Architecture of Tamil Nadu

These are the two surviving Hindu temples of the pre-Pallava period namely, Veetrirundha Perumal Temple and Murugan temple at Saluvankuppam. These temples are one of the oldest ones in Tamil Nadu.^[1]

Tamil Nadu is known for its ancient temple architecture. Nearly 33,000 ancient temples, many at least 800 to 2000 years old, are found scattered all over Tamil Nadu. As per Tamil Nadu Hindu Endowments Board, there are 38,615 temples. Most of the largest Hindu Temples are located in Tamil Nadu.^[2] Studded with complex architecture, a variety of sculptures, and rich inscriptions, the temples remain the very essence of the culture and heritage of Tamil land, with historical records dating back to at least 3,000 years.

The state also abounds with a large number of temple tanks. The state has 2,359 temple tanks located in 1,586 temples and also confluence of many architectural styles, from ancient temples to the Indo-Saracenic style (pioneered in Madras) of the colonial era, to churches and mosques, to the 20th-century steel and chrome of skyscrapers.^[3]

^ S. Sivakumar (13 August 2010). "Much more than stone". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012.
^ "Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh build temple ties to boost tourism". The Times of India. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2011.
^ "Mission to Renovate Temple Tanks". The Deccan Chronicle. Chennai. 19 May 2013.

[thehindu20100813-1] S. Sivakumar (13 August 2010). "Much more than stone". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012.

[2] "Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh build temple ties to boost tourism". The Times of India. 10 August 2010. Archived from the original on 14 July 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2011.

[3] "Mission to Renovate Temple Tanks". The Deccan Chronicle. Chennai. 19 May 2013.

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