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TEMPLES IN INDIA 
Temples in Tamilnadu Meenakshi Sundareswarar TempleMeenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at Madurai is an ancient center of worship as well as an art gallery of vast proportions. Rich in traditions, festivals & art, Madurai is second to none in representing the rich cultural heritage of India.LocationLocated in Madurai at the center of the town. The name 'Madurai' evokes in the minds of the Tamils the golden era when their language, culture and arts flourished under the patronage of successive Pandian kings. The city was the home of such illustrious institutions as the 'Sangam' which revived and nurtured great works of Tamil poets and artists. It now houses the largest temple complex in Tamilnadu built by the Nayaka Kings who ruled Madurai from the 16th to 18th century. They have left an indelible imprint of their glorious period in the Meenakshi-Sundareswarar temple. The goddess Sakthi rules the world as Meenakshi in Madurai, as Kamakshi in Kanchi and as Visalakshi in Kasi. But the most revered and worshipped of these three is the Goddess Meenakshi of Madurai.SignificanceThe temple town of Madurai is one of the most ancient heritage sites of India truly reflective of the cultural ethos of India. Madurai is closely associated with the literary wealth of Classical and Modern Tamil. The crowning glory of this historic city is the sprawling Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple. Four of the 6 major streams of the indigenous system of beliefs as codified by Sankaracharya (i.e. Saivism, Shaktism, Vaishnavism and the worship of Skanda) meet in this historic city during festive occasions when the entire region is transformed into a vast space of celebration. Visit this link to know more about Meenakshi amman temple. Learn more about the key components of the temple here.Azhagar(Alagar) KovilAzhagar Kovil is situated in Madurai in a picturesque locale. The hill nearby resembles the shape of a cow, and hence the name Vrishabhadri. The temple is surrounded by two forts, the outer one being Azhagapuri and the inner one Hiranyapuri. The southern gateway to the fort, the Hiranyankottai vaasal is the main entrance here.LocationThis Divya Desam is the well known Kallazhagar temple located at a distance of about 18 km from Madurai. Nearby is Pazhamudirsolai, one of the six Padai Veedu shrines of Murugan. Visit this link to learn more about Azhagar Koil.SignificanceHere 'Vishnu' presides as Meenakshi's brother 'Azhagar', it shows Lord Vishnu sitting, standing and dancing one above the other. During the Chitrai festival in April/May, when the celestial marriage of Meenakshi to Sundareswarar is celebrated, Azhagar travels to Madurai. A gold processional icon called the Sundararajar is carried by devotees in procession from Azhagar Kovil to Madurai for wedding ritual. The Chittirai festival is a grand one, where on the fourth day, Azhagar is taken to Madurai, where he resides on the banks of the Vaigai river for five days and then returns. Chittirai is the month of great festivities in Madurai, for it is when, the grand Chittirai Tiruvizha of Madurai happensSrirangamSrirangam is the largest and among the grandest temples in India and a treasure house of art. Srirangam enshrines Vishnu - Ranganatha in a reclining posture and its entrance is crowned with the loftiest tower in India.LocationSri Rangam town itself has a railway station on the Madras-Thiruchchi line. It is about 5 km from Trichi and about 300 km from Chennai. Thiruchi being a large city is well served by road, rail and air. Pilgrims throng to this temple throughout the year, but the main festival falls in December/January during 'Vaikuntha ehathasi' and is conducted over a period of 20 days.SignificanceThis temple is as holy and venerable to Vaishnavites as Chidambaram temple is to Saivites. Undoubtedly the largest temple in India, and one among the grandest, it is a treasure house of art freezing various architectural styles over a period of time. It boasts of the tallest temple tower in India. Referred to as heaven on earth it is an ancient center of worship - vibrant with tradition and festivals. The Pancharanga Kshetrams along the course of the Kaveri are Srirangapatnam (Karnataka), Srirangam, Koyiladi (Anbil) and Kumbhakonam and Indalur (Mayiladuturai). Click here to learn more about Srirangam and its significance.ChidambaramChidambaram is one of the holiest and most venerated temples in Tamilnadu dedicated to Lord Natarajah. When people refer to 'koil' (the Tamil word for temple) the word denotes the temple in Chidambaram. Experience the grandeur of the temple and the tradition of festivals at Chidambaram, enshrining Shiva, as Nataraja, the Lord of Dance.LocationChidambaram is about 250 km south of Chennai (Madras) and is easily reached by rail and road. The town is situated on the main railway route between Chennai and Trichi about halfway between these two towns. There are buses from all the major towns of Tamilnadu to this temple town.SignificanceChidambaram is the place where Nataraja and the significance of the Cosmic Dance of Bliss is depicted. Chidambaram deifies Shiva in his most poetic form as the Cosmic Dancer. This dance of bliss, or the Ananda Tandavam of Shiva is said to symbolize the five divine acts of creation, sustenance, dissolution, concealment and bestowment of grace. The vast temple campus houses several shrines, mandapams, towers, and courtyards. This shrine is the place where the dance festival are conducted every year. Visit this link to learn more about Chidambaram temple.Periya KoyilPeriya Koyil is the most imposing temple Vimanam in India, also called the Brihadeeswarar temple at Thanjavur, built by the Chola ruler, Raja Raja Chola I the great. This architectural marvel is one of the popular tourist destinations in the state.LocationTanjore or Thanjavoor (its Tamil name) was the capital of the Chola empire between the 9th and 13th century. Tanjore is the district headquarters of Tanjore administrative district in the state of Tamilnadu. It is easily accessible by both rail and road. The nearest airport is in Trichi about 50 kms away.SignificanceThe Brihatheeswarar temple, also known as Periya Koil, is a fine specimen of the Dravidian architecture. Normally in the Hindu temples of Tamilnadu the 'gopuram' or the entrance tower is taller than the 'vimanam' (the tower above the sanctum). In Tanjore temple the 'vimanam' above the sanctum overshadows the entrance tower by rising to a height of about 216 feet with 14 storeys. The 'vimanam' is 96 feet square at the base. The stone at the top of the 'vimanam' is a single block of stone weighing about 80 tons. It is said that the shadow of the 'vimanam' does not fall on the ground as the base is so large. Click here to learn more about Tanjai Periya koil.PillaiyarpattiThe familiar image of Karpaka Vinayakar, is from the ancient rock cut temple at Pillaiyarpatti near Karaikkudi.LocationPillaiyarpatti is situated close to Karaikudi near Madurai.SignificancePillaiyar, Lord Vinayaka, is the considered the primary God and he is worshipped before any new work is began. Pillaiyarpatti is a very popular shrine of Lorg Vinayaka. The image of the presiding deity, Ganesha is a rock cut one, carved on a wall. This image of Ganesha is bound to be familiar to anyone of Tamil origin; however, little is known to many about the fact that this is an image of the rock cut Karpaka Vinayakar Shrine at Pillaiyarpatti near Karaikkudi at one of the oldest Cave Temples (Rock Cut) temples of Tamilnadu. Click here to learn more about Pillaiyarpatti.Shrines of Lord MurugaThere are lot of shrines for Lord Muruga, but there are six abodes called Arupadai Veedu, that are visited by devotees every year, especially during the month of Karthigai(December). These six shrines are2. Tiruchendur Sendhil Andavar Temple 3. Swamimalai Swaminatha Swami Temple 4. Palani Dandayudhapani Swamy Temple 5. Tiruthani Subramanya Swamy Temple and 6. Palamudhircholai Subramanya Swamy Temple Almost all important events in the life of Lord Muruga or arumuga, are supposed to have take place in these six places.  ThiruparangundramThiruparangundram is a very famous place of pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Muruga. It's a few miles from Madurai, one of the largest cities in the state of Tamil Nadu in south India.LocationLocated in the outskirts of the city of Madurai, about 10 km south of MaduraiSignificanceIt is a cave temple . Here Lord Muruga was wedded to Devayanai, daughter of Indra, after annihilating Surapadman. In the temple there are separate shrines dedicated to Shiva, Ganapathy, Durgai, Vishnu and other deities. At the entrance to the temple there are 48 pillars with artistic carvings. The Rock-cut Temple of Subramaniya here is thronged with pilgrims on all days of special worship. Its innermost shrine is cut out of a solid rock.ThiruchendurThiruchendur is said to be second in importance among his six abodes. This place is also referred to by other names in religious poems and literature as Thirucheeralaivai, Thiruchenthil, Thiruchenthiyoor, etc. The deity is worshipped by various names such as Senthilandavan, Senthilkumaran and so on.LocationThe temple is situated so close to the sea that waves from the Gulf of Mannar lap at the eastern perimeter wall of the temple. The town is connected to Thirunelveli junction of the Southern Railway by a feeder line. Thiruchendur is about 65 km from Thirunelveli, 40 km from Tuticorn and 88 km from Kanyakumari by road and is easily accessible either by bus or car.SignificanceTiruchendur means the sacred and prosperous town of victory. Usually the temples in Tamilnadu have their main entrance towers built on the eastern side of the temple. In Thiruchendur the main entrance tower is built on the west though this is not used as an entrance. This is because the temple is built on the sea shore and the sea is close to the eastern border of the temple.This is the only one among the six famous temples called 'Aarupadai veedu' not situated on the top of a hill. To learn more about Thiruchendur click here.PalaniPalani is one of the most visited temples in Tamilnadu and is one of six abodes(Padai Veedu shrines) of Lord Muruga, Palani's hilltop Shri Dandayudhapani temple attracts pilgrims all year round, but the town comes alive most in April, when it hosts a festival in honour of Murugan, Shiva's son (also known as Skanda).LocationIt is situated in the district of Madurai about 112 km from Madurai and 152 km from Trichi. The temple is about 5 km from the railway station on the Dindugal - Coimbatore line of the Southern Railway. There are bus services from all the major towns in Tamilnadu as well as from the adjoining state of Kerala.SignificanceThe idol of the deity in the hill shrine is made up of a wax-like substance and is believed to be an amalgam made up of nine different herbal substances while others believe it to be of nine rare minerals. Devotees believe that any substance that comes into contact with the body of this idol acquires miraculous curing powers for many illnesses. The materials used on this idol during 'abishekams' (purifying ablution), especially the sandal paste used to cover the body overnight are highly sought after. It can also be observed that the 'panchamirtham' (a mixture of fruits and honey) used in the 'abishekam' is kept for long periods without any preservative in it. These are distributed to the devotees who do not suffer any ill effects when they ingest it. To learn more about Palani Muruga Temple visit this link.SwamimalaiSwamimalai is a temple built on an artificial hill and is reached by a flight of steps.The deity is worshipped as Swaminathan.LocationSwamimalai is about 2 km from the railway station of the same name and is about 8 km north of Kumbakonam .The temple is easily accessible by road with frequent bus service from Kumbakonam.SignificanceSwamimalai is fourth among the six padai veedu or sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga. The presiding deity here expounded the meaning of the Pranava mantra OM to his own Father Lord Siva Himself. To learn more about Swamimalai click here.ThiruthaniSaint poet Nakkerar, in his songs in praise of Lord Subrahmanya, or Thanigesa Peruman, places Tiruthani in the fifth place amongst the six battle places ( Aarupadai Veedu ) that Lord Muruga has fought to win over evil.LocationThiruththani is about 12 km north of Arakkonum and about 70 km from Chennai. The railway station is about 2 km from the temple on the main line to Bombay. Bus services are frequent from Chennai and other surrounding towns.SignificanceIt is considered that this is the place where Lord Muruga married Valli. This place is also called 'Cheruththani' (Cheru - Anger; Thani - extinguish) indicating where Lord Subramanya's anger was extinguished. To know more about Thiruthani, click here.PazhamudircholaiPazhamudircholai is the smallest temple among the Arupadaiveedu, situated along with Azhagar Koil in Madurai. The term Azhahar and Azhahan denote both Lord Vishnu and Lord Murugan (another name for Lord Subramanya).LocationThis temple located at a distance of about 18 km from Madurai.SignificanceThsi shrine is known to be the place where Lord Muruga appeared infront of Avvaiyar, the grand old lady of Tamil literature and an ardent devotee of Lord Subramanya, on her way to Madurai. The area in which the temple is situated is surrounded by groves of trees and the river Silambar runs nearby giving an ambience of calmness and solitude. To learn more about Pazhamudircholai click here.Click here for a detailed description of the Arupadiveedu. TiruvannamalaiTiruvannamalai, one among the grandest temples in India, has a hoary tradition of festivals, the most important of which is Kartikai Deepam.LocationThe temple town of Tiruvannamalai, 85kms south of Vellore, is an important Shaivite town. Thiruvannamalai has a railway station on the Villuppuram - Katpady line on the Southern Railway. There are bus services to this town from all the major towns in Tamilnadu.SignificanceThiruvannamalai is one of the 'Panch bootha sthala' dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here He appeared as a 'Jothi' or Fire and is worshipped as a Jothi lingam. The name Thiruvannamalai is taken from the hill near the temple and the deity is called 'Arunachaleswarar'. To learn more about the history of Tiruvannamalai visit these sites.SuchindramSuchindram is a unique temple in the whole of India in that it is dedicated to three different deities represented by one image in the sanctum and is called Sthanumalayan (Sthanu-Shiva; Maal-Vishnu and Ayan-Brahma) kovil. The temple is rich in sculpture and architecture and a visitor to this temple is amply rewarded with the sight of such exquisite art of hundreds of years old.LocationSuchindram is about 11 km from Kanyakumari and about 7 km from Nagarkoil lying between these two towns. Busses ply from Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Trivandram. The nearest railway station is Nagarkoil on the Trivandrum - Kanyakumari section of the Southern Railway.SignificanceThe place got the name of Suchindram, according to the Sthalapurana, as Indra was relieved of a curse. The term "Suchi" means purifying and the place where Indra was purified got the name of Suchindram. According to the believers, Indra even now visits the temple daily for performing "Ardhajama Pooja" in the night. One should visit this temple, if not for its presiding deity, at least for the sculptures and art found in this temple. One can appreciate the splendour and the beauty of the sculptor's art only by seeing them. No amount of words can justify or reflect the grandeur, exquisiteness, ethos or the nuances of the artists' creation.In the 'Alankara mandapam' adjacent to the Northern corridor there are four large pillars each formed by a group of smaller pillars all carved from a single stone. Two of these large pillars have 33 smaller pillars and the other two 25 each. These are the famous musical pillars. Each of these smaller pillars produce a different musical note when tapped. Unfortunately these pillars are surrounded by iron grills to prevent vandalism.Step out of the 'Alankara mandapam' and you come face to face with a gigantic figure of Hanuman. The figure is 18 feet high and depicts 'visuvaroopam'. There are other carvings and sculptures on every pillar and panel throughout the temple, which are a feast to the eye and the imagination. The Nandi image in the temple, which is 13 feet high, 21 feet long and 10 feet wide, is one of the biggest of its kind in the country. It is not a granite idol but made of lime and mortar and is hailed as "Maakkaalai". The temple's Prakaram is also very long like those at Rameswaram and Madurai. To know more about Suchindram click here. KanyakumariSituated at the southernmost tip of the subcontinent is home to the ancient shrine of Kanyakumari. At Tiruvattaar and Tirupatisaaram in Kanyakumari district worship is offered in the Kerala Tantram protocol.LocationKanyakumari is at the southernmost tip of India and off its shores meet three seas; the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean and the Bay of Bengal. Kanyakumari is a railway terminus and can be reached from any part of the country by rail via Trivandrum or Thirunelveli. There are buses from all cities in Tamilnadu and some places in Kerala state. The nearest airport is in Trivandrum about 86 Km away.SignificanceKanyakumari derives its name from the virgin Goddess Kanyakumari whose temple is situated here on its shore. The small temple dedicated to Kanyakumari, or the youthful form of the primeval energy Shakti (Mother Goddess) is located on the seashore, in the town known by the same name. Kanyakumari was referred to by the British as Cape Commorin.Kanyakumari represents the site where the spiritual leader Swami Vivekananda spent days in meditation upon a rock off of the coast. A memorial built in his honor is accessible via ferry. There is also a recently built memorial to Tiruvalluvar, the author of the philosophical work Tirukkural - a treatise on the Indian way of life. To know more about Kanyakumari, click here. KancheepuramThe Kamakshi Amman temple at Kanchipuram - the ancient city of temples is one of the leading centers of Shakti worship in Tamilnadu. Also here are the Ekambreswarar temple, the Varada Raja Perumaal temple, Kumarakottam and many more.LocationKancheepuram is situated at a distance of about 77 km from Chennai on the Arakkonam - Chengalpattu section of the Southern Railway. It is easily accessible both by road and by rail.SignificanceThe town of Kanchi was the capital of the ancient Pallavas. The Kailasanathar temple here is one of the grand Pallava monuments. The Kamakshi Amman temple at Kanchipuram is an ancient one and is associated with Aadi Sankaracharya of the 1st millennium CE. The Goddess Sakthi is presented here as Kamakshi, one of the three famous forms. The Tamil saying Kanchi Kamakshi, Madurai Meenakshi and Kaasi Visalakshi illustrates the importance of the Shakthi shrine that it is.Kanchipuram is the seat of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham established by Adi Sankaracharya. It is believed that Sankaracharya attained samadhi at Kancheepuram, although another school of thought holds that Kedarnath in the Himalayas is the site of his samadhi. Kancheepuram is also well known for its silk sarees. To learn more about Kanchi Kamakshi Temple click here. Thyagaraja temple at ThiruvarurThyagaraja temple is one of the ancient heritage sites of India and is a representation of the religio-socio-cultural history of the Tamil region for a period spanning over a millennium and a half. The vast temple complex today is truly a standing monument to centuries of history and tradition.LocationTiruvarur, a very well-known shrine, is situated in Thanjavur, connected by rail, where the branch lines of Mayuram - Karaikudi and Thanjavur - Nagapatttinam intersect.SignificanceMore celebrated as the birthplace of the three savants of Carnatic music - Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri and Saint Tyagaraja, Tiruvarur has one of the most ancient temples of Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Shiva. The origin of the shrine at Tiruvarur is steeped in antiquity. Of the two major shrines in the temple, dedicated to Vanmikanathar and Tyagarajar the Vanmikanathar shrine is the older one. It enshrines a Shivalingam - prithvi lingam made of earth. The Lord is known as Tyagaraja, and His Consort, Padam-piriyaal (one who does not leave the feet of Her Lord) and Neelotpalavalli. To know more about Thiruvaiyaru and the musical festivals and the history of the temple, click here.Vaitheeswaran KovilVaitheeswaran Kovil known in Hindu scriptures as 'Pullirukkuvelur' (Pul - Irukku - Vel - Ur, the words in Tamil meaning Bird (Jatayu), Rig-veda, Lord Murugan and Sun respectively) is one of the important Shiva temples in the South. People with various illnesses come here to get cured and hence the popular name Vaitheeswaran - the one who cures of illnesses.LocationThe station of the same name is about 1 km from the temple, on the Madras - Mayavaram route. There are good public transports from the surrounding towns such as Chidambaram, Mayawaram, Kumbakonam, etc.SignificanceIt is of said that Angarakan - Mars, Kartikeya, Jatayu and the Rig Veda worshipped Shiva here. This shrine is also referred to as an Angarakasthalam. An ancient temple dedicated to Shiva - as Vaideeswaran literally meaning the divine provider of cures. Adorned with imposing towers, mandapams and pillars, this well visited shrine has been sung by the Saivite Saint Poets.On entering the temple by the western tower you can see two pillars (Thwajasthambam), one made of gold and the other of silver. This is an unique feature in this temple. There are about 18 'theerthams' scattered in and around this temple of which some are more sacred than others depending on their association with incidents in 'puranic' legends. Another feature of this temple is that there are no frogs or snake living in 'Siththamirtha theertham'. The legend is that a sage by the name of Sathananthar was praying on the banks of the theertham. A frog chased by a snake jumped on him. Angered by this disruption he pronounced that there should be no frogs or snakes in this theertham and accordingly there are no frogs or snakes in this tank of water. To know more about Vaitheeswaran Kovil click here.Temples Outside TamilnaduGuruvayurThe Sree Krishna temple here attracts thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Naraayaneeyam the acclaimed sanskrit classic extols this shrine. Guruvayoor enshrines the youthful form of Krishna. This is a temple rich in legend, tradition and festivals.LocationGuruvayoor is one of the most popular pilgrimage destinations in South India. It is located in Kerala. It is well connected by rail and road to Thrissur and hence to the rest of the country.SignificanceThe walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings. The historic temple is shrouded in mystery. According to local belief, the temple was created by 'Guru', the 'preceptor of the gods' and 'Vayu', the 'god of winds'. The eastern 'nada' is the main entrance to the shrine. This site gives the entire details of Guruvayoor and Lord Sree Krishna.Tirumala TirupathiThis ancient temple enshrining Balaji or Venkatachalapati is the most visited temple in India.SignificanceTirupati/Tirumala is a pilgrimage center of great significance and is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Venkateswara, or Srinivasa or Balaji as the presiding deity Vishnu is known, is enshrined in this temple, located on a range of the Eastern Ghats, called the Seven Hills. It is an ancient temple and its glory has been sung by the saints of the yesteryears.Location:Tirupati is a town in the Chittoor district of the Southern portion of Andhra Pradesh and is at a convenient train journey away from Chennai (formerly Madras) in Tamilnadu. Tirumalai, on the last of the seven Hills, is home to this temple and is connected by a well maintained and picturesque mountain road constructed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devastanam.SignificanceTirupathi is said to be the richest temple in India, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country and it is not unusual for pilgrims to stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds. TTD, or Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam manages the affairs of the temple, the well being of the pilgrims, the upkeep of the environs in and around the Tirumala hills and sponsors several undertakings that are religious, charitable, social and educational in nature.References to Tiruvenkatam abound in early Tamil literature(Tolkappiam and Silappadikaram) . Explicit reference to the Lord of Tiruvenkatam is found in the works of the early Tamil Saint Poets Poigai Alwar, Bhuthathu Alwar and Pay Alwar as well as in the poems of the later Alwars. The great religious leader Ramanuja Acharya is said to have visited here in the 11th - 12th century AD. References to Venkatachalam are also found in several of the Puranas. Tirumalai constitutes one of the 108 Sri Vaishnava Divya Desams - sacred shrines in the Sri Vaishnavite tradition. Krishna Deva Raya of the Vijayanagar Empire is said to have visited this temple 7 times. An image of his is also found in the temple. The Venkatesa Itihasa Mala and the Varaha Purana contain several legends connected with Tirumalai. Click here to visit the official site of Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam. Sri SailamSree Sailam near Kurnool enshrines Mallikarjuna in an ancient temple. Aadi Sankaracharya composed his Sivanandalahiri here.Significance:This is one of the greatest Saivite shrines in India and it constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingam shrines of Shiva. The presiding deities here are Mallikarjuna (Shiva) and Bhramaramba (Devi). This is an ancient temple with fort like walls, towers and a rich endowment of sculptural work. This huge temple built in the Dravidian style with lofty towers and sprawling courtyards is one of the finest specimens of Vijayanagar architecture.Antiquity The origins of this temple are buried in antiquity. The Skanda Purana has a chapter dedicated to it. The great religious leader Aadi Sankara is said to have visited this shrine and composed his immortal Sivananda Lahiri here. Praise of this temple has been sung by the Tamil Saint poets of the past millennium. The shrine dedicated to Bhramaramba is considered to be of great significance. Legend has it that Durga is said to have assumed the shape of a bee and worshipped Shiva here, and chose this place as her abode. To know more about Sri Sailam click here. Sree KalahastiOne of the Pancha Bhoota temples of Shiva Kalahasti enshrines the Vayu Lingam - representing the element wind - of the five elements of Agni, Vaayu, Aakasam, Jalam and Prithvi.LocationThe temple is about 3 km from Kalahasthi railway station but the easiest way to travel to this temple is by road either from Chennai or Tirupathi. There are frequent bus services from both these towns.SignificanceThis ancient temple dedicated to Shiva is one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams (temples celebrating Shiva as the embodiment of the primary elements), air being the element in case here, the other five temples being Tiruvannamalai (Fire), Chidambaram (Space),Tiruvanaikkaval (Water) and Kanchipuram (Earth) respectively. Kalahasti is located near the pilgrimage town of Tirupati and is visited by thousands of pilgrims. This temple is also associated with Rahu and Ketu, (of the nine grahams or celestial bodies in the Indian astrological scheme). Click here to learn more about Kalahasti.Related LinksLinks grouped based on the names of GodsShiva I and Shiva IIVishnu I and Vishnu II Muruga Ganesh Shakthi Surya Links grouped based on districts in TamilnaduIndex of 1000 TemplesTemples in Chennai Temples in Madurai Temples in Trichy Temples in Tanjavore Temples in Kumbakonam Temples in Kancheepuram Links grouped based on states in IndiaIndian Temple ArchitectureTamilnadu Kerala Karnataka Andrapradesh Orissa Maharashtra Bengal Himalayas North India Central India Western India Northeastern India On Ganges Other linksDetailed list of temples in IndiaExcellent library of temples Hindubooks Temple lists in map Special Temples Blessings on the Net Temples and temple art Anatomy of an Indian temples
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