Famous Temples in Tamil Nadu: A Source-Checked Guide to Shiva, Vishnu, Devi, Murugan and Ganesha Shrines

Quick answer: HinduTone has source-checked records for 126 temples in Tamil Nadu. This guide gives full sections to 23 of them, grouped by deity, and briefly links 20 more: Shiva shrines such as Ekambareswarar, Jambukeswarar, Arunachaleswarar, Chidambaram, Rameswaram and Thanjavur; Vishnu's Divya Desams led by Srirangam and Kanchipuram's Varadharaja Perumal; Devi shrines including Meenakshi in Madurai, Kamakshi and Kanyakumari; five of Murugan's Arupadai Veedu; Ganesha at Pillayarpatti; and the Navagraha shrines for Rahu and Surya.

Last updated: 20 October 2026. Built from HinduTone's source-checked temple records (checked on 11 October 2026). The records do not publish fixed darshan timings, so confirm timings with each temple before you travel.

Shiva temples

Many Shiva temples here are praised in the Tevaram hymns. Our records confirm two of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the shrines of the elements. Monday is the traditional day for Shiva worship; see our Monday guide.

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram (earth)

At the centre of Kanchipuram, this temple is one of the five Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, representing earth; its linga is the Prithvi Linga. The deity is named after the mango tree (Eka Amra) still in the premises, and childless couples worship the tree in hope of a child, the district administration notes. The 57-metre rajagopuram and thousand-pillared hall are Vijayanagara additions. Its main festival is the 13-day Panguni Uthiram in March–April. Ekambareswarar temple page.

Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikaval (water)

Near Srirangam in Tiruchirappalli, Shiva is worshipped as Jambukeswarar with the goddess Akilandeswari. The temple's official HR&CE site calls it the Appu Sthalam, the water shrine among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, and notes an underground stream in the sanctum. Jambukeswarar temple page.

Arunachaleswarar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Shiva is worshipped as Arunachaleswarar (Annamalaiyar) with the goddess Unnamulaiyammai at the foot of the Arunachala hill; the town grew around the temple, the municipality records. The district administration calls the town a centre of the Shaiva religion and names Karthigai Deepam (November–December) the main festival, drawing devotees from across South India, with very large crowds. See our Karthigai Deepam 2026 guide. Arunachaleswarar temple page.

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

In Cuddalore district, Shiva is worshipped as Nataraja, the cosmic dancer, with Sivakamasundari. The two principal ten-day festivals are Arudra Darshan (Margazhi) and Aani Thirumanjanam (June–July), when Nataraja is taken round the four car streets; The Hindu reported about two lakh devotees at Arudra Darshan in 2001. Chidambaram temple page.

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

On Rameswaram island, Shiva is worshipped as a linga with Parvathavardhini Amman. It is counted among the twelve Jyotirlingas and the four dhams. According to tradition, Rama worshipped a sand linga shaped by Sita here. Pilgrims bathe at Agni Theertham and the 22 temple wells before darshan, and Thai and Aadi Amavasai draw large crowds for rites for ancestors. Madurai is the nearest airport. See our 12 Jyotirlingas guide. Rameswaram temple page.

Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur

Built by the Chola emperor Rajaraja I and inaugurated in AD 1009–10, the Big Temple is one of UNESCO's three Great Living Chola Temples. The ASI notes that its sanctum linga is 8.7 m high and its sikhara rests on a single granite block of about 80 tons. It is a protected monument and a living place of worship. Brihadeeswarar temple page.

Airavatesvara Temple, Darasuram

Near Kumbakonam, this 12th-century Shiva temple was built by Rajaraja II and is the third of the Great Living Chola Temples. The Hindu notes that it stands out for intricate sculptures, and part of the temple is built as a chariot drawn by an elephant and a horse. It is a protected monument and an active place of worship. Airavatesvara temple page.

Sthanumalayan Temple, Suchindram

In Kanniyakumari district, Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma are worshipped together in one form as Sthanumalayan. Dinamalar notes an 18-foot standing Hanuman, musical pillars and a female form of Ganesha called Ganeshini. The ten-day Margazhi festival ends with the car festival round the four Mada streets. Suchindram temple page.

Vishnu temples and Divya Desams

The Divya Desams are the 108 Vishnu shrines praised by the Alvars. Thursday is a traditional day for Vishnu worship; see our Thursday guide.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

On an island formed by the Cauvery and the Kollidam in Tiruchirappalli district, Vishnu reclines on Adisesha as Ranganathaswamy. The district administration counts it among the 108 principal Vishnu temples and the eight Swayam Vyakta Kshetras, where Vishnu is believed to have manifested on his own. The complex covers about 156 acres with 21 gopurams. According to tradition, the image given by Rama to Vibhishana could not be moved from the Cauvery bank. Srirangam temple page.

Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

Vishnu is worshipped as Varadharaja, the granter of boons, on Hastigiri, with Perundevi Thayar. The temple is known for the gold and silver lizards above the sanctum corridor and for the fig-wood Athi Varadar image, raised from the tank for 48 days roughly every forty years, most recently in 2019. The Vaikasi Brahmotsavam, with its Garuda Sevai, is the main festival. Varadharaja Perumal temple page.

Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane, Chennai

Krishna is worshipped as Parthasarathy, Arjuna's charioteer, depicted with a moustache, Dinamalar notes. The temple also has shrines of Vedavalli Thayar, Andal, Ranganathar, Kothandaramar and Narasimhar. Vaikunta Ekadasi draws very large crowds. See also our Krishna temples guide. Parthasarathy temple page.

Andal Temple, Srivilliputhur

Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district is revered as the birthplace of Periyalvar and Andal. Its rajagopuram, about 192 feet high, is the official emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Aadi Pooram, Andal's birth star, is the chief festival, ending in the car procession, with silk garments sent from Srirangam. Andal temple page.

Oppiliappan Temple, Thirunageswaram

Near Kumbakonam, Vishnu is worshipped as Oppiliappan (Venkatachalapathi) with Bhoomi Devi. By legend, when the sage Markandeya said his daughter was too young to know how to use salt, the Lord said he would forgo salt, so prasadams here are still made without salt, The Hindu reports. Oppiliappan temple page.

Yoga Narasimha Temple, Sholinghur

In Ranipet district, Narasimha is seated in a yogic posture on the big hill, with Amirthavalli Thayar; Yoga Anjaneya has his shrine on the small hill. The climb involves well over a thousand steps, and a ropeway now carries pilgrims. Yoga Narasimha temple page and Yoga Anjaneyar temple page.

Devi and Amman temples

Friday is a traditional day for the goddess; see our Friday guide.

Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai

This twin temple at the centre of Madurai honours Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, and Sundareswarar, a form of Shiva; the district administration calls it the pivot around which the city evolved. It is known for its gopurams and the Golden Lotus Tank. The twelve-day Chithirai festival (April–May) celebrates Meenakshi's coronation and wedding. The latest consecration was on 17 September 2026. See our Meenakshi Amman temple guide. Meenakshi temple page.

Kamakshi Amman Temple, Kanchipuram

Incredible India describes Kamakshi as the presiding goddess of Kanchi, seated in a lotus posture in the Gayatri Mandapam. The temple is associated with the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Sharada Navaratri is its most important festival, and access to the Gayatri Mandapam is restricted during the full-moon night Navavarana puja. Kamakshi temple page.

Samayapuram Mariamman Temple, Tiruchirappalli district

Devotees believe Mariamman here protects them from illness, especially smallpox and chickenpox. The district administration counts it among the abodes of Shakti and names Poochoriyal, the flower festival, among its main festivals, with Panchaprakaram and Brahmotsavam. Frequent buses run from Tiruchirappalli Central Bus Stand. Samayapuram temple page.

Kumari Amman Temple, Kanyakumari

On the seashore at the southern tip of India, the goddess is worshipped as a virgin form of Parvati. According to tradition she killed the demon Banasura, believed to be on Vijaya Dashami, so Navaratri is a major festival; the ten-day Vaikasi Visakam festival is the main celebration. Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport. Kumari Amman temple page.

Patteeswaram Durgai Temple, near Kumbakonam

Within the Thenupureeswarar Shiva temple, this Durga is shown in a calm form standing on Mahisha. Tradition holds she was the guardian goddess of the Chola kings. Devotees offer lemon garlands and lamps, and Fridays in Aadi are especially crowded. Patteeswaram temple page.

Murugan temples

Five of Murugan's six Arupadai Veedu are in our source-checked records, and our Arupadai Veedu guide covers them in detail. In brief: Thirupparankundram near Madurai, linked to Murugan's marriage to Devayanai; Swamimalai near Kumbakonam, reached by 60 steps; Palani in Dindigul district, where Murugan is Dhandayuthapani; Tiruttani in Tiruvallur district, with 365 steps; and Pazhamudircholai above Azhagar Kovil. Tuesday is a common day for Murugan worship; see our Tuesday guide.

Ganesha temples

Wednesday is a traditional day for Ganesha; see our Wednesday guide and our Ganesh temples guide.

Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Pillayarpatti

In Sivaganga district, this rock-cut cave shrine has a two-armed Ganesha with the trunk turned to the right (Valampuri), about six feet tall and facing north. The cave is generally assigned to the early Pandya period, and an early inscription names the sculptor. The ten-day Vinayaka Chaturthi festival ends with a chariot procession and a large modakam offering. Pillayarpatti temple page.

Eachanari Vinayagar Temple, Coimbatore

On the Coimbatore–Pollachi road, this temple is known for a daily morning golden chariot procession and a puja for each of the 27 birth stars. Queues are long on Vinayagar Chaturthi. Eachanari temple page.

Navagraha shrines

For background on planetary worship, see our Navagraha shanti puja guide.

Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram (Rahu)

About 6 km from Kumbakonam, this Shiva temple is the Navagraha kshetra for Rahu, worshipped as Mangala Rahu with Nagavalli and Nagakanni. By legend Rahu was freed of a curse here, and milk poured on Rahu in abhishekam is said to turn blue. Rahu Peyarchi, about every 18 months, draws tens of thousands. Thirunageswaram temple page.

Kailasanathar Temple, Brahmadesam (Surya)

Near Ambasamudram in Tirunelveli district, Shiva is worshipped as a self-manifested linga with Periyanayaki. The temple is regarded as the Surya shrine among a regional group of Navagraha temples, and it is built so that sunlight falls on the linga during Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Brahmadesam temple page.

More source-checked temples

• Kapaleeswarar Temple, Mylapore: Chennai; the Adhikara Nandi procession at Panguni Uthiram.
• Thyagaraja Swamy Temple, Tiruvarur: large subsidiary shrines; allow a full day.
• Shore Temple, Mamallapuram: Pallava Shiva and Vishnu shrines, a ticketed ASI monument.
• Ashtalakshmi Temple, Besant Nagar: Lakshmi and her eight forms on the Chennai seashore.
• Sri Lakshmi Narayani Golden Temple, Sripuram: a modern gold-covered Lakshmi shrine near Vellore.
• Bannari Mariamman Temple: Erode district, known for its Panguni fire-walking festival.
• Kottai Mariamman Temple, Salem: a 22-day Aadi festival.
• Brahmapureeswarar Temple, Sirkazhi: associated with the child saint Thirugnanasambandar.
• Mayuranathaswamy Temple, Mayiladuthurai: daily Kaveri theerthavari in Aippasi.
• Vadaranyeswarar Temple, Thiruvalangadu: the Ratna Sabha of Nataraja.
• Rajagopalaswamy Temple, Mannargudi: an 18-day Panguni Brahmotsavam for Krishna.
• Ulagalantha Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram: Vishnu in his Trivikrama form.
• Veeraraghava Swamy Temple, Tiruvallur: very busy on new moon days.
• Vaikuntanathar Temple, Srivaikuntam: one of the nine Nava Tirupathi temples.

Tiruchendur, the sixth Arupadai Veedu, is also a major pilgrimage site; it is not yet in our source-checked set.

Tamil Nadu temples at a glance

Pilgrimage circuits in Tamil Nadu

• Kanchipuram and Chennai: Ekambareswarar, Kamakshi and Varadharaja Perumal in Kanchipuram; Kapaleeswarar and Parthasarathy in Chennai; the Shore Temple at Mamallapuram.
• Kumbakonam and the Cauvery delta: Brihadeeswarar at Thanjavur, Airavatesvara at Darasuram, Patteeswaram, Thirunageswaram's Naganathaswamy and Oppiliappan, Swamimalai and Tiruvarur.
• Tiruchirappalli: Srirangam, Jambukeswarar at Thiruvanaikaval and Samayapuram, all in the same district.
• Madurai and the south: Meenakshi, Thirupparankundram and Pazhamudircholai around Madurai, Pillayarpatti in Sivaganga, Srivilliputhur, and Rameswaram, for which Madurai is the nearest airport.
• Kanniyakumari district: Kumari Amman at Kanyakumari and Suchindram, which town buses from Nagercoil pass through.

The records do not name a single best season for Tamil Nadu temples. Festival days such as Karthigai Deepam, Arudra Darshan, Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Chithirai festival and Amavasai days are very crowded, so plan around them or expect long queues.

Visiting from abroad

The airports named in these records are Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli and Coimbatore, with Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala for Kanyakumari. Rest for a day after a long flight. Book sevas and rooms only through official temple or HR&CE channels, wear modest traditional clothing, and keep a little cash for offerings and footwear counters. Smartphones are not allowed inside major state-run temples from September 2026. Our temple visit guide and temple safety tips cover darshan etiquette and crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Which Pancha Bhoota Sthalams are in this guide?

Our source-checked records describe two of the five element shrines of Shiva: Ekambareswarar in Kanchipuram for earth (the Prithvi Linga) and Jambukeswarar at Thiruvanaikaval near Tiruchirappalli for water (the Appu Linga). The other element shrines are not described here because our verified records do not yet state their element.

Which Tamil Nadu temples in this guide are Divya Desams?

The records count Srirangam, Varadharaja Perumal in Kanchipuram, Parthasarathy in Triplicane, the Andal temple at Srivilliputhur, Oppiliappan near Kumbakonam and Yoga Narasimha at Sholinghur among the 108 Divya Desams, along with Srivaikuntam and Ulagalantha Perumal in Kanchipuram.

Which temple is linked to Rahu?

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple at Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam is the Navagraha kshetra for Rahu, who is worshipped there as Mangala Rahu. Rahu Peyarchi, his transit about every 18 months, draws very large crowds.

Do I need to bathe before darshan at Rameswaram?

It is a custom, not a rule stated in our records: many pilgrims bathe at Agni Theertham and then at the 22 temple wells before darshan, so bring a change of clothes. Since September 2026 smartphones are not allowed inside major state-run temples, with deposit counters at the entrances.

Is a temple visit a guaranteed remedy?

No. The records report what devotees believe, such as prayers for children at the Ekambareswarar mango tree or Rahu dosha remedies at Thirunageswaram. These are matters of faith, and no outcome is guaranteed.

Editor's note (20 October 2026)

Every temple fact in this guide comes from HinduTone's source-checked temple records, which were researched against district administrations, state tourism and endowment departments, newspapers and temple directories, and checked on 11 October 2026. Claims resting on a single source, and temples not yet verified, are left out. Timings and seva rules change; please confirm with the temple before travelling.

Related guides

• Arupadai Veedu and Murugan temples guide
• Famous Krishna temples in India
• 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva
• Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
• Karthigai Deepam 2026
• Hindu days of the week and their significance
• Hindu temple visit guide: darshan, dress code and etiquette