8 Places of worship in Tamil Nadu, India

Silks, traditional and healthy recipes, ancient traditions and architecture dominate the culture of Tamil Nadu. Situated in Southern India, the state boasts of its many religious shrines. The state has a diverse geographical structure that accommodates freezing hilltops and blistering barren lands. Devotees from all over India visit in large numbers the places of worship in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil is the spoken language of the state. People speak English in many parts of the state.

The places of worship in Tamil Nadu have an illustrious history. The fervent mythical and religious roots are its pride. The places are significant in their manifest architectural brilliance. The religious centres are swamped by the devotees, the tourists and connoisseurs of art alike. Tamil Nadu is one of the largest states in South India. It requires a substantial amount of time to cover distances.

For convenience sake, I thought it is better to revolve around three major International Airports in the state. Let us take a sneak peek at the popular places of worship in Tamil Nadu.

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Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amma Temple

Known for its famous silks, Kanchipuram is spotted with several popular temples too. The city boasts of its conspicuous pas. It presents remarkable architectures and rich heritage even from the Pallava era. Sri Kanchi Kamakshi Amma Temple is one such marvels in the city. The temple is located at a distance of 65 KMs from the Chennai International Airport. People worship the Hindu goddess Kamakshi (Parvati) at the temple. Hundreds of devotees and tourists visit the temple on a daily basis. The temple hosts its main festivals between February & March. The construction of the temple dates back to the Pallava era. The Dravidian architecture of the temple is impressive and brilliant. It is one of the famous places of worship in Tamil Nadu.

Shri Ekambareswarar Temple

A popular temple situated in Kanchipuram is Shri Ekambareswarar Temple. The deity Ekambaranathar (Shiva) represents the Saiva sect of Hinduism. The large plot of the temple complex houses other temples of importance. Travellers can marvel at the Dravidian architecture. The construction of the temple dates back to the Pallava and Chola period.

The temple complex is one of the largest in India. It remains occupied by devotees and visitors throughout the day. The temple hosts the main festival on March-April. It is one of the oldest existing temples of India. It is located around 75 KMs from the Chennai International Airport.

Thousand Lights Mosque

Around 30 minutes' drive from the Chennai International Airport will take you to The Thousand Lights Mosque of Royapettah. Built-in the early 1800s, the Mosque complex is one of the largest in India. A thousand lights illuminate the prayer hall. This concept has earned its name Thousand Lights Mosque. The night view of the area is spectacular.

The medieval architectural style building has multiple domes and spearing minarets. Quotes from the Quran embellish the walls of the mosque. The Mosque is a popular pilgrimage site and a place of worship among the Shia Muslims. Muharram festival attracts many faithful to this mosque.

Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Are you fascinated by historical architecture? Make sure to visit Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. It is located majestically in the heart of Madurai city. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswara, (Lord Shiva).

Its a 30 minutes' drive from the Madurai International Airport. Being an ancient city, Madurai is a popular tourist destination. The temple is one of the centers of attraction in the city. The magnificent sight of the temple is a must-see. The intricate carvings and sculptures are sure to enthral you. Devotees and tourists visit the temple in huge numbers.

Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health

One of the famous places of worship for Catholics is the Basilica of Our Lady of Health in Velankanni. The Basilica was founded based on the 16th-century apparitions of Blessed Mother in the small town of Velankanni. It has now become a major tourist and pilgrimage destination attracting a multitude of people from India and abroad. Tiruchirappalli International airport is 165 KMs away. There are railway and roads leading to the town.

The feast of Our Lady of Good Health falls on September 8^th. The celebrations start by the end of August adding to the festivity. There are hundreds of lodges and resorts around the Basilica. Those remain quite busy on the days of the festival. Finding accommodation on the feast season is tough.

Thanjavoor Brihadeeswara Temple

The ancient Hindu temple constructed in the early 1000 AD is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Located 60KMs away from Tiruchirappalli International airport, the temple complex gives you a breathtaking view from the Chola Dynasty.

The sculpture of Nandi carved out from a single rock is a stunning piece of artistry. Several other sculptures and shrines embellish the temple premises making it a major tourist destination. Throughout the year tourists flock to this spot. The numbers increase on the festival months of April-May.

Nagore Sharif Dargah

Sufi saint Hazrath Shahul Hamid who lived in the mid-1500s and believed to have had miraculous powers died in Nagore. The small town of Nagore is famous for the Dargah, built on his tomb by his devotees. The small shrine in due course has gained popularity. Prominent structures and minarets were erected at the Dargah.

The gold-plated dome and five minarets expand through the large area of the complex. The Dargah houses a big pool in it. There are other tombs, shrines, and mosque each with specific significance. Devotees of different faiths frequent the Dargah every day. They visit in multiples on the festival time in March.

Poondi Madha Basilica

Our Lady of Lourdes Basilica, Poondi is one of the prominent places of worship in Tamil Nadu. It's about a one hour drive from Tiruchirappalli International Airport. The Gothic and French-style Basilica was built in the early 18^th century. Located in the small town of Poondi, the Basilica attracts the faithful and tourists alike.

The statue of Blessed Mother from France is one of the major attractions in the Basilica. The premise houses a small museum displaying relics and other historical objects pertaining to faith. On the Month of May, the church celebrates the Main feast of the Basilica.

The way you present yourself matters while visiting places of worship. Let me share a few tips about luggage backpacking. Despite the sultry clime in India, do avoid revealing attire and short clothes.