The Most Spectacular Temple Towers in South India

Temple towers are generally the large entrance gates of Hindu temples in southern India. Also known as Gopurams, they are probably the most striking attraction of any temple. The taller and more colourful the Gopuram, the more spectacular it looks. Add to that the stunning sculptures and these Gopurams are absolute head turners. Though it is mostly the main entrance gates that take all the attention with its magnificent art works, some temples have multiple entrance gates which have equally impressive works on them. The gopurams which are often richly decorated in typical Dravidian architecture, have a passage and have many storeys that taper as it goes higher. The sculptures are mostly of Hindu gods, mythological characters and figurines. More the works or higher the gopuram, indicated that the kingdom was a prosperous one. Every dynasty and its king wanted to outdo the earlier one in this perspective, which resulted in spectacular architectural creations over centuries. Here is a list of my favourite temple towers from South India.

Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Srirangam

Sprawling over 156 acres, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is the largest functional Hindu temple in the world. Located on the river island of Srirangam, which is carved out of the rivers Cauvery and Kollidam, the temple is one of the prominent Vishnu temples in India. Ranganatha temple was first built in the 3^rd century CE and was rebuilt over the next many centuries until 17^th century CE. There are 7 decorated colourful gopurams to pass through to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The south facing Raja gopuram which is the main entrance gate stands tall at 239 feet, and is one of the tallest temple towers in Asia. Sri Ranganathar, a form of Vishnu in a reclining pose on a coiled serpent, is the main shrine here. A narrow stairs near Ranga Vilasa mandapam goes up to the roof and offers lovely aerial views of all the gopurams. Please check Srirangam temple timings before visiting the temple.

Ekambareshwarar temple, Kanchipuram

Sometimes referred as Ekambaranath temple, this was built in the 9^th century by Chola dynasty and is one of the most popular Shiva temples in Kanchipuram.  Spread over 40 acres, the temple’s main attraction is its glorious 11 storeyed magnificent Rajagopuram (entrance gate) with impressive carvings. The tower might lack the colours, which are synonymous with temples across Tamil Nadu, however, the 190 feet tower is still quite an amazing creation.

Murudeshwar temple, Murudeshwar

The 123 feet tall Shiva statue at Murudeshwar temple is the second tallest in the world, and the temple complex also houses a 20 storied gopuram. The impressive Raja gopuram or main temple tower was opened in 2008, making it the youngest in this list. Though it lacks the art works like others, at 237 feet it is quite an intimidating structure, nevertheless. The top floor of the gopuram which can be accessed by a lift offers breathtakingly beautiful vistas of Murudeshwar beach and the unending Arabian sea. 

Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram

Dedicated to Shiva, Nartaraja temple was built during the Chola period in the 11^th century CE. The temple which has Shiva in a dancing pose as its main deity, has extensive Chola sculptures and exquisite architecture across. The temple has four gopurams which are seven storeyed, have a height of 140 feet, and are adorned with some of the finest works with colourful exteriors and sculpted interiors. Intricate sculptures of gods and mythological figures embellish the colourful gopurams.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple is one of the most popular temples in South India. The 7^th century temple built by the Pandya dynasty is located in the heartland of Tamil Nadu. The four tall colourful entrance gates with extensive carvings are a major attraction of this temple. The tallest one stands 170 feet high. The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi and Sundareshwarar, which are forms of Parvati and Shiva, respectively.

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

Hampi, a UNESCO World Heritage site was at its prime in early 16th century during the Vijayanagara empire when it was ruled by King Krishnadeva Raya. It was ransacked in mid 16th century, and Hampi lay in a state of ruins and excavations until it got itself on the UNESCO list. What remains are the reminiscences of a glorious empire. Located by the Tungabhadra river, almost all the sites are spread across the sacred centre (mostly temples) and royal enclosure (palaces). The two most popular temples here are Virupaksha temple and Vittala temple. While Vittala temple is known for its famous stone chariot, Virupaksha which is a functional temple has a majestic entrance tower (gopura) with intricate works and is dedicated to Shiva. The 166 feet tall gopuram stands out amidst the boulders and is an elegant structure standing tall with the ruins scattered all around.

Arunachaleshwar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Arunachaleshwar temple is dedicated to Shiva, and has a beautiful setting spread over 10 hectares, making it the second largest temple complex in India. The temple was first built by the Chola dynasty and later rebuilt and expanded during the rule of Vijayanagara empire. Though the gopurams are devoid of colours, they have numerous carvings of various mythological characters. At a height of 217 feet, the main entrance which faces east direction is the tallest of the four gopurams that the temple has.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Srirangapankajam.

Hostel Raahi, Jodhpur- Review

Tucked away in the residential area of Ajit Colony in Jodhpur, Hostel Raahi might for a moment beguile you as another house around the corner. Apart from its serene location, it is just 4-5 Kms away from Mehrangarh fort, the biggest attraction in Jodhpur, and less than 10 Kms from Mandore gardens. Hostel Raahi which was earlier a house has been converted into a hostel with both mixed dormitories and dormitories solely for women. True to the state’s character, the hostel is a colourful one with hues and wall art. The common areas of the hostel are a great place to meet fellow travellers, read books, watch television or play board games. Hostel Raahi also has a roof top cafe which offers continental cuisine. The rate for mixed dormitories starts from INR 210, which is an absolute steal.

What I loved:

Common Areas: They are spacious, colourful and have a nice vibe.

Staff: They are friendly, helpful and know the city well.

Price: The bunk beds are priced very attractively.

Location: Peaceful surroundings and not far from all attractions.

What I did not like:

Rooms:  The rooms can be a tad tidier, though not a deterrent to pick this place.

Address:

Hostel Raahi, Ajit Colony, Jodhpur, Rajasthan- 342001

Phone: +91-9950111259

Five Apps to kill your Travel Boredom

These are the days when travel is inevitable. There are many apps available to keep yourself occupied if boredom sets in during those long journeys or layovers. These apps are good for killing your spare time, and make your journey pleasant and entertaining. Most importantly, they also reduce your travel fatigue. While you might start off by blaring your audio sets in your car and singing along, eventually after some time you need to give your vocal chords some rest.

If you are someone who would like to be told a story, there are apps which would allow you to do so. In fact, there are so many apps out there where the authors themselves narrate their story in an interesting way. If you want to catch up on the series that you missed on TV or someone who loves watching soap operas on the OTT Platform, there are apps which would allow you to do so. In this post, we shall have a look at those 5 entertaining apps that would kill your free time during travel.

1. Audible

Are you a bookworm? Want to read a book so badly but you hardly get the time for that? Audible is your one-stop destination for listening to the audio version of an e-book. Available on Android and iOS, the app is free to download on Android and iOS devices. The app is free to use for the first month and viewers have an option for one download audiobook. After the trial period, you can use the app for $14.95 a month.  

2. Spotify

Are you a music buff? Do you like to listen to music non-stop without commercials? Then Spotify is one of the must-have apps on your device. For just $9.99 a month, you can use the app to stream unlimited music on your device. The best part about this app is it doesn’t occupy your memory space.

3. Netflix

So your schedule is hectic that you didn’t have much time to catch up on the series that you have been watching on TV. Why not make use of the opportunity to catch up on the missed show by downloading the app and installing on your device. Additionally, they have a lot of original contents in their app that are intriguing.

Netflix is the world’s premier subscription service for watching video content. From TV shows to carrying exclusive programs like series, movies and travel shows, Netflix has an impressive array of programs. This Netflix app delivers the best user experience anytime and anywhere. All that you need to do is to purchase a subscription to access thousands of programs in Netflix.

4. Online Games

What better way to kill the travel boredom than by playing your favourite online game on your mobile devices. Card games are gaining rapid popularity across the world. Of all the card games that are popular across the world, online rummy deserves a special mention.

With simple rules and easy game play, the rummy game download has gained so many followers of late. With numerous rummy mobile apps available for Android and iOS, you can get started in a go.  Playing rummy online is a super fun way to stay occupied during a long travel.

5. Apps that make your smarter

Want to spend your extra time on something that will make you more productive? There are numerous apps available on Play Store and Apple Store such as Elevate, Lumosity, and Brain test that will test your cognitive skills and increase your attention span

Experience these effective mind games which will allow you to polish your genius. Bid farewell to boredom and make your mind sharp enough to enhance your cognitive skills and decision making during your free time while travelling.

So do you know any other apps that will drive away travel boredom?

P.S.: This is a post is in collaboration with Deccan Rummy 

Top 4 Self Drive Car Rental Providers in Chennai

Image source: Freepik

Lanes of Chennai have always welcomed travellers. To experience the rich cultural tradition of Chennai you need the best travel experience. Don't worry, just pack your bags and go to Chennai. Here you will find numerous car rentals, which help you to create stories of your dreams. Now you don't have to worry about transportation and high unaffordable prices. Rental cars in Chennai will make your journey comfortable and tireless. Just book any of the below-mentioned car rental services and enjoy your trip without getting delayed. Any place is best enjoyed when you have the steering in your hand. So go ahead.

INDUSGO

‘No stop, but always go’, IndusGo takes you ahead through the cultural and glorious city lanes of Chennai without causing hindrance or breaks in your driving experience. IndusGo is a car rental service, which is working under the efficient guidance of Indus Motors. It gives you 24*7 support and assistance in your whole journey, and they also provide fully insured cars to make sure your drive is a safe one. They also have pick up and drop facility, apart from a huge collection of vehicles. At an affordable rate, IndusGo tries to give you everlasting memories. As per your choice you could book them for your personal needs, on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. There is no hassle of security charges. You can rent the car with fuel or without fuel. If it is without fuel then it costs only Rs 70 per hour. To book IndusGo’s services, just visit their website and place your booking. Create your story in Chennai with IndusGo.

ZOOM CAR

Every journey becomes special if you choose the right companion. How you travel also matters. To explore a city to its fullest, one should have a good vehicle with them. By choosing Zoom car you get to experience a travel scheme with unlimited memories. Comfort and privacy are two things that everyone looks up to during every travel. So if you believe in this, just pack your bags to Chennai and book Zoom’s car rental service. No matter where you want to go, Zoom will accompany you on your journey through the cultural bounty of Chennai by giving you a memorable travel experience. At an affordable rate, Zoom offers amazing cars of your choice. You don’t have to worry about fuel costs, petrol ,mileage, insurance or car breakdown, as Zoom car rental service is present all over the city, and you will get their assistance at any time. So just zoom in with Zoom cars. 

NISHA CARS

Nisha car rental service offers you a plethora of choices to make your journey blissful. They have some interesting services and schemes which can benefit you if you make the right travel plan at the right time. If you make the booking three days before the journey, you will get unlimited Kilometres. Also, they provide 350 k/m free travel experience to all the consumers. You only have to pay Rs 5000/- in advance, after that, the car will be yours till the end of the journey. They also care for your security. You have to submit identity proofs to prove your age. If you are above 21 then you can definitely experience the service of Nisha cars. 

MYCHOIZE

Create unique stories with MyChoize. For sure, you will never regret making a choice by opting MyChoize as a companion in your journey. They have numerous options to offer you. Starting from luxurious models, they have a wide range of collection that suits your travel plan. Let it be a business trip or holiday, choose MyChoize, it gives you better options to explore the lanes of Chennai at your convenience without causing any trouble to your travel time. One can book their cars for hourly, weekly or monthly basis. You can get their service from wherever you want. Their prime focus is on giving you quality time to make memories. 

Choosing the right destination and vehicle are significant to any travel experience. If you fail to make the right choice, then your entire journey could end up tiresome and boring. Travel should give you pleasure and leisure, and you should be comfortable and free of worries. How can one be happy if they reach Chennai and find a problem in transportation? To ensure your happiness, it is always ideal to book and plan in advance. Pack your dreams in your bags, book any of these self-drive car rental providers, find the best car of your choice, get hold of the steering and drive out. You have miles to go. 

P.S.: This is a collaborative post.

Top 10 places in Odisha you should visit once in a lifetime

Photo credit: Odisha Tourism

Odisha, formerly known as Orissa is a culturally enriching state in the eastern part of India. It is blessed with a long list of temples, beaches, museums, biosphere reserves, wildlife, national parks, sanctuaries, and many other tourist attractions that make the land a must visit place in the country. The state has a host of amazing architectural wonders such as temples and forts, apart from serene lakes, sun kissed beaches and much more. Some of the top notch places and attractions which are a must visit in Odisha are below.

  

1. Lord Jagannath Temple – As per Hindu mythology, the temple completes the Char Dhams circle and is among the highly celebrated and visited pilgrimage centres situated in Puri. This temple boasts of rich and unique medieval Indian history and heritage in the form of its architectural work, which indeed gives an insight into the artwork and the religiousness that has been associated with it. Located along the eastern coast of the country, the temple is reckoned to be a part of the Char Dham circle that needs to be always visited in the clockwise direction. A lot of tourists come to visit the temple every year and seek the blessings of the deity, Lord Vishnu, to have good times ahead.

2. Konark Sun Temple – Featured in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, it is indeed a must visit site, and definitely worth exploring. Constructed in the form of a chariot that resembles the God Surya and having 12 wheels, the entrance of the temple faces east so that the first rays of the sun enters the sanctum. The details of the temple’s architecture are so intricate and interesting that one might want to take up majors in Indian history and architecture after visiting this temple.

3. Chilika Lake – It is the country’s biggest brackish saltwater lagoon that gives nature lovers and enthusiasts an opportunity to check out a plethora of migratory birds flying in from far off destinations which includes remote parts of Russia, Caspian Sea, Kirghiz steppes of Mongolia, and even Middle East and Central Asia. The topographies and beautiful landscapes of the lake further accentuate the charm of the place. Another attraction here are the rare Irrawaddy dolphins that can be spotted in the lake.

4. Raghurajpur Artist Village – It doesn’t matter whether you are an art lover or not, but this village is indeed a must to visit for all. The passion of the locals here is exceptional and there are different varieties of artwork available here that includes the Tassar Silk, Pattachitra – a cloth based scroll painting, stonework, palm leaf paintings, and many more. These can be used to adorn and embellish your homes and work spaces, and they come with quality craftsmanship of the locals.

5. Ratnagiri, Udayagiri and Lalitgiri – The caves are situated in Jajpur district in Odisha, and are known for its richness related to Buddhism and Jainism. One can find Buddhist artefacts, stupas, shrines and even monasteries here which would leave you mesmerized and in awe. Also, the surroundings are filled with thick forests and ideal to enjoy some peaceful and harmonious moments.

6. Nandankanan Zoological Park – The Garden of Heavens as this place is referred, is an amazing zoological park and stays true to its name. The park is run with a lot of care and attention. The wide range of animals that you can see here comprises of mouse deer, crocodiles, reptiles like turtles, lizards and pythons, and many more rare species.

7. Chandrabagha Beach – The destination is sometimes referred as the place of rising sun in India. Situated at a distance of about 30 kms from Konark Sun Temple, it is indeed a must visit stop, and a great place to spend memorable time with your loved ones. It is one of the best places in the state from where one can return with lovely memories and frames.

8. Tribes – When in Odisha one should definitely include a visit to the tribal areas to understand the culture and heritage of the tribes who live with with full zeal, enthusiasm, simplicity and modesty. Some of the places where you can visit the tribes include Jeypore, Nandapur, Kunduli, Rayagada etc.

9. Lingaraj Temple – Dating back to the 11^th century, it is one of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubhaneshwar, the capital city of Odisha. Dedicated to lord Shiva, the red sandstone temple is 54 m high and was constructed by King Jajati Keshari of Soma Vansha dynasty. The interesting history of the temple is the belief that the Shiv lingam was self originated and it is bathed daily with milk, water and bhang. The main sanctum here in the temple is surrounded by many other smaller shrines.

10. Gopalpur beach – As compared to other beaches, it is less commercialized, but is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and stunning places to visit in the state. An ideal place for peace seekers and couples, the beach boasts of serene surroundings. It also offers water sports activities such as wind surfing, rowing, paddle boat, water scooter, scuba diving, etc. The other prime attraction at the beach is the Gopalpur beach festival that is held here annually.

Apart from these, there are many other attractions in Odisha which include wildlife, beaches, waterfalls, temples etc. Places to include in the itinerary depend totally on one’s interest, preference and convenience while planning an Odisha tour. One could get in touch with one of the top notch Odisha tour travel agent- Best Choice Holiday to help create an itinerary for Odisha tour. Let them know about the preferences and destinations you would like to cover in the itinerary along with the budget and time constraints, to help them curate a memorable holiday for you.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Best Choice Holiday

Top 5 Tips for Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is a paradise for trekking enthusiasts. Whether beginner or an avid trekker; the country has something in store for everyone. If you’re planning for an adventure in the Himalayas, here is a list of the top 5 tips for trekking in Nepal that will help you during the journey.

So let's dive straight in!

1. Decide the Trekking Season

Trekking in Nepal is popular throughout the year. A different season offers a different experience. So, it’s better to do a bit of research before you finalize a trek in a random season.

The classic high altitude treks like Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit trek are best during peak season. However, trekking to these places during the off-season can also be as entertaining as you expect. Likewise, many short and easy trekking destinations are doable throughout the year. Keep in mind that popular treks are quite crowded and busy during peak seasons (Autumn and Spring).

Some famous treks like Upper Mustang, Upper Dolpo, and Nar Phu Valley Trek lies in the “rain-shadow area” of Nepal. This area lies in the leeward-side of the Himalayas. So, there is little to no rainfall in these places throughout the year. That means you can try these treks throughout the year, even during monsoon!

2. Know What to Wear When Trekking in Nepal

Are you thinking about rocking that new pair of shorts as you trek? Think again. Many trekkers don’t pack appropriately for their trek and end up buying new clothes. Don’t let that happen to you. You need to pack useful items. You need to forget about fashion and trends while buying clothes for the trek.

It’s better to focus on buying the things that keep you warm and comfortable. Invest in high quality when purchasing trekking apparel like down jackets and trekking boots. During the trek, it’s a great idea to layer clothes for the cold weather rather than wearing a heavy jacket on top. It prevents your body heat from escaping. Layers also keep the cold from penetrating in. While packing for trekking in Nepal, pack the clothes you need and discard the rest.

3. Altitude Sickness and Prevention

“Go slow, acclimatize, and hydrate!”

Always keep these 3 things in your mind. Trekking to high altitudes is no walk in the park. You need to be aware of the dangers and risks of trekking to higher elevations. The oxygen level goes on decreasing as you trek to higher altitudes. Your body needs to acclimatize for these changes. If your body doesn’t get enough rest and hydration, you’re at a risk of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is a condition that occurs at higher elevations. It can cause nausea, headache, and other problems for trekkers. So, it’s wise to trek at a slow pace, stay hydrated throughout the day. Make sure your itinerary has a few acclimatization days. Taking these precautions minimizes the chances of altitude sickness and keeps problems at bay.

4. Prepare for the Unpredictable Power Cuts

Power cuts are still a thing in rural parts of Nepal. The locals call it load-shedding, and it becomes an issue for many unprepared trekkers. Most trekking destinations lie in remote areas of the country. Some places still don’t have electricity. 

Hotels and lodges use solar panels as alternatives to electricity. As energy is scarce in these areas, trekkers need to pay additional money while charging their phones and cameras. So, it’s a great idea to carry a portable solar charger to charge your devices when trekking in Nepal. You can also bring some high capacity batteries and power banks. You also need to take a torch or flashlight to move around in the dark.

5. Be respectful

Nepal is a country full of wonders and surprises. Trekking in the Himalayas takes you into the rural and untouched parts of the nation. You’ll encounter locals who follow unique cultures and have a simple lifestyle. Around the world Nepalese are famous for their generosity and hospitality. To have the best experience with these people, you need to respect their way of life and their beliefs.

Don’t expect everyone to speak in English. Understand that some things that you think as usual might be a local taboo. So, take your time and collect as much information as possible about the country and the people.

Final Words

Nepal is a country blessed with natural beauty and cultural diversity. Travel enthusiasts from all around the world visit the nation every year and fall in love with the place.

In the end, it’s all about making some of the best memories wherever you go. And with these 5 tips for trekking in Nepal, anyone can make the most out of their journey.

Ten Must Visit Temples in Tamil Nadu

Ruled by Pallavas, Cholas, Pandyas, Marathas and various other dynasties and kings over the years, Tamil Nadu in Southern India is home to some of the most beautifully sculpted temples in the country. As much as they are frequently visited by pilgrims and followers of Hinduism, these temples also display spectacular carvings and sculptures which were chiseled centuries ago. These give the visitors a peek into the world of temple architecture and extensive stone work which have withstood time, war and natural calamities over the years. Below are the 10 must visit temples in Tamil Nadu which are popular among both pilgrims and travellers alike.

Ranganathaswamy, Srirangam

Sprawling over 156 acres, Sri Ranganathaswamy temple is the largest functional Hindu temple in the world. Located on the river island of Srirangam, which is carved out of the rivers Cauvery and Kollidam, the temple is one of the prominent Vishnu temples in India. As per Srirangam temple history, it was first built in the 3^rd century CE and was rebuilt over the next many centuries until 17^th century CE. Apart from 21 spectacular entrance gates (gopurams), 9 temple ponds, 39 pavilions, 49 shrines of Vishnu and many halls, the expansive temple premise also houses museums, roads, houses and commercial establishments. There are 7 decorated colourful gopurams to pass through to reach the sanctum sanctorum, which has a gold plated gopuram. Rajagpuram which faces south is the main entrance gate and stands tall at 73 meters. Ranganathar, which is a form of Vishnu in a reclining pose on a coiled serpent, is the main shrine here. The temple is built in typical Dravidian temple architecture, and its halls such as Kili Mandapam, Garuda Mandapam, Ranga Vilasa Mandapam and Shesharaya Mandapam are testimony to this. A narrow stairs near Ranga Vilasa mandapam goes up to the roof and offers lovely aerial views of all the gopurams. Margazhi (December- January) month is when the temple hosts its major festival.

Brihadeeshwarar, Thanjavur

Brihadeeshwarar temple which is often called as the big temple, was built in the 11^th century during Chola reign by Rajaraja Chola I, and is presently a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple dedicated to Shiva is built in Dravidian style, and emblazons the Chola art, design and architecture. Built inside fort Shivganga, the temple has two extensively carved entrance gates with sculptures of mythological characters. The sprawling courtyard house numerous shrines, but what stands out is the intimidating main shrine which is a thirteen storeyed structure with spectacular sculptures and an eighty tonne carved granite block atop it. The chisel work is extensive and there are numerous inscriptions too across the outer façade of the main shrine. The other shrines in the complex are dedicated to Ganesha, Nataraja, Varaha, Chandikeshvara etc. The shrines of Subrahmanya and Nandi have gorgeous sculptures and frescoes on them. A pillared pathway runs across the courtyard which is an ideal place to relax and see the sun set behind the main shrine in the evenings.

Adi Kumbeshwarar, Kumbakonam

Kumbakonam is known for its numerous temples and Adi Kumbeshwarar is considered to be one of the most prominent ones in this temple town. Built before the 7^th century CE during the rule of Chola dynasty, this temple is believed to have been rebuilt and renovated over the years. Dedicated to Kumbeshwarar, a form of Shiva, this popular temple has wonderful mythological sculptures on its walls, ceiling and pillars. These can be spotted on the hall that leads to the inner sanctum, which has numerous colourful carvings and sculptures. The temple premise also houses Kandha Kumba Theertham, the sacred temple pond.

Ramanathaswamy, Rameshwaram

Dedicated to Shiva, the main shrine at Ramanathaswamy temple is believed to have been consecrated by Rama (the protagonist in the epic Ramayana) upon his arrival from Sri Lanka after defeating Ravana. The temple was renovated and expanded during the rule of Pandya kings in the 12^th century CE. This temple is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlinga temples in India and has four large entrance gates or gopurams. A major attraction at this temple is the thousand pillared corridor which is the longest temple corridor in the country. The colourful ceilings are another highlight here. There are 22 theerthams (holy ponds) within the temple, where pilgrims get watered by priests before entering the inner sanctum as it is considered auspicious.

Meenakshi Amman, Madurai

The biggest attraction in Madurai is undoubtedly Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi Sundareshwarar temple. The 7^th century temple built by the Pandya dynasty is located in the heartland of Tamil Nadu. The temple has had many additions to it in the later years by various other rulers. The four tall colourful entrance gates with extensive carvings are a major attraction as one strolls around the tall walls of this popular temple. While the temple is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of Parvati, it also houses a shrine dedicated to Shiva, in the form of Sundareshwarar. The temple architecture stands out with its beautiful carvings and sculptures of various gods, figurines and scenes from mythology on walls, ceilings, pillars and gopurams. The temple is also known for its numerous halls with sculpted pillars. Aayiram Kal mandapam (Thousand pillar hall), Kalyana sannidhi, Oonjal mandapam and Kambathadi mandapam are some of the wonderfully sculpted halls within the premises. The large temple pond is another highlight here. Meenakshi Amman is one of the most colourful and vibrant temples in Tamil Nadu.

Jambukeshwarar, Tiruchirappalli

One of the oldest and popular temples near Tiruchirappally in central Tamil Nadu, Jambukeshwarar temple was built in the 2^nd century CE by the Chola kings. Located in the town of Thiruvanaikaval, the temple is dedicated to both Shiva and his consort, Parvati. The temple is adorned with colourful gopurams (entrance gates), tall walls and carved pillars. The sculpted pillars are the highlight of this temple and they are present across the premises with broad corridors running alongside. Apart from the main shrine which has a shivlinga, the other major shrine here is Akhilandeshwari amman. There are also a few other shrines within this temple.

Arunachaleshwar, Tiruvannamalai

The second largest temple complex in India, Arunchaleshwar temple is dedicated to Shiva, and has a beautiful setting spread over 10 hectares. The gopurams (entrance gates)  and walls of the temple stand tall in the middle of the small town of Tiruvannamalai with Arunachaleshwar hill in the backdrop. The temple was first built by the Chola dynasty and later rebuilt and expanded during the rule of Vijayanagara empire. Though the gopurams are devoid of colours, they have numerous carvings of various mythological characters. The main entrance which faces east direction is the tallest at 217 feet. Here Shiva is worshipped in the form of Agni (fire). The temple also houses numerous other shrines, and a beautiful hall called Ayiram Kal Mandapam which has thousand carved pillars. The major festival at this temple is Karthigai Deepam (November- December) during which pilgrims circumnavigate the Arunachaleshwar hill.

Kailasanathar, Kanchipuram

Built by Narasimhavarman II during the rule of Pallavas in the 8^th century CE, Kailasanthar temple has Dravidian temple architecture, and is dedicated to Shiva. Though the sculptures have weathered over the years, the temple still displays extensive carvings of various gods and mythological figures all across its walls. While the main shrine has a shivlinga, there are numerous other small shrines in the temple which are dedicated to Shiva. While the base of the temple is made of granite, the interesting aspect is that every other part of the temple is made from sandstone. Kanchipuram has numerous temples, and this one lies tucked away in one of its alleys and doesn’t look one bit ostentatious despite being the most prominent one.

Ekambareshwarar, Kanchipuram

Worshipped in the form of earth, Shiva is the presiding deity at Ekambareshwarar temple. Sometimes referred as Ekambaranath temple, it was built during the Chola reign in the 9^th century. Though the main shrine houses a shivlinga, there are numerous other shrines too, including a shrine dedicated to Vishnu. The temple architecture is impressive with a magnificent eleven storeyed main entrance gate called Rajagopuram, apart from beautiful carvings, long pillared corridors, a thousand pillared hall and a large pond. Most of the pillars and halls were built later when Kanchipuram was under the Vijayanagara dynasty. Believed to be 3000 years old, an old mango tree inside the temple is the location where Shiva and Kamakshi had supposedly got married, and is a revered place for pilgrims visiting this temple.

Thillai Nataraja, Chidambaram

Dedicated to Shiva, Nartaraja temple was built during the Chola period in the 11^th century CE. With extensive Chola sculptures and exquisite architecture, the colourful temple has Shiva in a dancing pose as its main deity. The temple complex also has numerous other sanctums, including that of a Vishnu shrine apart from pillared halls and huge water tanks. The entrance door or gopuram stands tall and intimidating with its colourful exterior and sculpted interiors. Intricate sculptures of gods and mythological figures embellish the colourful gopuram. The sprawling courtyard is known as Kanakasabhai, and the temple is known for its yearly music and dance festival. Maha Kumbabhishekam is the annual festival that brings the temple alive every year.

P.S.: This post is in collaboration with Srirangam Temple