Temple 01
Thillai Nataraja Temple, ChidambaramThe Thillai Nataraja Temple in Chidambaram is one of the most prominent Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in his manifestation as Nataraja, the Cosmic Dancer. As the Akasha (Ether) element among the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas, it occupies a central place in Saiva Siddhanta tradition and South Indian temple architecture.
10th–13th century CE (origins prior to 7th century CE)
Cuddalore
Temple 02
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, SrirangamSri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam is the premier among the 108 Divya Desams of Sri Vaishnavism. Spanning 156 acres enclosed by seven concentric prakarams and 21 gopurams, it is one of the world's largest functioning temple complexes, celebrated for its ancient history, Dravidian architecture, and deep spiritual heritage.
Sangam era origins; key structural developments 9th–16th century CE
Tiruchirappalli
Temple 03
Meenakshi Sundareswarar TempleThe Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is a premier monument of Dravidian architecture dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar.
6th Century CE (Origins); 16th–17th Century CE (Present Structure)
Madurai
Temple 04
Brihadeeswarar Temple, ThanjavurThe Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, also known as Rajarajeswaram and Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is an 11th-century Chola-era monument dedicated to Lord Shiva and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11th Century CE (1003–1010 CE)
Tiruvallur
Temple 05
Palani Dhandayuthapani Temple, DindigulThe Arulmigu Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple in Palani is the third of the six sacred abodes (Arupadaiveedu) of Lord Murugan. Situated atop Sivagiri Hill, the temple is famed for its unique Navapashanam idol created by Siddhar Bhogar and its vibrant pilgrimage traditions.
Sangam period origins (c. 4th-5th century CE), major structural expansions 9th-16th century CE
Dindigul
Temple 06
Sri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, PillayarpattiSri Karpaga Vinayagar Temple in Pillayarpatti is an ancient rock-cut cave shrine in Tamil Nadu's Sivagangai district, celebrated for its unique 6th-century Valampuri Ganesha relief carved directly into the living rock.
6th century CE
Sivaganga
