Things to do in Tamil Nadu, India: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites

Brihadishvara Temple, also called Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.

This 12th-century Chola temple is a compact gem.

Many interesting rock-cut temples and giant open-air reliefs from the 7th and 8th centuries.

Experience the culture of Madurai with this private tour of its ancient temples. Spend approximately 45 minutes visiting each of the Dravidian temples built by the Pandyan and Madurai Nayak kings, earning the city its nickname Koil Maanagar, which means Temple City. Discover why Madurai, also called the City of Junctions or Koodal Nagaram, is one of India's most outstanding Hindu pilgrimage centers.

Dedicated to Vishnu, the temple of Srirangam's vast complex has seven enclosures formed by huge rampart walls and 21 elaborate towers.

This is one of the most significant temples in the region.

This 8th-century sandstone temple has a sanctuary that only one worshipper can enter at a time, through a tight tunnel.

The Dhyanalinga is set amidst the foothills of the Velliangiri Mountains, the first of its kind to be completed in over 2000 years. This powerful meditative space does not ascribe to any particular faith or belief system nor does it require any ritual, prayer, or worship. In June 1999, Dhyanalinga was consecrated by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, a realized master, mystic and yogi, after three years of intense process of prana prathista (process of energizing an object using one's own life energies). Measuring 13' 9", Dhyanalinga is the largest mercury-based live linga in the world. All the aspects of life are enshrined in the form of seven chakras, energized to the very peak and locked to prevent dissipation over time. It is expected that the energies of the Dhyanalinga will not suffer dissipation for at least 5000 years. THEERTAKUNDS The Dhyanalinga features two Theerthakunds, which are subterranean tanks with solidified mercury lingas immersed in water, built as preparatory tools to enhance one's spiritual receptivity before entering the Dhyanalinga. The Theerthakunds, are very powerful by themselves. It straightens out the energy or the pranic imbalances in a person, which leads to physical and mental well-being. Above all, it creates a tremendous receptivity to imbibe the energies of Dhyanalinga. They are open for Gents and Ladies from 7:30AM to 8:00PM NADHA ARADHANA An offering of sound to the Dhyanalinga, Nadha Aradhana is an etheric blend of vocals, singing bowls, drums and various other instruments amplified within the reverberating Dome, transporting one into the timeless space of the Dhyanalinga. The offering takes place twice a day, from 11:50 am to 12:10 pm and from 5:50 pm to 6:10 pm. These times are recognized as special sandhya kalas for meditators. A sandhya kala is a phase when nature undergoes certain transitions and makes a person more receptive to inner possibilities. AUMKAR MEDITATION Visitors to the Dhyanalinga can further deepen their experience by attending this daily introduction to the timeless and powerful mantra "Aum." This meditation is known to have transcendental qualities. It can bring peace and balance to one's system, and is known to relieve people from numerous physical and mental ailments when practiced regularly. Aumkar meditation is offered daily from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.