The southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has one of the richest cultural heritages in the world; the birthplace of the great ancient Indian dynasties and the heritage places in Tamil Nadu gives a glimpse into the cultural history of India. The heritage places in Tamil Nadu are also great examples of the incredible Indian temple architecture. It should not be surprising that in the list of 29 world heritage sites in India out of which four of them are in Tamil Nadu only. In this article, we will learn about these four sites.

The heritage sites in Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has a long and rich cultural history. The impact of Tamil culture on the Indian diaspora can be understood by the fact that in the list of 29 world heritage sites in India out of which four of them are in Tamil Nadu. The state was home to the ancient Chola dynasty; the kings of the great empire have left the great temples they built; these give us a glimpse of the marvellous architectural abilities.

The State of Tamil Nadu also has rich biodiversity; a large part of the state comes under the western ghats, making it a hot spot for rich flora and fauna. The heritage places in Tamil Nadu are a living testimony of the vibrant culture and geography; four of the world heritage sites in India are in Tamil Nadu; let us learn about these sites in detail.

Brihadeshwarar temple

  • Brihadeshwarar temple is an important world heritage site in India.
  • The ancient temple is also known as the “Rajarajeshwaram” and “Peruvudaiyār Kōvil.”
  • The names derive from the original deity of the temple Rajrajeshwara, and as Cholas were Shaivites, the main deity Shiva was also called Peruvudaiyar. 
  • In later centuries, it was named Brihadeshwarar by Marathas, which means Great Lord.
  • The great temple is situated on the southern bank of the Cauvery river in Tanjore, Tamil Nadu.
  • The credit for constructing the great Brihadeshwarar temple is given to Chola king Rajaraja Chola.
  • Archaeological evidence indicates that the temple was built around 1003 and 1010 AD; it is believed that the temple construction took 6 long years.
  • Like all the temples of its time, the Brihadeshwarar temple also consists of a stunning Vimana; the Vimana is almost 200 feet tall.
  • The Vimana is often called Dakshin Meru.
  • The temple was included in the list of world heritage sites in 1987.

Gangaikanda Cholapuram temple

  • This ancient temple is located in Jayankondam town of Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu and is a world heritage site in India.
  • The credit for the temple’s construction is given to Chola king Rajendra Chola I.
  • The archaeological evidence shows that the temple construction was completed in 1035 AD.
  • The temple is built to look like a replica of the big temple or the Brihadeshwarar temple in Tanjore.
  • The temple vimana is around 180 feet tall.
  • The temple sanctum depicts an impressive sculpture of Nandi; Nandi is an ox and is depicted as the ride of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology.
  • In 2004 UNESCO declared the temple a world heritage site.

Airavateshwarar temple 

  • The temple is also known as “Darasuram Airavateshwarar Temple ” it is situated in Kumbakonam town in the Tanjore district of Tamil Nadu.
  • The temple was constructed by Chola rulers and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • The temple construction is believed to have begun in the 12th century under the patronage of the Chola king Rajaraja Cholan II.
  • The temple altar shows the influence of Vaishnavite and Shaktism practices of Hindu traditions.
  • The name Airavateshwarar is derived from the mythical elephant “Airavata”.
  • The temple is unique in its architectural features.
  • The Airavateshwarar temple was added to the list of world heritage sites in 2004.

Monuments at Mahabalipuram

  • Mahabalipuram is also called “Mamallapuram ” the name is derived from the Pallava ruler Narsimhavarmana I; he was fondly called “Mamallan ”. 
  • The site is located in the South of Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.
  • The site served as a coastal port city under the Pallava empire in the 7th century AD.
  • The Pallava rulers built a total of seven granite temples on the site.
  • “Arjuna’s Penance” is one of the most attractive sites in Mahabalipuram; the scene is depicted in one of the most mesmerising works of sculpture.
  • The other fascinating sculptures on the site are the Panch Rathas, the Shore temple, the Varaha temple and the depiction of the descent of the Ganga.

Conclusion

The heritage places in Tamil Nadu are an important part of Indian culture; the distinctive Dravidian architecture and mythology of the region give these sites a unique structure, which is why they are included in the list of 29 world heritage sites in India out of which four of them are in Tamil Nadu. The temples constructed by the ancient kings in Tamil Nadu are important world heritage sites in India. The ruins of these temples help us understand the culture and a way of the life of ancient Chola and Pallava kings. This article explores the heritage places in Tamil Nadu.