List of temples in Tamil Nadu

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This is a list of temples in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, which is famed for Tamil architecture styled Hindu temples, culture, and tradition and commonly known as the Land of Temples.^[1] Tamil Nadu has more temples than any other states of India. Tamil Nadu is home to more than 400,000 Hindu temples and is aptly called "the land of temples" by the media. Many are at least 800 years old and are found scattered all over the state. The rulers of various dynasties constructed these temples over centuries. Vimanas (storeys) and Gopuram (towering gateways to the temple complex) best characterize the temples of Tamil Nadu.^[1]

As per the Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 390,615 temples. Most of the largest Hindu temples reside here.^[2] Studded with complex architecture, variety of sculptures, and rich inscriptions, the temples remain the very essence of the culture and heritage of Tamil land,^[3] with historical records dating back to at least 3,000 years. 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.^[4] Many temples contain inscriptions which explain the democratic rule of Kings also which inspired the current voting system of India. The Vaikunda Perumal Temple, Uthiramerur in Uthiramerur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu God Maha Vishnu. The inscriptions of the temple indicate that the villagers requested the rulers to allow them to choose their representatives. Parantaka Chola readily acceded to their demand and instituted the Kudavolai system (ballot) of democratically electing the village representatives. The eligibility of the candidates was prescribed with minimum age, educational qualifications of the Vedas and property. There were strictures for the candidates should have built their house on their own property, should not be part of any other committee and be between 35 and 70 years of age. The voters had the right to call back their candidate for failing their duties. The inscriptions also specified strict punishments. The institution was dismembered along with the ending of the Chola regime during the 13th century. Rajiv Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India was inspired by the system after paying a visit to the temple and insisted on improving Panchayat Raj, India's system of local bodies in villages.^[5]

Rajarajeswaram, also known as Brihadeshwara temple built by Chola emperor Rajaraja-I at Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple dedicated to Maha Vishnu located in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India has the largest temple compound in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.^[8][9] 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 73 metres (240 ft) tall, completed in 1987.^[10]Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is often listed as the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, even though Angkor Wat which is still larger being the largest existing temple as it is not in use.^[11][12] 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.^[13] Hence, "making it one of the oldest surviving active temple complexes in the world".^{[citation needed]} The Deity finds a mention in the great Sanskrit epic Ramayana and hence is dated around 800 to 400 BCE.^[14][15] and is said to be worshipped by the ancestors of Rama. The temple finds mention in the Sangam literature^[16] like the epic Silapadikaram (book 11, lines 35–40):^{[citation needed]} and Akanaṉūṟu. The annual 21-day festival conducted during the Tamil month of Margali (December–January) attracts 1 million visitors. The temple complex has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is in UNESCO's tentative list.^[8]

Other temples like Madurai Kallalagar temple which has high ‘Gopuram’ towers ornamented with colourful figures, and the Meenakshi Temple with high colourful towers and great long halls are notable. On Pamban Island, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a pilgrimage site. The town of Kanyakumari, at India's southernmost tip, is the site of ritual sunrises.^[17]

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.^[18] People from all over the world visit the Temples of Tamil Nadu and it is the major Tourist attraction in India.