Famous Temples

Known as the southern Ayodhya, This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, constructed during the 16th century CE. The temple has some of the famous stone carvings and 219 wall paintings, which explain the series of incidents from the great epic Ramayana. This is the only temple where we can see idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana along with Bharatha and Shatrughna and Hanuman.Rama Navami is celebrated in a grand manner. This is also one of the five Vishnu temples that are connected with the Mahamaham festival.

This temple is one of the religious sites that are a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, built in the 12th century by Rajaraja Chola II. The deity’s consort, Periya Nayaki Amman, has her temple situated near this temple. It is known as a storehouse of art and architecture with a vimana of 85 feet high and front mandapam of a huge chariot and some exquisite stone carvings.As per legend, Airavata, the white elephant of Indra and King of Death, Yama, worshipped Lord Siva in this temple.

Devoted to Lord Vishnu, this temple is named as Chakrapani Lord Vishnu and appears in the form of a discus or Chakra. According to legend, Lord Vishnu sent Sudarshana Chakra to Patal Lok to kill the demon Jalandasura and have come out through river Cauvery. God Brahma, who was taking bath in the river, got impressed and installed Sudarshana Chakra here. There is a bronze idol of King Serfoji II worshipping the Lord; who was cured of illness. It is believed who are mentally or physically weakened by illness or problems can be cured here. The Sun God worshipped Lord Vishnu here and therefore those facing problems due to planetary movements in their life or Shani, Rahu and Ketu Dosh are advised to pray to Lord Chakrapani. This is among one of the Vishnu temples which takes part in the Mahamaham festival.

Built during the Chola dynasty in the 9th century, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, The Lingam here is broad at the bottom and narrow at the top in the shape of a needle. This Lingam is believed to have been made by Shiva himself. Lord’s consort Goddess Manthrapeeteswari Mangalambika shrine is situated to the left of Kumbeswarar shrine. The Kumbeswarar Temple is an architectural marvel which reflects the typical Dravidian style. It is one large temple with 9 stories and a height of 128 ft. The unique feature of this temple is the 27-star sign and 12 zodiacs that are carved from a single large block of stone which speaks volumes about the engineering skills of the yesteryear masons. Other shrines of Ganapati, Muruga and Kiratamurti are also present in this temple.

Kasi Viswanathar temple is in the heart of the city and is very close to the famous Mahamaham Tank. As one of the top religious sites, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This 72 feet high temple was established in the 16th century. The deity here is called Kasi Viswanathar and his wife as Visalakshi. There are other shrines as well. As per the Legend, Lord Rama and Lakshmana prayed here to Lord Shiva and got a blessing to slay Ravana. You will also find 9 rivers known as Nava Kannigas, who prayed to Lord Shiva at Varanasi to absolve them of sins washed away by bathers. The Lord asked them to take bath in Mahamaham tank and pray to Lord Adi Kumbeshwara. Mahamaham is a famous festival conducted once in 12 years. People gather in large numbers to take a holy dip in the tank which is believed to wash away one’s sins and purify the soul. Another festival Masi Magam is the most important festival celebrated during the month of February-March.