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TEMPLES
IN TAMILNADU, INDIA |
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Thousands
of temples with lofty towers dot the skyline
of the southernmost state of Tamilnadu in
India. These temples are torchbearers of
the glorious heritage of the Tamil speaking
region, and are repositories of the magnificient
art forms that evolved over several centuries.The
Cholas (900-1250 AD) have a number of monuments
to their credit. Mention must be made of
the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Tanjavur. The
Cholas added many ornate mandpams or halls
to temples and constructed large gopurams
- towers. |
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The
Pandya Style (Upto 1350 AD) saw the emergence
of huge towers, high wall enclosures and
enormous towered gateways. The Vijayanagar
Style (1350 - 1560 AD) is noted for the
intricacy and beauty especially for the
decorated monolithic pillars. The Naik style
(1600 - 1750 AD) is noted for the addition
of large prakarams (circumambulatory paths)
and pillared halls.The above is a rather
terse description of the Dravidian temple
styles found in Tamilnadu. The age of a
temple could be determined from the architectural
features exhibitied by it, as well as from
references to it in ancient literature.
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The Sangam period
literature of the pre Christian era refers to
some temples. The songs of the revered Saivite
Saints (Nayanmars) and the Vaishnavite Alwar Saints
that date back to the period 7th to the 9th century
CE provide ample references to the temples of
those days, and these are a valued source of reference
in estimating the age of temples.
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PALANI
: (Pazhani - Tiruvaavinankudi) is one
of the six padai vedu shrines of Murugan, representing
the sites where Murugan the valiant commander
of the gods sojourned, while he proceded to battle
against the demon Soorapadman. Palani is probably
one of the most visited and the most endowed temples
in the state of Tamilnadu. The Dhandayudapani
Temple is located on the 450 feet high Palani
malai in the town of Palani near Madurai. 690
stone steps line the mountain passage and an electric
winch also takes pilgrims up the hill |
This
temple is refered to in the Tamil work
Thirumurugatruppadai of Nakeerar of the
Sangam age (pre Christian era). Arunagirinaathar,
the saint poet has composed 95 verses
on Palani in his Thirupugazh. The Palani
malai hill temple and the Thiruvavinankudi
temple at the foot hills form a composite
unit. The Thiruvavinankudi temple is refered
to as Kuzhandhaivelayudar temple and the
Saravanpoigai tank is located near it.
More......
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RAMESWARAM
: This Shivastalam is considered
to be one of the holiest shrines in India.
It represents the southernmost of the
12 Jyotirlingams of India. A. huge temple
in the island of Rameswaram (reached via
the Pamban bridge across the sea), |
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Rameswaram is known for its long ornate
corridors and towers and 36 theerthams.
Rameswaram is one of the most visited pilgrimage
sites in India & is referred to as the
Banaras of the south. Rama's worship is
commemorated in the month of Aani (June
15-July 15); two annual Bhrammotsavams are
celebrated in Aadi and in Maasi.There are
36 Theerthams in Rameswaram of which 22
are in the temple and these waters are said
to possess medicinal properties.
More...... |
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CHITHAMBARAM : is one
of the foremost Saivite shrines; the very
name Kovil refers to Chidambaram, where
Natarajar is enshrined in the ChitSabha
or the Hall of Consciousness, in the Ananda
Tandavam (Dance of Bliss) pose. Chidambaram
is one of the Panchabhoota Stalams signifying
the 5 elements of wind (Kalahasti), water
(Tiruvanaikka), fire (Tiruvannamalai),
earth (Kanchipuram) and
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space
(Chidambaram). The Moovar (Sambandar,
Appar and Sundarar) as well as Manikkavacakar
have sung praises of Chidambaram. Several
literary works praise the glory of Chidambaram.
Chidambaram is one of the 5 dance Halls
of Shiva (Kanakasabhai).The five dance
halls are Chithambram, Madurai, Tiruvalankadu,
Tirunelveli and Kutralam. More......
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KANYAKUMARI
: Kanyakumari is at the southernmost
tip of India and off its shores meet three
seas; the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean
and the Bay of Bsengal. It derives its
name from the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari
whose temple is situated here on its shore.
More......
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MADURAI
MEENAKSHI TEMPLE : The Madurai
Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple is one
of the greatest Shiva temples in India,
known for its sprawling landscape filled
with sculptural wonders; halls, pillars
and lofty towers with lavish artwork in
all forms. Madurai is a vibrant cultural
center speaking of the glorious traditions
of the region. It is the siite of the
64 Tiruvilayadalgal of Shiva (Tiruvilayadal
puranam and Halasyamahatmiyam) and is
one of the 5 |
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Pancha
Sabhais of Nataraja - Rajata (Velli )Sabhai
- where Shiva dances with a raised righ
food. The other dance halls are Chidambaram,
Tiruvalankadu, Tirunelveli and Kutralam.
In terms of the richness of the legends,
the abundance of literature & the
stunning architectural& sculptural
splendour,Madurai is second to none in
representing the rich cultural traditions
of India. More......
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Papanasam : The river Tamravarni
flowing from the Western Ghats reaches the plains
at Papanasam where it drops to form a small
waterfall. This waterfall which is believed
to absolve all sins from people who bathe in
it has made Papanasam (meaning absolution of
sins) an important pilgrim centre. More......
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Sri Rangam : Sri Rangam, the largest
Vaishnavite temple in Tamilnadu, is dedicated to Sri
Ranganatha Perumal. This temple is as holy and venerable
to Vaishnavites as Chidambaram temple is to Saivites.
More......
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Tirukkudandai
Sarangapani : The Sarangapani temple is of
great religious significance, considered to be second
only to the temple. The Vaideeka Vimanam of this temple
is considered to be an offshoot of the Sreerangam Pranava
vimanam, and a replica of the vimanam presented to Vibhishana
of Sri Lanka by Rama. It, is conceived of, as a chariot
with wheels drawn by horses and elephants, in a scale
grander than that of the Melakkadambur temple built
by Kulottunga I (early 12th century).
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This
vimanam has two gateways (as in Tiruvellarai), the northern
gate, or the Uttarayana vaasal, open on Makara Sankaranti,
and the Dakshinayana Vaayil, opened on Aadi perukku,
the 18th day of the tamil month of Aadi. The earliest
of the Alwars Peyalwar and Bhutattalwar have sung of
this temple. So have Periyalwar, Andal and Tirumangai
Alwar (8th century). Tirumazhisai Alwar spent his last
years and attained salvation here. Nammalwar has also
sung of this temple. It is at this temple that the Vaishnavite
savant Nada Muni, was inspired to compile the works
of the Alwars, upon listening to the tamil hymn 'Aaravamude'
composed by Nammalwar. Nadamuni spent his last years
at the Chola capital of Gangaikonda Choleeswaram.
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