanya Swamy TempleAanantha Kalyana Subramanyar thirumalai kovil, shencottaiValliyur -The Subramanyar Temple at Valliyur in Tirunelveli District is a rock-cut sanctum carved out of a hill. The Saravanappoigai in this temple was created by Murugan at the request of Valli, his consort.
7Vallakkottai Murugan TempleKodaiyandavarVallakkottai -The Murugan idol in this temple is the tallest in Tamil Nadu, at 7 ft.
8Kandaswamy TempleKandaswamyTirupporur 1000 CEAfter killing Surapadman at Tiruchendur, Murugan killed the rest of the asuras here, at Tirupporur
9Sri Subramaniya Swamy TempleKumara VayalurTiruchirappalli1200 yearsMuruga blessed the saint-poet Arunagiri Nāthar at Vayalur by writing OM in his tongue and initiated him to compose Tiruppugal. Arunagirināthar wrote 18 verses on Vayalur in the Tiruppukal. Nataraja is in the Sadura Danda pose in this Temple.
10Shanmuganathan TempleAarumaga SwamyViralimalai -Sage Vasishtar and his wife Arundhathi pray Murugan here to ward off their curses. The temple is also known for its peacocks.
11Mayilam Murugan TempleAarumaga Swamy.Mayilam -At the end of Surasamharam, one half of Surapadman assumed the form of the peacock here.
12Pazhani Aandavar TemplePazhani AndavarVadapalani, Chennai1875 CEOne of the temples built in the modern era, this temple had extensive patronage from the renowned devotee of Murugan Arulmigu Kribanandha Variyar..
13Sri Vetri Velayudhaswami TempleKaithamalaiUttukuliNot Known but Reconstructed in 1999Vetri Velyadhaswami appeared in front the great Tamil saint Agastiyar and helped him to perform his pooja Agastiyar.
14Thindal Murugan TempleThindalmalaiErode-Velyadhaswami temple is a model of Birla Mandir, with Golden Temple Car.
15Arulmigu Subramanyaswamy ThirukovilSivanmalai, Kangayam,Tirupur-One of the well known myths associated with Siva is his conquest of Tripuram – the three celestial cities which the Asuras had taken over, and wreaked havoc over them. The Devas appealed to Siva for help and asked him to save them from the demons. Siva made mount Meru his bow, and Vasuki the serpent his bow-string and prepared to wage war against the Asuras.
16Arulmigu Balamurugan TemplePachaimalaiGobichettipalayam-One of the two hill temples for Murugan in Gobi, the other one being Pavazhamalai which is only 2 km away from Pachaimalai. Though this temple is very old, the structure has been built starting 1967.
17Muthu Kumaraswamy TemplePavalamalaiGobichettipalayam-The second hill temple for Murugan in Gobi.
18Siragiri DandayudhapaniChennimalaiErode-This hill is also called Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri and Siragiri and is located between Kangeyam and Perundurai. It is one of the better known temples of Murugan in Coimbatore district where Arunagirinathar was blessed with "Padikasu", wealth of coins. This is where a miracle took place in the year 1984 on 12 February. On that eventful day two bullocks of their own accord pulled a bullock cart up the 1320 steps. Saravana Munivar wrote the most popular Chennimalai Sthalapuranam 700 years ago. Milk and curds are used as special offerings to Murugan in Chennimalai and it is the general belief that curds do not become sour here.
19Velayudhasamy ThirukoilPugazhi malaiKarur2000CEThe temple is located on a hillock. This place is called Aarunattar malai which is considered as one of the oldest Hill rock of the south.
20Balasubramaniya Murugan TempleVennai malaiKarur1800CEThe temple was worshiped by Brahma and Kamadhenu. This ancient temple dedicated to Muruga has the distinction of being visited by the Saiva saint Arunagirinathar once. This hill temple enshrines the images of Murugan.
21Arulmigu Balamurugan TempleRathnagiriThirumanikundram, Vellore1500CERathinagiri Bala Murugan Temple was built around the 14th century. Over the passage of time an ordinary sand structure was converted into a stone shrine.
The 14th Century poet Arunagirinathar' has sung about this temple as Rathinakiri Vazh Murukane Ilaya Vaaramarar Perumaley, which means 'Murugan, the God of Devas resides in Rathinagiri'
22Rajendra Chozheewarar TempleBalasubramaniyanPeriyakulam, Theni--
23Sri Kolanjiappar TempleKolanjiapparManavalanallur 2 km from Vriddhachalam1000 years oldThe benevolent Shiva so as to liberate the entire living being has incarnated himself in many holy Shrines in the so-called Middle Country.. Vriddhachalam is the best among such holy shrines. Two Mile west of this, there is a small village namely Manavalanallur. Where there is abundance of flowery trees bristling with humming of birds and insects. It is known as Manavalanallur because Murugan, the Manavalan has embodied himself here. In the words of Arunagirinathar. "He is the Manavalan residing in the monkeys inhabited hill"
24Uthanda Velayudhaswamy temple, UthiyurVelayudhasamyUthiyur Hills,
Kangeyam, Tiruppur district		9th century CEUthanda Velayudhasamy Temple is the main shrine dedicated turugan after a flight of 100 steps in Uthiyur hills from the ground. It built in dravidian architecture with a huge water-well as well and the little path with few rocky steps beside the temple lead to the base of a hillock and the steps ended there as well. In this shrine, Velayudhaswamy appears with his spear and Peacock. There are many sculptures here and also some ancient era hero-stones.
25Balasubramaniyar Temple, SiruvaapuriBalasubramaniyarChinnambedu, Siruvaapuri,
Tiruvallur		14th century CESiruvaapuri is connected to the epic Ramayanam and is the place where the sons' of Rama, Lava and Kusha lived. Since they fought with Rama here it is called "Siruvar Por Puri", which latter became "Siruvaapuri". However, the village is now called as Chinnambedu. Arunagirinathar the Tamil Saint of 14th century CE has visited this temple and has composed Tiruppukal songs on the Murugan in this temple. He is standing facing the deity. The special feature of this temple is the presence of emarald peacock. The village is located 40 km from Chennai and can be reached by a detour before reaching Puduvoyal near Kavarapettai, before Gummidipoondi in Chennai - Kolkatta NH.

Temples of Vishnu

கரிகிருஷ்ணா பெருமாள் கோவில் பொன்னேரி.

Temples of Shiva

*

Temples of Bhairava

  • Kala Bhairavar Temple, Aathisivan temple, Thandarampattu, Thiruvannamalai.
  • Kala Bhairavar,Sattainathar Temple,Sirkali,Mayiladuthurai Dt.
  • Bhairavar Temple, Thulla Kattam, Mayiladuthurai
  • Yoga Bhairavar Temple, Tiruppathur, Sivagangai Dt.
  • Bhairavar Temple, Vairavan Patti, Karaikudi
  • Bhairava Moorthi Temple, Morepalayam, Tiruchengodu
  • Bhairaveswarar Temple, Cholapuram, Kumbakonam
  • Kalabhairav Temple, Adhiyaman Kottai
  • Kala Bhairavar Temple, Achangulam, Pasuvanthanai Taluk
  • Sri Bhairavanathaswamy Temple, Thagattur
  • Sri kaala bhairavar Temple near Eachangudi Thanjavur Dt
  • Astha Bairavar Temple, Aragalur, Attur Tk, Salem Dt.
  • Shri Bairavar Rudhra Alayam, Ecchankarunai, Chengalpatu -603003
  • Kala Bhairavar Temple, Kshetrapalapuram, Mayiladuthurai
  • Swarna Akarshana Bhairavar Temple, Mangaimadam, Mayiladuthurai
  • Kala Bhairavar Temple, Kundadam, Tiruppur district
  • Bhairavar Temple, Renganathapuram, Bodinayakkanur, Theni dt

Temples of [Hanuman]

  • Anjaneyar Temple, Namakkal- 18 feet single stone sculpture
  • Sri Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar Temple, Ayippettai, Chidamaram
  • Anjaneyar Temple, Suchindram, Kanyakumari
  • Anjaneyar Temple, Foothills of Nainamalai, Namakkal
  • Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyar, Panchavatee, Pondicherry
  • Sri Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Nanganallur, Chennai
  • Tirukkatikai Yoga Anjaneyar Temple, Sholingar
  • Veera Anjaneya Swami Temple, Mylapore, Chennai
  • Sri periya Anjaneyar Temple, Ambur
  • Sri Sanjeevi Rayan Temple, Iyengar Kulam, Kanchipuram
  • Sri Viswaroopa Panchamukha Anjaneya Swami Temple, Tiruvallur
  • Sri Jaya Anjaneya Swami Temple, Karur
  • Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar, Vedasandur, Dindigul
  • Sri PunithaPuli Anjaneyar Temple, Paramakudi
  • Sri Anuvavi Anjaneya Temple, Coimbatore
  • Anjaneyar kovil, Ponneri
  • Arulmigu Kadu Hanumatharayar Temple, Dharapuram
  • Arulmigu Nava Anjaneyar Temple, Madurai-Dindugul Bye pass, Kulasekarapattinam.
  • Sree Moola Anjaneyar Koil, Thanjavur
  • Sanjeevirayar Anjaneyar Koil pidampatti Village Mathur post Kulathur tk Puthukkottai dt. near by trichy.
  • Shri Rama Baktha Bavya Swaroopa Anjaneyar Temple, BHEL nagar, Medavakkam, Chennai
  • Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple, Gowrivakkam, Chennai
  • Sri Guru Hanuman Temple, Vadavalli, Coimbatore

Temples of Amman

  • Adhiparasakthi Siddhar Peetam, Melmaruvathur, Kanchipuram
  • Koniamman Temple, Coimbatore
  • Mariyamman Temple, Kuppuchipalayam, Paramathi Velur, Namakkal
  • Angala Parameshwari Temple, Pillur, Namakkal
  • Padaivetti Amman Temple, Pillur, Namakkal
  • Arulmigu Maha Maariyamman temple, Thenkudi
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram
  • arulmigu sri seethala devi mahasakthi mariamman temple,perumpugalore,thiruvarur.
  • Gangai Amman Temple, Gudiyattam |Arulmigu Kodiyidai Nayagi Temple, Thirumullaivoyal
  • Arulmigu Vanabathrakali Amman Temple, Mettupalayam, Coimbatore
  • Adhi Kamakshi Temple, Kanchipuram
  • Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu
  • Arulmigu Devi Pachaimalai Amman Temple, Thirumullaivoyal
  • Arulmigu Vaishnavi Devi Temple, Thirumullaivoyal
  • Mandhai Amman Temple, Rayavaram, Pudukkottai
  • kalingaiamman, Trichy Kuladevam Kalingaiamman Temple beside Delta Kavery River in front Sriranganathan Temple Srirangam
  • Arulmigu Shri Ayirathamman Kovil, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli
  • Shri Anandhavalli sametha Shri Agastheeswarar Temple, Semmangudi, Kudavasal taluk, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu
  • Arulmigu Chamundeshwari Amman Temple, Singalandapuram, Thuraiyur taluk, Tiruchirappalli district, Tamil Nadu
  • Sri Angalaparameswari Amman Mel Kovil and Kizh Kovil, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri Dist. Tamil Nadu
  • Shri Anandhavalli sametha Shri Agastheeswarar Temple, Semmangudi, Kudavasal taluk, Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu
  • Arulmigu Mariamman Temple, Irukkankudi, Virudhunagar Dist, Tamil Nadu.
  • Gomathi Amman Temple, Sankarankovil
  • Aanangur Ammaicharamman Temple, Aanangur, Before Pillur, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.
  • Arulmigu Angalaparameswari Aalayam, Chinna Subbarayapillai Street, Pondicherry-1.
  • Bannari Mariamman Temple, Bannari, Sathyamangalam
  • Chenchadainathar Karunakadakshi Amman Temple, Thirumal Ugandan kotai, Ramanathapuram dist, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Arulmigu Masani Amman Temple, Anaimalai
  • Pariyur Kondathu Kaliamman Temple, Gobichettipalayam
  • Mariyamman temple, Samayapuram, Tiruchirappalli
  • Arulmigu Annai Sri Gowmariamman Temple, Veerapandi, theni Dist, Tamil Nadu.
  • PunnaiNallur Mariamman Temple, Thanjavur
  • Sholiyamman Temple, Karur
  • Golden Temple, Sripuram Sri Laskshmi narayani Temple, vellore District Tamil Nadu
  • Arulmigu Gangai Amman Thirukkovil, Santhavasal, Tiruvannamalai District Tamil Nadu
  • Arulmigu Devi Karumariamman Temple Thiruverkadu
  • Bangaru Kaamaatchiyamman Koil, Thanjavur
  • Arulmigu Kottai Mariamman Kovil, Salem
  • Sri Ramalinga Sowdambikai Amman Kovil at Raja Street, Coimbatore.
  • Kottai Mariamman Kovil, Dindigul
  • Sri Poongundra Nayaki Amman Temple, MahibalanPatti
  • Koppudayamman Koil, Karaikudi
  • Kumariamman Koil, Kanyakumari
  • Angalaparameswari Koil, Mel Malayanur
  • Aathiparashakthi Koil, Mel Maruvathur
  • Badrakali Amman Temple, madapuram, Sivagangai District.
  • Sree Bhadhrakali Devaswom,Kollencode
  • Sri Rajarajeshwari Ishakkiamman Trust, Kollemcode
  • Mondaicaud Bhagavathi Temple, Mandaicaud
  • Muppandal Isakki amman Temple, Muppandal
  • Arulmigu Thayamanagalam Muthu Mariamman Kovil, Thayamangalam, Sivagangai District
  • Arulmigu kannaparkula peecha vettuva gounder kuladeivam kulavilakkuammankovil, kaalamangalam 'erode ganapathi palayam,
  • Arulmigu Mariyamman koil, Alangayam
  • Arulmigu Sri Chinna Mariamman Kovil Dindugal District,
  • Arulmigu Sri Angalaparameswari Amman kovil, Pappakudi, Near Mukkudal, Tirunelveli Dist. Tamil Nadu
  • Arulmigu Sri Mariyamman kovil, திருப்பணிகரிசல்குளம் Thiruppanikarisalkulam, Near Pettai, Tirunelveli Dist, Tamil Nadu.
  • Muppidathi Amman kovil, திருப்பணிகரிசல்குளம் Thiruppanikarisalkulam, Near Pettai, Tirunelveli Dist, Tamil Nadu.
  • Arulmigu Sri Muttharamman Kovil, Ammandivilai,
  • Arulmigu Sri Manathattu Isakkiyamman kovil, Ammandivilai,
  • Arulmigu Sri Bhavani Amman thriukovil, Preiyapalayam
  • Sri Santhanamari amman kovil vickramasingapuram, ambasamudram taluk Tirunelveli
  • Ashtalakshmi Kovil, Besant Nagar, Chennai
  • Poongavanathamman Temple, Ramapuram, Putlur, Tiruvallur

Ayyanarappan Temples

  • Shri Manjaneeswarar Ayyanarappan Temple, Kilputhupattu, Pondicherry.
  • Sri Porkilai, Sri Poorani Samedha Kaliyurayan Ayyanarappan Temple, Pillur, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.
  • Sri Ayyanarappan Temple, Kanniakoil, Cuddalore Road, Puducherry.
  • Arulmigu Ettimarathumuniappan Temple, Salem.
  • Kathukonda Ayyanar Temple, Sundarapandiapuram, Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu
  • Arulmigu Siraimeetta Ayyanar Temple, Kottaram, Aavinankudi, Cuddalore.
  • Arulmigu Vaagaimarathu Ayyanarappan karuppusamy Temple, Magudanchavadi, Salem.
  • Sri vaazl Munishwar Temple, Mannangadu,Thanjavur district.
  • Navaladiyan Temple, Mohanur, Namakkal

Nagarajar Temples

  • Sangabala Nagarajar Temple, Mohanur, Namakkal

SaibabaTemples

  • Mukkan Saibaba Temple, Veeranampalayam, Namakkal
  • Saibaba Temple, Thottipatti, Namakkal
  • Saibaba temple, Mylapore, Chennai
  • Akaraipatti Saibaba Temple,Tenh Shirdi,Trichy

Chitra Gupta Temples

Cave Temples of Pandiyas

Rockcut Monolith Temples of Pallavas

Structural Temples of Pallavas

Structural Temples of Vijayanagara

Structural Temples of Chola

Temples of The Navagrahams">Navagraha">The Navagrahams

The Navagraha temples are a set of nine Hindu temples, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities, the Navagraham, in various places around the towns of Mayiladuthurai and Kumbakonam.
S.NoName of TempleName of DeityLocation Built aroundNotes/Beliefs
1Suryanaar TempleSurya Aduthurai 1100 CEThis is the only Navagraham temple where the other eight grahams are also present. But, unlike the usual Navagraham arrangement, all other grahams face Surya here
2Agniswarar TempleShukra Kanchanoor 600-800 CE-
3Kailasanathar TempleChandra Tingalur
4Vaitheeswaran TempleMangala Vaitheeswaran kovil 600-800 CE-
5Tirunageswaram Naganathar TempleRahuTirunageswaram 950 CEThis temple was built by Gandaraditya Chola, son of Parantaka Chola I.
6Tirunallar Saniswaran TempleSani Tirunallaru --
7Nagannathaswamy TempleKethuKeezhperumpallam --
8Apatsahayesvarar TempleGuru Alangudi --
9Swetharanyeswarar TempleBudha Tiruvenkadu --

Navagraha Temples of Chennai

Chennai has its own set of Navagraha Temples located in and around Kundrathur
  • a) Surya - Agastheeswaram at Kolapakkam
  • b) Moon - Somanatheeswarar at Somamangalam
  • c) Mars - Vaitheeswaran at Poonamalee
  • d) Kethu - Neelakanteshwarar at Gerugambakkam
  • e) Guru - Ramanadeshwarar at Porur
  • f) Sukra - Velleswarar at Mangadu
  • g) Budhan - Thirumeyneeswarar at Kovur
  • h) Rahu - Thirunageshwaram at Kundrathur
  • i) Saneeswarar - Agastheeswaram at Pozhichalur
For detailed write up on these temple refer to page on Kundrathur
Ayyanarappan Temples
Sri Porkilai, Sri Poorani Samedha Kaliyurayan Ayyanarappan Temple, Pillur, Villupuram, Tamil Nadu.
Sri Ayyanarappan Temple, Kanniakoil, Cuddalore Road, Puducherry.