The Temples of Tamil Nadu

Asia » India » Tamil Nadu » Thanjavur
May 24th 2011

Published: May 24th 2011

The main reason I came to India was to travel to Tamil Nadu, India’s southernmost state, to see its temples. I’ve enjoyed the three temple towns I’ve visited – Madurai, Trichy, and Thanjavur – more than Bangalore and Mysore. Partly it’s me; I have adjusted to India. But partly the towns are more manageable and the sights are better. Tamil Nadu is a great place to visit. Tamil Nadu was... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 63, Displayed: 21

Meals Ready

Typical South Indian lunch, veg rice meal, eaten with your hands, served on a banana leaf, from a "Meals Ready" restaurant. Indian food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner - but it's tasty.

Temple and Cow

Trichy

Rock Fort Temple, Trichy

This is not the temple I describe; it's the second of two temples up on the rock.

Temple Nook

Rock Fort Temple, Trichy

Cap'n Jack Speaks Tamil

Although surely something is lost in translation

Elephant Blessing

Big Temple, Thanjavur

Entry Gate

Big Temple, Thanjavur

Two Entry Gates

Big Temple, Thanjavur

Small Temple

We saw temples exactly this shape in Java, Indonesia. The Chola empire stretched to Southeast Asia. Big Temple, Thanjavur

Stone Carvings, Small Temple

Big Temple, Thanjavur

Temple Grounds

This gives a sense of the spaciousness of the temple. Big Temple, Thanjavur

108 Lingams

A lingam is a phallus, set in a yoni, a female genital. Lingams are representations of Shiva; there are 108 around the outer edges of the Big Temple, Thanjavur.

Temple Grounds

Big Temple, Thanjavur

Cute Kids

Some of the innumerable kids who come up to me to chat and get a photo taken. Very cute and charming, and they typically speak excellent English.

Huge Nandi

This Nandi, Shiva's bull, was carved from a single block of stone. Big Temple, Thanjavur

Big Temple at Dusk

Thanjavur

Palace Detail

Royal Palace, Thanjavur

Lingam

There are holy spaces everywhere. This lingam, clearly actively worshiped, is just along the side of a museum of Chola bronze statues in Thanjavur.

Chola Bronze, Swaying

Palace Art Museum, Thanjavur

Seated Chola Bronze

This was my favorite statue in the Palace Art Museum, Thanjavur. I bought a lovely replica as a souvenir.

Goats in the Royal Palace

Thanjavur

31st May 2011

Joyce Hollyday
non-member comment

Spectacular colors!
Paul, the colors of India are truly spectacular -- as are the intricate carvings. Makes us look kind of pale and simple...Thanks for capturing and sharing it all. Keep cool! Joyce

7th November 2011

Srinivasan
non-member comment

Great Blog
Great blog. The yellow ash you see on the little girl is sandalwood paste. People apply it on their tonsured head to keep the body cool. Hope you enjoyed the trip in Tamil Nadu.

7th December 2011

Murugesan Supramanian
non-member comment

Nice pictures and great writing
Mr. Paul, I really enjoyed your writing and the cool pictures. In contrast to your experience of people, people everywhere, when I visited united states, i found the streets were deserted :-) Did you get a chance to visit one of the not so famous historic place called Thirumayam. You might find the below website useful to plan to next visit :-) http://www.thirumayam.com Many thanks!

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The Temples of Tamil Nadu

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