The Jambukeswarar Temple is also one of the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams. With a 7-tiered gopuram decked with complex carvings and inscriptions from the Chola period, it is a temple that every Shiv bhakt must visit. While it is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tamil Nadu, its architecture is what sets it apart. Set on the Srirangam Island in Tamilnadu, the Jambukeshwara Temple also represents a Dravidian style of architecture.
These are the sculptures that make it one of the most famous Shiva temples. Some of the most prominent scenes here are – the ocean of milk being churned by devas and asuras, Rishi Markandya hugging Shivlingam, nine-headed Ravana playing the veena, and the wedding ceremony of Sundareshwarar and Meenakshi. If you look closely at the carved figures, you will be able to come across the scenes depicted from Indian mythology. The temple exhibits intricate design, elaborate figures of gods, goddesses, and demons making it a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. The existing structure of the temple dates back to the 16th century when it was restored by the Nayak rulers. However, a major portion of the temple was damaged in the 14th century by the Muslim invaders. According to archaeological records, it was built around the 6th century AD. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Maduraiĭedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of Lord Sundareshwarar and Goddess Parvati in the form of Meenakshi, the Meenakshi Amman Temple is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. Also, Brihadeeswarar Temple claims to be the world’s first temple to be completely built from granite. The fact that it is carved from a single granite piece adds to the brilliance of the overall structure and leaves us all awed. The ‘Kumbam’ or the apex structure on the Vimana weighs over 80 tonnes. One of the things that make the temple quite special is its 216 ft tall ‘Vimana’ which is believed to be the tallest in the world. This is probably why it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and witnesses an uncountable footfall of devotees and tourists each year. Built under the rule of the Chola dynasty in the 11th century AD, this temple still stands as a testimony to the opulence and magnificence of the Chola rulers. So, if you are in for a spiritual retreat to ‘Temple State of India,’ here are some of the biggest, oldest, and most famous Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu: Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavurīrihadeeswarar Temple is one of the biggest Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu. While some of them are splendid architectural marvels, others tell the stories of their glorious past. Although these Shiva temples in Tamil Nadu were built thousands of years back, they still stand tall as the backbone of the Tamil culture. These Shiva temples showcase the luxurious and extravagant taste of the erstwhile Royals like Pallavas, Cholas, or Nayakas who ruled here. Known for its magnificent and glorious temples, Tamil Nadu is bound to leave you spellbound with its astounding charm. Temples are memoirs of our country’s history, heritage, and culture particularly in the southern part of India.