List of tallest Gopurams
Tallest Gopurams
Table:
S.No

Temple

Image

Height
ft

Consecration

Year

Notes

Location

1

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

239.501[6][7]

1987 CE[6]

The Srirangam Temple is the largest temple and tallest temple tower in India. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres (63 ha).[8]

Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India

2

Murdeshwara Temple

237[9][10]

2008 CE

The temple is popular among travellers for the pretty high Siva temple, which is towered over an immense 40m high idol of the deity. The gopuram is now the second tallest in India. This is also the only one where one can take a lift to top floor of the gopuram.[11]

Murdeshwara, Karnataka, India

3

Annamalaiyar Temple
Eastern Gopuram
(Raja Gopuram)

216.5[9]

9th Century CE

The temple covers some 10 hectares, this vast temple is one of the largest of India. Four large unpainted gopurams, one of each cardinal point, front of approaches, with the eastern side rising 13 storeys and an astonishing 66m[12]

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

4

Srivilliputhur Andal Temple

193.5[13]

CE

The 11-storied gopuram has a height of 59m, making it the tallest gopuram of the era. During the period of Madurai Nayaks, the lesser figures sponsored religious projects, including large scale campus.[14] The temple is the emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu[13]

Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, India

5

Ulagalantha Perumal Temple

192

AD

This temple is dedicated to Sri Trivikrama - Ulagalanda Perumal, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple tower is one of the tallest, measuring 192 feet (59 m) in height. The Alwars Poigai Alvar, Bhoothathalvar & Peyalvar sang in praise of Lord Vishnu which formed the integral part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.

One of the special features is that one idol contains the forms of two Gods - front side as Chakratalwar with sixteen hands and the back side as Narasimhar.[15]

Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu, India

6

Ekambareswarar Temple

190[16]

CE

This is Kanchipuram's largest temple with its tall gopuram, a highly visible symbol of Vijayanagar dynasty. The entire complex covers an area of 10 hectares and has five courtyards.[17]

Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India

7

Azhagar Kovil

187

CE

Azhagar Koyil is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the outer gateway of the temple, there is a massive door that is rarely opened. Behind the door, Karupannaswamy, the subordinate of Lord Vishnu, although no image of Karuppanaswamy is present. The shrine is dedicated to Karupannaswamy.

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

8

Kasi Viswanathar temple, Tenkasi

180

15th Century CE

Built by the Pandya Kings, the massive gopura of the temple is the second largest in Tamil Nadu. This temple is also known as Ulagamman Temple. This temple boasts beautiful sculptures and also has musical stone pillars that produce different sounds when tapped with fingers.

Name of the town is derived from this temple and known as Kasi of South. The nearby river Chittar is considered equivalent to Ganga

Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu

8

Annamalaiyar Temple
Northern Gopuram (Ammani Amman Gopuram)

171[9]

15th Century CE

The temple covers some 10 hectares, this vast temple is one of the largest of India. Four large unpainted gopurams, one of each cardinal point, front of approaches, with the eastern side rising 13 storeys and an astonishing 66m[12]

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

9

Meenakshi Amman Temple

170

870 CE

The complex houses 14 gopurams (gateway towers) ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high[18] The temple has some very old sections but the largest part dates back to 17th century. The four gopurams are decorated with many figures from the Hindu pantheon; they can be seen from great distances.[19]

Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India

10

Virupaksha Temple, Main Entrance Gopuram

Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

166

15th Century CE

Built during the time of Vijayanagara Empire

Hampi, Karnataka

11

Sarangapani Temple

164

12th Century CE

The temple is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam. The temple shrine, in the form of chariot was the work of the Chola kings during the 12th century.[20][21]

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India

12

Annamalaiyar Temple
Southern Gopuram
(Tirumanjana Gopuram)

157[9]

9th century CE

The temple covers some 10 hectares, this vast temple is one of the largest of India. Four large unpainted gopurams, one of each cardinal point, front of approaches, with the eastern side rising 13 storeys and an astonishing 66m[12]

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

13

Rajagopalaswamy Temple

154

1523-1575 CE

Kings Cholas, Vijayaragava Naik built the main gopuram, the thousand pillar hall and the big compound encircling the temple. The details of all these are available in the inscriptions within the temple[22]

Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, India

14

Annamalaiyar Temple
Northern Gopuram
(Pei Gopuram)

144[9]

9th century CE

The temple covers some 10 hectares, this vast temple is one of the largest of India. Four large unpainted gopurams, one of each cardinal point, front of approaches, with the eastern side rising 13 storeys and an astonishing 66m[12]

Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India

15

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Mangalagiri

File:Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.jpg

153[6][7]

1809 CE[6]

Mangalagiri means The Auspicious Hill. This place is one of the 8 important Mahakshetrams (sacred places) in India[8]

Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India

16

Sankaranayinarkoil, Sankarankovil

127

11th Century CE

Sankarankovil is home to the famous Sankaranarayanan Swamy temple.Sankarankovil is the second largest town in the district. It is very famous for "Adi Thabasu" festival. In older times, the city was called as Sankaranayinarkoil. Even now it is called as Sankarankovil.

Sankarankovil, Tamil Nadu, India

17

Nanjundeshwara Temple

120

9th Century CE

This is known as Dakshin Kashi or Kashi of South

Nanjundeshwara Temple, Karnataka, India

Looking at the provided table as well as the relevant paragraphs provided at the end.

Answer the following question: How many acres are contained in the house of worship with a 192 foot tall gopuram ? Output only the correct answer as {"answer": "YOUR ANSWER"}. Use only the information given.

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple or Thiruvarangam is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ranganatha , a reclining form of the Hindu deity Maha Vishnu , located in Srirangam , Tiruchirapalli , Tamil Nadu , India . Constructed in the Dravidian Architecture , this temple is glorified by Alvars in their Divya Prabhanda and has the unique distinction of being not only the foremost among the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. , but also the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world . It is one of the most illustrious Vaishnava temples in South India rich in legend and history . The temple has played an important role in Vaishnavism history starting with the 11th-century career of Ramanuja and his predecessors Nathamuni and Yamunacharya in Srirangam . Its location , on an island between the Kollidam and Kaveri rivers , has rendered it vulnerable to flooding as well as the rampaging of invading armies which repeatedly commandeered the site for military encampment . The temple was looted and destroyed by the Delhi Sultanate armies in a broad plunder raid on various cities of the Pandyan kingdom in early 14th century . The temple was rebuilt in late 14th century , the site fortified and expanded with many more gopurams in the 16th and 17th centuries . It was one of the hubs of early Bhakti movement with a devotional singing and dance tradition , but this tradition stopped during the 14th century and was revived in a limited way much later . The temple occupies an area of 155 acres ( 63 ha ) with 81 shrines , 21 towers , 39 pavilions , and many water tanks integrated into the complex making it the world 's largest functioning Hindu temple . The temple town is a significant archaeological and epigraphical site , providing a historic window into the early and mid medieval South Indian society and culture . Numerous inscriptions suggest that this Hindu temple served not only as a spiritual center , but also a major economic and charitable institution that operated education and hospital facilities , ran a free kitchen , and financed regional infrastructure projects from the gifts and donations it received . [ note 2 ] The Srirangam temple is the largest temple compound in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world .
Srirangam ( also known as Thiruvarangam ) is a neighbourhood of the city of Tiruchirappalli , Tamil Nadu , India . A river island , Srirangam is bounded by the Kaveri on one side and its distributary Kollidam on the other side . Considered as the first among the 108 Divya Desams , Srirangam is home to a significant population of Sri Vaishnavites ( followers of Lord Vishnu ) .
Tamil Nadu ( Tamil : [ ˈt̪amiɻ ˈn̪aːɽɯ ] ( listen ) ) , is one of the 28 states of India . Its capital and largest city is Chennai . Tamil Nadu lies in the southernmost part of the Indian subcontinent and is bordered by the union territory of Puducherry and the South Indian states of Kerala , Karnataka , and Andhra Pradesh . It is bounded by the Eastern Ghats on the north , by the Nilgiri Mountains , the Meghamalai Hills , and Kerala on the west , by the Bay of Bengal in the east , by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait on the southeast , and by the Indian Ocean on the south . The state shares a maritime border with the nation of Sri Lanka . The region was ruled by several empires , including the three great empires - Chera , Chola and Pandyan empires , which shape the region 's cuisine , culture , and architecture . The British Colonial rule during the modern period led to the emergence of Chennai , then known as Madras , as a world-class city . Modern-day Tamil Nadu was formed in 1956 after the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines . The state is home to a number of historic buildings , multi-religious pilgrimage sites , hill stations and three World Heritage sites . Tamil Nadu is the tenth largest Indian state by area and the sixth largest by population . The economy of Tamil Nadu is the second-largest state economy in India with ₹16.64 lakh crore ( US $ 230 billion ) in gross domestic product with a per capita GDP of ₹194,000 ( US $ 2,700 ) . Tamil Nadu has the sixth highest ranking among Indian states in human development index .
India ( Hindi : Bhārat ) , officially the Republic of India ( Hindi : Bhārat Gaṇarājya ) , is a country in South Asia . It is the seventh-largest country by area , the second-most populous country , and the most populous democracy in the world . Bounded by the Indian Ocean on the south , the Arabian Sea on the southwest , and the Bay of Bengal on the southeast , it shares land borders with Pakistan to the west ; [ e ] China , Nepal , and Bhutan to the north ; and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east . In the Indian Ocean , India is in the vicinity of Sri Lanka and the Maldives ; its Andaman and Nicobar Islands share a maritime border with Thailand and Indonesia . Modern humans arrived on the Indian subcontinent from Africa no later than 55,000 years ago . Their long occupation , initially in varying forms of isolation as hunter-gatherers , has made the region highly diverse , second only to Africa in human genetic diversity . Settled life emerged on the subcontinent in the western margins of the Indus river basin 9,000 years ago , evolving gradually into the Indus Valley Civilisation of the third millennium BCE . By 1200 BCE , an archaic form of Sanskrit , an Indo-European language , had diffused into India from the northwest , unfolding as the language of the Rigveda , and recording the dawning of Hinduism in India . The Dravidian languages of India were supplanted in the northern regions . By 400 BCE , stratification and exclusion by caste had emerged within Hinduism , and Buddhism and Jainism had arisen , proclaiming social orders unlinked to heredity . Early political consolidations gave rise to the loose-knit Maurya and Gupta Empires based in the Ganges Basin . Their collective era was suffused with wide-ranging creativity , but also marked by the declining status of women , and the incorporation of untouchability into an organised system of belief .
Murdeshwar is a town in Bhatkala Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka , India . The town is located 13 km from the taluk headquarters of Bhatkala . Murdeshwar is famous for the world 's second tallest Shiva statue , the town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murdeshwar Temple . Murdeshwar has a railway station on the Mangaluru-Mumbai Konkan railway route . Popular Person like RN shetty , Shankar Nag , Anant Nag , Prashant Naik etc . Belongs to or near to this Region Behind the temple complex of Murdeshwar , is a fort that finds its origins in the era of the Vijayanagara Kings .
Shiva ( /ˈʃiːvə/ ; Sanskrit : शिव , ISO : Śiva , lit . 'the auspicious one ' ) also known as Mahadeva ( lit . 'the great god ' ) is one of the principal deities of Hinduism . He is the supreme being within Shaivism , one of the major traditions within contemporary Hinduism . Shiva is known as The Destroyer within the Trimurti , the Hindu trinity that includes Brahma and Vishnu . In Shaivism tradition , Shiva is one of the supreme beings who creates , protects and transforms the universe . In the Shaktism tradition , the Goddess , or Devi , is described as one of the supreme , yet Shiva is revered along with Vishnu and Brahma . A goddess is stated to be the energy and creative power ( Shakti ) of each , with Parvati ( Sati ) the equal complementary partner of Shiva . He is one of the five equivalent deities in Panchayatana puja of the Smarta tradition of Hinduism . According to the Shaivism sect , the highest form of Ishvar is formless , limitless , transcendent and unchanging absolute Brahman , and the primal Atman ( soul , self ) of the universe . There are many both benevolent and fearsome depictions of Shiva . In benevolent aspects , he is depicted as an omniscient Yogi who lives an ascetic life on Mount Kailash as well as a householder with wife Parvati and his two children , Ganesha and Kartikeya .
A Gopuram or gopura ( Sanskrit : गोपुरम् , gopuram ) is a monumental entrance tower , usually ornate , at the entrance of a Hindu temple , in the Dravidian architecture of the Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh , Kerala , Karnataka , and Telangana states of Southern India . Ancient and early medieval temples feature smaller gopuram , while in later temples they are a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style ; or in many cases the temple compound was expanded and new larger gopuram built along the new boundary . They are topped by the kalasam , a bulbous stone finial . They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex . Another towering structure located towards the center of the temple is the Vimanam . Both of them are designed and constructed as per rules given in the texts of Vaastu shastra . The gopuram 's origins can be traced back to early structures of the Pallava kings , and relate to the central shikhara towers of North India . Between the twelfth and sixteenth century , during the Pandya , Nayaka and Vijayanagara era when Hindu temples increasingly became a hub of the urban life , these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple 's outer appearance , eventually overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became obscured from view by the gopuram 's colossal size and courtyards . It also dominated the inner sanctum in amount of ornamentation . Often a shrine has more than one gopuram . Besides South India , even in North East India , there is an enchanting gopura in the Shree Angala Parameswari Shree Muneswarar Temple in Moreh , the Indo-Myanmar border town in Manipur , which was established in the year 1967 , built by the Tamil people of the region . They also appear in architecture outside India , especially Khmer architecture , as at Angkor Wat .
Murdeshwar is a town in Bhatkala Taluk of Uttara Kannada district in the state of Karnataka , India . The town is located 13 km from the taluk headquarters of Bhatkala . Murdeshwar is famous for the world 's second tallest Shiva statue , the town lies on the coast of the Arabian Sea and is also famous for the Murdeshwar Temple . Murdeshwar has a railway station on the Mangaluru-Mumbai Konkan railway route . Popular Person like RN shetty , Shankar Nag , Anant Nag , Prashant Naik etc . Belongs to or near to this Region Behind the temple complex of Murdeshwar , is a fort that finds its origins in the era of the Vijayanagara Kings .
Karnataka ( Karnāṭaka , Kannada pronunciation : [ kɐnaːʈɐka ] ) is a state in the south western region of India . It was formed on 1 November 1956 , with the passage of the States Reorganisation Act . Originally known as the State of Mysore , it was renamed Karnataka in 1973 . The state corresponds to the Carnatic region . The capital and largest city is Bangalore . Karnataka is bordered by the Arabian Sea to the west , Goa to the northwest , Maharashtra to the north , Telangana to the northeast , Andhra Pradesh to the east , Tamil Nadu to the southeast , and Kerala to the south . The state covers an area of 191,976 square kilometres ( 74,122 sq mi ) , or 5.83 percent of the total geographical area of India . It is the sixth largest Indian state by area . With 61,130,704 inhabitants at the 2011 census , Karnataka is the eighth largest state by population , comprising 30 districts . Kannada , one of the classical languages of India , is the most widely spoken and official language of the state . Other languages spoken include Urdu , Konkani , Marathi , Tulu , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , Kodava and Beary . Karnataka also contains some of the only villages in India where Sanskrit is primarily spoken .
Arunachalesvara Temple , also called Annamalaiyar Temple , is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva , located at the base of Arunachala hill in the town of Thiruvannamalai in Tamil Nadu , India . It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements , the Pancha Bhoota Stalas , and specifically the element of fire , or Agni . Shiva is worshiped as Arunachalesvara or Annamalaiyar , and is represented by the lingam , with his idol referred to as Agni lingam . His consort Parvati is depicted as Unnamalai Amman . The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work , the Tevaram , written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam . The 9th century Saiva saint poet Manikkavasagar composed the Tiruvempaavai here . The temple complex covers 10 hectares , and is one of the largest in India . It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams . The tallest is the eastern tower , with 11 stories and a height of 66 metres ( 217 ft ) , making it one of the tallest temple towers in India built by sevappa nayakkar ( Nayakar dynasty ) The temple has numerous shrines , with those of Arunachalesvara and Unnamalai Amman being the most prominent . The temple complex houses many halls ; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period . The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. , and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar . The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December , and a huge beacon is lit atop the hill .
Tiruvannamalai ( Tamil : Tiruvaṇṇāmalai IPA : [ ˈtiɾɯʋaɳːaːmalɛi̯ ] , popularly styled as T.V.Malai and Trinomali or Trinomalee during British times ) is a city and a special grade municipality in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . The city is also mentioned as Arunai , Tiruvarunai and Tondainattunallur in Tamil Tirumurai texts . The city is administered by a special grade municipality that covers an area of 13.64 km2 ( 5.27 sq mi ) and a population of 145,278 . It is the administrative headquarters of Tiruvannamalai District . Roadways are the major mode of transport in Tiruvannamalai , while the town also has rail connectivity . Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the town . Tiruvannamalai is named after the central deity of the Annamalaiyar Temple , Annamalaiyar . The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December , and a huge beacon is lit atop the Annamalai hill . The event is witnessed by three million pilgrims . On the day preceding each full moon , pilgrims circumnavigate the temple base and the Annamalai hills in a worship called Girivalam , a practice carried out by one million pilgrims yearly . Apart from other temples , there are 8 important shiva temples facing 8 important directions on the ( side ) path of Girivalam . All the Shivlings of these 8 temples are believed to have formed naturally .
Srivilliputhur Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur , a town in Virudhunagar district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu , is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu . It is located 80 km from Madurai . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture , the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha , the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th-9th centuries AD . It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu , who is worshipped as Vatapatrasayi and his consort Lakshmi as Andal . It is believed to be the birthplace of two of the Azhwars , namely Periyalvar and his foster daughter Andal . The temple is associated with the life of Andal , who was found under a Tulsi plant in the garden inside the temple by Periyalvar . She is believed to have worn the garland before dedicating it to the presiding deity of the temple . Periyalvar , who later found it , was highly upset and stopped the practise . It is believed Vishnu appeared in his dream and asked him to dedicate the garland worn by Andal to him daily , which is a practise followed during the modern times . It is also believed that Ranganatha of Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple married Andal , who later merged with him . The temple has two divisions - the one of Andal located on the Southwest and the second one of Vatapatrasayi on the Northeast direction . A granite wall surrounds the temple , enclosing all its shrines , the garden where Andal is believed to have been born and two of its three bodies of water .
The Madurai Nayaks were Telugu rulers from around 1529 until 1736 , of a region comprising most of modern-day Tamil Nadu , India , with Madurai as their capital . The Nayak reign was an era noted for its achievement in arts , cultural and administrative reforms , revitalization of temples previously ransacked by the Delhi Sultans , and inauguration of a unique architectural style . The dynasty , belonging to the Balija social group , consisted of 13 rulers , of whom 9 were kings , 2 were queens , and 2 were joint-kings . The most notable of these were the king , Tirumala Nayaka , and the queen , Rani Mangammal . Foreign trade was conducted mainly with the Dutch and the Portuguese , as the British and the French had not yet made inroads in the region .
The Government of Tamil Nadu is the governing authority for the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . It is seated at Fort St George , Chennai . The legislature of Tamil Nadu was bicameral until 1986 , when it was replaced by a unicameral legislature , like most other states in India .
Srivilliputhur or Thiruvilliputhur is a town and a Municipality in Virudhunagar district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . As of 2011 , the town had a population of 75,396 . The most important landmark of Srivilliputhur is 11-tiered tower structure dedicated to the Vatapatrasayee ( Vishnu ) , the presiding deity of Srivilliputhur Divya Desam . The tower of this temple rises 192 feet high and is the official symbol of the Government of Tamil Nadu . It is said to have been built by Periyalvar , in the year 788AD believed to be the adopted father of the Temple Deity , with a purse of gold that he won in debates held in the palace of Pandya King Vallabhadeva . Srivilliputhur is well known for its ancient heritage and devotional contributions . It is on the Virudhunagar - Shenkottai line of the Southern Railway , about 74 km south of Madurai and connected by road and rail with Madurai , Rajapalayam , Sankarankovil & Shenkottai , Thirunelveli and Sattur .
Ulagalantha Perumal Temple or Trivikrama Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu located in Tirukkoyilur , Tamil Nadu , India . Constructed in the South Indian style of architecture , the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha , the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th-9th centuries AD . It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu , who is worshipped as Ulagalantha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Poongothai . The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas , with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks . The temple covers an area of 5 acres ( 20,000 m2 ) and has a temple tower that is the third tallest in Tamil Nadu , measuring 192 ft ( 59 m ) in height . As per Hindu legend , Vamana , a dwarf and an avatar of Vishnu , appeared here to quell the pride of Asura king Bali . The temple is believed to be the place where the first three Azhwars , the Vaishnava saints , namely , Poigai Alvar , Bhoothathalvar and Peyalvar attained salvation . The temple is one of the Panchakanna ( Krishnaranya ) Kshetrams , the five holy temples associated with Krishna , an avatar of Vishnu . Ulagalantha Perumal is believed to have appeared to king Mahabali and the Azhwars . Six daily rituals and a dozen yearly festivals are held at the temple , out of which the chariot festival , celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai ( March-April ) , is the most prominent . The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu .
Poigai Azhwar ( also spelt Poygai Alvar or Poigai Alvar or Poygai Azhwar ) is one of the twelve azhwar saints of South India , who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism . The verses of azhwars are compiled as Nalayira Divya Prabandham and the 108 temples revered are classified as Divya desam . Poigai is one of the three principal azhwars , with the other two being Bhoothathazhwar and Peyazhwar , collectively called Muthalamazhwargal who are known to be born out of divinity . Poigai composed hundred verses that are classified as Muthal Tiruvandadhi and his composition is set in the Andhadhi style in which the ending syllable is the starting one for the next verse . According to traditional account , the first three azhwars belong to Dwapara Yuga ( before 4200 BC ) . As per Hindu legend , Poigai was found in a small pond near the Yadhotakaari temple at Tiruvekkaa . In Tamil , small pond is called poigai , and since he was found in a pond , he got the name Poigai . As per legend , the three azhwars were once were confined in a small dark enclosure during a rain in Thirukovilur and they experienced a fourth individual among them . They found out that it was god Vishnu and Poigai wished to see his face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning . With a view to maintain the continuity of light , he instantly composed hundred songs wishing light to emerge . The other two continued composing hundred songs each on Vishnu . The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism .
Bhoothath Azhwar ( also spelt Bhoothathalvar or Bhoothath Alvar ) is one of the twelve azhwar saints of South India , who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism . The verses of azhwars are compiled as Nalayira Divya Prabandham and the 108 temples revered are classified as Divya desam . Bhoothath is considered second in the list of the three principal azhwars , with the other two being Poigai Azhwar and Pey Azhwar , collectively called Muthalamazhwargal who are known to be born out of divinity . Bhoothath composed hundred verses that are classified as Irandam Tiruvandadhi and his composition is set in the Andhadhi style in which the ending syllable is the starting one for the next verse . As per Hindu legend , Bhoothath was found in a liquorice flower in Thirukadalmallai ( modern-day Mahabalipuram ) . In Tamil , Bhootham refers to one who is possessed and since the saint was madly attracted to Hindu god Vishnu , he got the name . As per legend , the three azhwars were once were confined in a small dark enclosure during a rain in Thirukovilur and they experienced a fourth individual among them . They found out that it was god Vishnu and Poigai wished to see his face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning . With a view to maintain the continuity of light , Poigai instantly composed hundred songs wishing light to emerge . Pey and Bhoothath continued composing hundred songs each on Vishnu . The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism . Along with the three Saiva nayanmars , they influenced the ruling Pallava kings of the South Indian region , resulting in changing the religious geography from Buddhism and Jainism to the two sects of Hinduism .
Pey Azhwar ( also spelt Peialvar or Peyalvar or Pei Azhwar ) is one of the twelve azhwar saints of South India , who are known for their affiliation to Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism . The verses of azhwars are compiled as Nalayira Divya Prabandham and the 108 temples revered are classified as Divya desam . Pey Azhwar is considered third in the list of the three principal azhwars , with the other two being Poigai Azhwar and Bhoothathazhwar , collectively called Muthalamazhwargal who are known to be born out of divinity . Pey Azhwar composed hundred verses that are classified as Moondram Tiruvandadhi and his composition is set in the Andhadhi style in which the ending syllable is the starting one for the next verse . As per Hindu legend , Pey Azhwar was found in the lily flower in the pond of the Adi Kesava Perumal Temple in Mylapore . In Tamil , pey refers to one who is possessed and since the saint was madly attracted to Hindu god Vishnu , he got the name . As per legend , the three azhwars were once were confined in a small dark enclosure during a rain in Thirukovilur and they experienced a fourth individual among them . They found out that it was god Vishnu and Poigai Azhwar wished to see his face continuously but could view only from the simmering light of the lightning . With a view to maintain the continuity of light , Poigai instantly composed hundred songs wishing light to emerge . Pey Azhwar and Bhoothath Azhwar continued composing hundred songs each on Vishnu . The works of these earliest saints contributed to the philosophical and theological ideas of Vaishnavism . Along with the three Saiva nayanmars , their works influenced the ruling Pallava kings of the South Indian region , resulting in changing the religious geography from Buddhism and Jainism to the two sects of Hinduism .
The Nalayira Divya Prabandham ( Tamil : நாலாயிரத் திவ்வியப் பிரபந்தம் , romanized : nālāyira divya prabandham ) is a collection of 4,000 Tamil verses ( Naalayiram in Tamil means 'four thousand ' ) composed by the 12 Alvars , and was compiled in its present form by Nathamuni during the 9th - 10th centuries . The work , an important liturgical compilation of the Tamil Alvars , marks the beginning of the canonization of 12 Vaishnava poet saints , and these hymns are still sung extensively today . The works were lost before they were collected and organized in the form of an anthology by Nathamuni . The Divya Prabandham sings the praise of Narayana ( or Vishnu ) and his many forms . The Alvars sang these songs at various sacred shrines known as the Divya Desams . The Tamil Vaishnavites are also known as Ubhaya Vedanti ( those that follow both Vedas , i.e. , the Sanskrit Rigveda , Yajurveda , Samaveda and Atharvaveda , as well as the Tamil-language Tiruvaymoli , a work which many South Indian devotees regard as the Tamil Veda ) . In many temples - Srirangam , for example - the chanting of the Divya Prabhandham forms a major part of the daily service . Prominent among its 4,000 verses are the over 1,100 verses known as the Tiruvaymoli or Thiruvaaymozhi ( words of the sacred mouth ) , composed by Nammalvar ( Kaari Maaran , Sadagopan of Alwarthirunagari Temple ) and which forms the third portion of the overall Divya Prabandham . Nammalvar self-identifies as a lovelorn gopi pining for Krishna .
Tirukoilur or Tirukkoyilur also called Thirukkovalur or Kovalur . is a Town Panchayat and Thirukovilur is the 2nd largest city in kallakurichi district is the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . Tirukkoyilur is located at 11°57′N 79°12′E / 11.95°N 79.2°E / 11.95 ; 79.2 . It has an average elevation of 73 metres ( 239 feet ) .
Ekambareswarar Temple ( Ekambaranathar Temple ) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva , located in the town of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu , India . It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements , the Pancha Bhoota Stalas , and specifically the element of earth , or Prithvi . Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar , and is represented by the lingam , with his idol referred to as Prithvi lingam . His consort Parvati is depicted as Gowridevi Amman . The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work , the Tevaram , written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam . The temple also houses Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple , a Divyadesam , the 108 temples revered in the Vaishnava canon Nalayira Divya Prabhandam . The temple complex covers 25 acres , and is one of the largest in India . It houses four gateway towers known as gopurams . The tallest is the southern tower , with 11 stories and a height of 58.5216 metres ( 192 ft ) , making it one of the tallest temple towers in India . The temple has numerous shrines , with those of Ekambareswarar and Nilathingal Thundam Perumal being the most prominent . The temple complex houses many halls ; the most notable is the thousand-pillared hall built during the Vijayanagar period . The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. , and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar .
Kanchipuram , a also known as Kānchi ( kāñcipuram ; [ kaːɲd͡ʒipuɾəm ] ) or Kancheepuram , is a temple city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu in Tondaimandalam region , 72 km ( 45 mi ) from Chennai - the capital of Tamil Nadu . The city covers an area of 11.605 km2 ( 4.481 sq mi ) and had a population of 164,265 in 2011 . It is the administrative headquarters of Kanchipuram District . Kanchipuram is well-connected by road and rail . Chennai International Airport is the nearest domestic and international airport to the city , which is located at Tirusulam in Kanchipuram district . Located on the banks of the Vegavathy river , Kanchipuram has been ruled by the Pallavas , the Medieval Cholas , the Later Cholas , the Later Pandyas , the Vijayanagara Empire , the Carnatic kingdom , and the British , who called the city Conjeeveram . The city 's historical monuments include the Kailasanathar Temple and the Vaikunta Perumal Temple . Historically , Kanchipuram was a centre of education and was known as the ghatikasthanam , or place of learning . The city was also a religious centre of advanced education for Jainism and Buddhism between the 1st and 5th centuries . In Vaishnavism Hindu theology , Kanchipuram is one of the seven Tirtha ( pilgrimage ) sites , for spiritual release . The city houses Varadharaja Perumal Temple , Ekambareswarar Temple , Kamakshi Amman Temple , and Kumarakottam Temple which are some of major Hindu temples in the state . Of the 108 holy temples of the Hindu god Vishnu , 15 are located in Kanchipuram .
The Vijayanagara Empire ( also called Karnata Empire , and the Kingdom of Bisnegar by the Portuguese ) was based in the Deccan Plateau region in South India . It was established in 1336 by Harihara I and his brother Bukka Raya I of Sangama Dynasty . The empire rose to prominence as a culmination of attempts by the southern powers to ward off Islamic invasions by the end of the 13th century . It lasted until 1646 , although its power declined after a major military defeat in the Battle of Talikota in 1565 by the combined armies of the Deccan sultanates . The empire is named after its capital city of Vijayanagara , whose ruins surround present day Hampi , now a World Heritage Site in Karnataka , India . The writings of medieval European travelers such as Domingo Paes , Fernão Nunes , and Niccolò Da Conti , and the literature in local languages provide crucial information about its history . Archaeological excavations at Vijayanagara have revealed the empire 's power and wealth . The empire 's legacy includes many monuments spread over South India , the best known of which is the group at Hampi . Different temple building traditions in South and Central India came together in the Vijayanagara Architecture style . This synthesis inspired architectural innovation in Hindu temples ' construction . Efficient administration and vigorous overseas trade brought new technologies such as water management systems for irrigation . The empire 's patronage enabled fine arts and literature to reach new heights in Kannada , Telugu , Tamil , and Sanskrit , while Carnatic music evolved into its current form .
Alagar kovil is a village in Madurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu . The history and living of the village is centered around Kallazhagar Temple . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture , the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha , the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th-9th centuries AD . It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu , who is worshipped as Kallazhagar and his consort Lakshmi as Thirumamagal .
Vishnu ( /ˈvɪʃnuː/ ; Sanskrit pronunciation : [ ʋɪʂɳʊ ] ; Sanskrit : विष्णु , IAST : Viṣṇu ) is one of the principal deities of Hinduism . The preserver in the Hindu triad ( Trimurti ) , Vishnu is revered as the supreme being In Vaishnavism as identical to the metaphysical concept of Brahman ( Atman , the self , or unchanging ultimate reality ) , and is notable for adopting various incarnations ( avatars such as Rama and Krishna ) to preserve and protect dharmic principles whenever the world is threatened with evil , chaos , and destructive forces . In the Smarta Tradition of Hinduism Vishnu is also one of the five equivalent deities worshipped in Panchayatana puja .
Karuppu Sami ( கருப்பசாமி Karuppasāmi ) is one of the regional Tamil Hindu male deities popular among the rural social groups of Tamil Nadu and parts of Kerala ( Sabarimalai , Achenkovil and small shrines ) . He is one of the 21 associated folk-deities of Ayyanar and is hence one among the demi gods or Kaval Deivams of the Tamil heritage . He was believed to come from the Kerala region ( Erumeli ) as an assistant to Ayyanar ( Ayyappan ) during the Sangam Age . He was a local hero and then after his passing , the locals eventually worshipped his spirit ( a Dravidian practice ) and he was elevated as a kaval deivam , just like Ayyanar was .
Madurai ( /ˈmædjʊraɪ/ MAD-yuu-ry , also US : /ˌmɑːdəˈraɪ/ MAH-də-RY ) is a major city in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . It is the cultural capital of Tamil Nadu and the administrative headquarters of Madurai District , the third largest city in Tamil Nadu and 44th most populated city in India . Located on the banks of River Vaigai , Madurai has been a major settlement for two millennia . Madurai is closely associated with the Tamil language , and the third Tamil Sangam , a major congregation of Tamil scholars said to have been held in the city . The recorded history of the city goes back to the 3rd century BCE , being mentioned by Megasthenes , the Greek ambassador to the Maurya empire , and Kautilya , a minister of the Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya . Signs of human settlements and Roman trade links dating back to 300 BC are evident from excavations by Archeological Survey of India in Manalur . The city is believed to be of significant antiquity and has been ruled , at different times , by the Pandyas , Cholas , Madurai Sultanate , Vijayanagar Empire , Madurai Nayaks , Carnatic kingdom , and the British East India Company British Raj . The city has a number of historical monuments , with the Meenakshi Amman Temple and the Tirumalai Nayak Palace being the most prominent . Madurai is an important industrial and educational hub in South Tamil Nadu . The city is home to various automobile , rubber , chemical and granite manufacturing industries . Madurai has important government educational institutes such as the Madurai Medical College , Homeopathic Medical College , Madurai Law College , Agricultural College and Research Institute . Madurai city is administered by a municipal corporation established in 1971 as per the Municipal Corporation Act .
Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Tenkasi , a city in Tenkasi district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu , is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva . Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture , the temple is believed to have been built by Pandyan ruler Parakkirama Pandian during the 13th century , with later additions from Madurai Nayaks . Shiva is worshipped as Kasi Viswanathar and his consort Parvathi as Ulagamman . A granite wall surrounds the temple , enclosing all its shrines . The temple is open from 6 am - 12 pm and 4 - 8:30 pm on all days except during new moon days when it is open the full day . Four daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple , of which the Maasi Maham festival during the Tamil month of Maasi ( February - March ) being the most prominent . The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu .
Tenkasi is a town and the head quarters of the Tenkasi District .
Meenakshi Temple ( also referred to as Meenakshi Amman or Meenakshi-Sundareshwara Temple ) , is a historic Hindu temple located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River in the temple city of Madurai , Tamil Nadu , India . It is dedicated to Meenakshi , a form of Parvati , and her consort , Sundareshwar , a form of Shiva . The temple is at the center of the ancient temple city of Madurai mentioned in the Tamil Sangam literature , with the goddess temple mentioned in 6th century CE texts .
A Gopuram or gopura ( Sanskrit : गोपुरम् , gopuram ) is a monumental entrance tower , usually ornate , at the entrance of a Hindu temple , in the Dravidian architecture of the Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh , Kerala , Karnataka , and Telangana states of Southern India . Ancient and early medieval temples feature smaller gopuram , while in later temples they are a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style ; or in many cases the temple compound was expanded and new larger gopuram built along the new boundary . They are topped by the kalasam , a bulbous stone finial . They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex . Another towering structure located towards the center of the temple is the Vimanam . Both of them are designed and constructed as per rules given in the texts of Vaastu shastra . The gopuram 's origins can be traced back to early structures of the Pallava kings , and relate to the central shikhara towers of North India . Between the twelfth and sixteenth century , during the Pandya , Nayaka and Vijayanagara era when Hindu temples increasingly became a hub of the urban life , these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple 's outer appearance , eventually overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became obscured from view by the gopuram 's colossal size and courtyards . It also dominated the inner sanctum in amount of ornamentation . Often a shrine has more than one gopuram . Besides South India , even in North East India , there is an enchanting gopura in the Shree Angala Parameswari Shree Muneswarar Temple in Moreh , the Indo-Myanmar border town in Manipur , which was established in the year 1967 , built by the Tamil people of the region . They also appear in architecture outside India , especially Khmer architecture , as at Angkor Wat .
Hindus ( Hindustani : [ ˈɦɪndu ] ( listen ) ) are persons who regard themselves as culturally , ethnically , or religiously adhering to aspects of Hinduism . Historically , the term has also been used as a geographical , cultural , and later religious identifier for people living in the Indian subcontinent . The historical meaning of the term Hindu has evolved with time . Starting with the Persian and Greek references to the land of the Indus in the 1st millennium BCE through the texts of the medieval era , the term Hindu implied a geographic , ethnic or cultural identifier for people living in the Indian subcontinent around or beyond the Sindhu ( Indus ) river . By the 16th century , the term began to refer to residents of the subcontinent who were not Turkic or Muslims . [ a ] [ b ] The historical development of Hindu self-identity within the local South Asian population , in a religious or cultural sense , is unclear . Competing theories state that Hindu identity developed in the British colonial era , or that it may have developed post-8th century CE after the Islamic invasion and medieval Hindu-Muslim wars . A sense of Hindu identity and the term Hindu appears in some texts dated between the 13th and 18th century in Sanskrit and Bengali . The 14th- and 18th-century Indian poets such as Vidyapati , Kabir and Eknath used the phrase Hindu dharma ( Hinduism ) and contrasted it with Turaka dharma ( Islam ) . The Christian friar Sebastiao Manrique used the term 'Hindu ' in religious context in 1649 . In the 18th century , the European merchants and colonists began to refer to the followers of Indian religions collectively as Hindus , in contrast to Mohamedans for Mughals and Arabs following Islam . By the mid-19th century , colonial orientalist texts further distinguished Hindus from Buddhists , Sikhs and Jains , but the colonial laws continued to consider all of them to be within the scope of the term Hindu until about mid-20th century .
Hampi or Hampe ( in Kannada ) , also referred to as the Group of Monuments at Hampi , is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in east-central Karnataka , India . It became the pilgrimage centre of the Hindu religion . It was the capital of Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century . Chronicles left by Persian and European travellers , particularly the Portuguese are saying that state Hampi was a prosperous , wealthy and grand city near the Tungabhadra River , with numerous temples , farms and trading markets . By 1500 CE , Hampi-Vijayanagara was the world 's second-largest medieval-era city after Beijing , and probably India 's richest at that time , attracting traders from Persia and Portugal . The Vijayanagara Empire was defeated by a coalition of Muslim sultanates ; its capital was conquered , pillaged and destroyed by sultanate armies in 1565 , after which Hampi remained in ruins . Located in Karnataka near the modern-era city of Hosapete , Hampi 's ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares ( 16 sq mi ) and it has been described by UNESCO as an austere , grandiose site of more than 1,600 surviving remains of the last great Hindu kingdom in South India that includes forts , riverside features , royal and sacred complexes , temples , shrines , pillared halls , mandapas , memorial structures , water structures and others . Hampi predates the Vijayanagara Empire ; there is evidence of Ashokan epigraphy , and it is mentioned in the Ramayana and the Puranas of Hinduism as Pampaa Devi Tirtha Kshetra . Hampi continues to be an important religious centre , housing the Virupaksha Temple , an active Adi Shankara-linked monastery and various monuments belonging to the old city .
Sarangapani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu , located in Kumbakonam , Tamil Nadu , India . It is one of the Divya Desams , the 108 temples of Vishnu revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham by the 12 poet saints , or Alwars . This temple is along Kaveri and is one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams . The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity with contributions at different times from Medieval Cholas , Vijayanagar Empire and Madurai Nayaks . The temple is enshrined within a huge granite wall and the complex contains all the shrines and the water bodies of the temple . The rajagopuram ( the main gateway ) has eleven tiers and has a height of 173 ft ( 53 m ) . The Potramarai tank , the temple tank , is located opposite to the western entrance of the temple . Sarangapani is believed to have appeared for sage Hemarishi . The temple has six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. , and twelve yearly festivals on its calendar . The temple chariot festival is the most prominent festival of the temple , celebrated during the Tamil month of Chittirai ( March-April ) . The twin temple chariots are the third-largest in Tamil Nadu , each weighing 300 t ( 660,000 lb ) .
Vishnu ( /ˈvɪʃnuː/ ; Sanskrit pronunciation : [ ʋɪʂɳʊ ] ; Sanskrit : विष्णु , IAST : Viṣṇu ) is one of the principal deities of Hinduism . The preserver in the Hindu triad ( Trimurti ) , Vishnu is revered as the supreme being In Vaishnavism as identical to the metaphysical concept of Brahman ( Atman , the self , or unchanging ultimate reality ) , and is notable for adopting various incarnations ( avatars such as Rama and Krishna ) to preserve and protect dharmic principles whenever the world is threatened with evil , chaos , and destructive forces . In the Smarta Tradition of Hinduism Vishnu is also one of the five equivalent deities worshipped in Panchayatana puja .
Kumbakonam , is a town and a special grade municipality in the Thanjavur district . It is located 40 km ( 25 mi ) from Thanjavur and 273 km ( 170 mi ) from Chennai . Kumbakonam is known as a temple city due to the prevalence of a number of temples here and is noted for its Mahamaham festival which attracts people from all over the country . Kumbakonam dates back to the Sangam period and was ruled by the Early Cholas , Pallavas , Medieval Cholas , Later Cholas , Pandyas , the Vijayanagara Empire , Madurai Nayaks , Thanjavur Nayaks and the Thanjavur Marathas . It rose to be a prominent town between the 7th and 9th centuries AD , when it served as a capital of the Medieval Cholas . The town reached the zenith of its prosperity during the British Raj when it was a prominent centre of European education and Hindu culture ; and it acquired the cultural name , the Cambridge of South India . In 1866 , Kumbakonam was officially constituted as a municipality , which today comprises 45 wards , making it the largest municipality and second largest local civil body in Thanjavur district .
The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty of southern India , one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world 's history . The earliest datable references to the Chola are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE left by Ashoka , of the Maurya Empire ( Ashoka Major Rock Edict No.13 ) . As one of the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam , along with the Chera and Pandya , the dynasty continued to govern over varying territory until the 13th century CE . Despite these ancient origins , the period when it is appropriate to speak of a Chola Empire only begins with the medieval Cholas in the mid-9th century CE . The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River , but they ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the later half of the 9th century till the beginning of the 13th century . The whole country south of the Tungabhadra was united and held as one state for a period of three centuries and more between 907 and 1215 AD . Under Rajaraja Chola I and his successors Rajendra Chola I , Rajadhiraja Chola , Virarajendra Chola , and Kulothunga Chola I , the dynasty became a military , economic and cultural power in South Asia and South-East Asia . The power of the new empire was proclaimed to the eastern world by the expedition to the Ganges which Rajendra Chola I undertook and by naval raids on cities of the city-state of Srivijaya , as well as by the repeated embassies to China . The Chola fleet represented the zenith of ancient Indian sea power . During the period 1010-1153 , the Chola territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives in the south to as far north as the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh . Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India , annexed parts of which is now Sri Lanka and occupied the islands of the Maldives . Rajendra Chola sent a victorious expedition to North India that touched the river Ganges and defeated the Pala ruler of Pataliputra , Mahipala .
Rajagopalaswamy temple is a Vaishnavite shrine located in the town of Mannargudi , Tamil Nadu , India . The presiding deity is Rajagopalaswamy , a form of Lord Krishna . The temple is spread over an area of 23 acres ( 93,000 m2 ) and is one of the important Vaishnavite shrines in India . The temple is called Dakshina Dwarka ( Southern Dwarka ) along with Guruvayoor by Hindus . This ancient temple was massively expanded by Thanjavur Nayaks during the 16th century . The temple has three inscriptions from the period and also mention in the religious texts . A granite wall surrounds the temple , enclosing all its shrines and seven of its nine bodies of water . The temple has a 192 ft ( 59 m ) rajagopuram , the temple 's gateway tower . Haridra Nadhi , the temple tank associated with the temple is outside the temple complex and is considered one of the largest temple tanks in India . Pundarikakshan is believed to have appeared as Krishna to sages Gopillar and Gopralayar . Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple , of which the chariot festival , celebrated during the Tamil month of Panguni ( March-April ) , being the most prominent . The temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu .
The Chola dynasty was a Tamil dynasty of southern India , one of the longest-ruling dynasties in the world 's history . The earliest datable references to the Chola are in inscriptions from the 3rd century BCE left by Ashoka , of the Maurya Empire ( Ashoka Major Rock Edict No.13 ) . As one of the Three Crowned Kings of Tamilakam , along with the Chera and Pandya , the dynasty continued to govern over varying territory until the 13th century CE . Despite these ancient origins , the period when it is appropriate to speak of a Chola Empire only begins with the medieval Cholas in the mid-9th century CE . The heartland of the Cholas was the fertile valley of the Kaveri River , but they ruled a significantly larger area at the height of their power from the later half of the 9th century till the beginning of the 13th century . The whole country south of the Tungabhadra was united and held as one state for a period of three centuries and more between 907 and 1215 AD . Under Rajaraja Chola I and his successors Rajendra Chola I , Rajadhiraja Chola , Virarajendra Chola , and Kulothunga Chola I , the dynasty became a military , economic and cultural power in South Asia and South-East Asia . The power of the new empire was proclaimed to the eastern world by the expedition to the Ganges which Rajendra Chola I undertook and by naval raids on cities of the city-state of Srivijaya , as well as by the repeated embassies to China . The Chola fleet represented the zenith of ancient Indian sea power . During the period 1010-1153 , the Chola territories stretched from the islands of the Maldives in the south to as far north as the banks of the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh . Rajaraja Chola conquered peninsular South India , annexed parts of which is now Sri Lanka and occupied the islands of the Maldives . Rajendra Chola sent a victorious expedition to North India that touched the river Ganges and defeated the Pala ruler of Pataliputra , Mahipala .
The Thanjavur Nayak kingdom or Thanjavur Nayak dynasty were the Telugu rulers of Thanjavur principality of Tamil Nadu in the 16th and 17th centuries . The Nayaks of the Balija social group , were originally appointed as provincial governors by the Vijayanagara Emperor in the 14th century , who divided the Tamil country into three Nayakships viz. , Madurai , Tanjore and Gingee . In the mid 16th century they became an independent kingdom , although they continued their alliance with the Vijayanagara Empire . The Thanjavur Nayaks were notable for their patronage of literature and the arts . A translation from Sources ( p. 284 ) on Raghunathabhyudayam , says this about Timma , the father of Sevappa Nayak , the founder of the Tanjore Nayak line : In the Shudra caste born from the feet of Vishnu was born a king called Timma . The Mannaru ( Vishnu ) of the Mannargudi temple was their kula daivam ( family deity ) .
Mannargudi is a town in Tiruvarur district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . It is the headquarters of the Mannargudi taluk . The town is located at a distance of 20 km ( 12 mi ) from the district headquarters Tiruvarur and 310 km ( 190 mi ) from the state capital Chennai . Mannargudi is known for the Rajagopalaswamy temple , a prominent Vaishnavite shrine . Mannargudi was founded as an agraharam village by the Medieval Cholas during the 11th century . The town was subsequently ruled by various dynasties including the Chola king Rajadhiraja Chola ( 1018-1054 CE ) , Vijayanagar Empire , Delhi Sultanate , Thanjavur Nayaks , Thanjavur Marathas and the British Empire . Mannargudi was a part of the erstwhile Tanjore district until India 's independence in 1947 and Thanjavur district until 1991 . It subsequently became a part of the newly formed Tiruvarur district . The town is known for agriculture , metal working and weaving . The region around Mannargudi has considerable mineral deposits . Mannargudi is administered by a municipality established in 1866 . As of 2011 , the municipality covered an area of 11.55 km2 ( 4.46 sq mi ) and had a population of 66,999 .
Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is a vaishnavite temple and one of the eight sacred places of Lord Vishnu in India . It is situated at the foot of the Auspicious Hill in Mangalagiri of Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh . It is one of the temple in the series of three temples located on and at the bottom of the hill , the other two being Panakala Narasimha Temple on the hill and Gandala Narasimha Temple at the top of the hill . It has one of the highest gopurams in South India and only one of its type in this part of India . It is 153 feet ( 47 m ) in height and 49 feet ( 15 m ) wide and has eleven storeys .
Mangalagiri is a town in Guntur district situated between the twin cities of Vijayawada and Guntur of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh . The town is the headquarters of Mangalagiri mandal under Guntur revenue division . It is a major suburb of the cities of Vijayawada and Guntur . It also forms a part of the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region . It is situated on National Highway 16 between Vijayawada and Guntur . The town was known to have existed since 225 B.C . It is also a part of Andhra Pradesh Capital Region with a population of 73,613 .
Andhra Pradesh ( /ˌɑːndrə prəˈdɛʃ/ ) ( pronunciation ( help·info ) ) is one of the 28 states of India , situated in the south-eastern part of the country . It is the eight-largest state in India , covering an area of 162,975 km2 ( 62,925 sq mi ) . As per the 2011 census , it is the tenth-most populous state , with 49,386,799 inhabitants . The largest city in Andhra Pradesh is Visakhapatnam . Telugu , one of the classical languages of India , is the major and official language of Andhra Pradesh . The north-western portion of Andhra Pradesh was separated to form the new state of Telangana on 2 June 2014 , and Hyderabad , the longtime capital of Andhra Pradesh , was transferred to Telangana as part of the division . However , in accordance with the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act , 2014 , Hyderabad was to remain the acting capital of both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana states for a period of time not exceeding ten years . Andhra Pradesh has a coastline of 974 km ( 605 mi ) - the second-longest coastline among the states of India , after Gujarat - with jurisdiction over almost 15,000 km2 of territorial waters . The state is bordered by Telangana in the north-west , Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the north-east , Karnataka in the west , Tamil Nadu in the south , and to the east lies the Bay of Bengal . The small enclave of Yanam , a district of Puducherry , lies to the south of Kakinada in the Godavari delta on the eastern side of the state . The state is made up of the two major regions of Rayalaseema , in the inland southwestern part of the state , and Coastal Andhra to the east and northeast , bordering the Bay of Bengal . The state comprises thirteen districts in total , nine of which are located in Coastal Andhra and four in Rayalaseema .
Sankaranarayanarkoil is a town and a municipality in the Tenkasi district of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu .
Also see Sankaranayinarkoil and Gomathi Amman Sankarankovil is one of the largest municipality in the Tenkasi district , in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu . It was formerly called Sankaranayinarkoil ( சங்கரநயினார்கோவில் ) . Sankarankovil is home to the Sankara Narayanar temple . As of 2011 , the town had a population
The Srikanteshwara Temple ( also called Nanjundeshwara Temple ) is an ancient temple in the Hindu pilgrimage town of Nanjangud in the Karnataka state , Southern India . It is known for the ancient temple of the god Srikanteshwara ( another name for the god Shiva , also known as Nanjundeshwara ) . The Srikanteshwara temple is located in the town on the right bank of river Kapila , a tributary of the Kaveri . Nanjangud is also known as Dakshina Kashi or Varanasi/Prayag of South . Nanju in Kannada means poison ; the name Nanjundeshwara means the God who Drank the Poison ( halahala ) , a word that has its origins in the legend of the Great Churning of the Ocean of Milk ; thus the town got the name 'Nanjangud ' which means the abode of the god Nanjundeshwara . Veda Brahma . T. S. Vishweshwara Dikshith is the composer of Sree Srikanteshwara Suprabhata Stotram of Lord . Srikanteshwara of Nanjangud . Sri . T. S. Vishweshwara Dikshith was a learned Sanskrit scholar in several Vedas ( Yajur Veda in particular ) and specialised in Ghana Krama - which is the essence of the Vedas . He also composed the Sree Sharada Suprabhata and Sree Chandramoulishwara Suprabhata of Sri Sharada temple , Shringeri and Sri Chandramoulishwara temple in V. V. Mohalla , Mysore respectively . He was a Ghana Pati and had mastered several Shastras such as Alankara Shastra , Jyothishya Shastra ( Astrology ) , Tarka , and Vyakarana ( Literature ) to name a few .