Temples and Sacred Places - Indian Panorama
The Temples of Tamil Nadu offer the visitor both a glimpse into the history of the region, and a chance to observe the intense spiritual devotion of the Tamil people themselves. From the mighty temples in cities like Madurai, Trichy and Tanjore, to tiny shrines in villages across the state, each one has a story, and each is central to the life of the city, town or village. Temples are so much more than places of spiritual connection however- they are in many cases a meeting place, a social hub and, in some places, parts of the complexes double as markets. There is nothing quite like a Tamil temple- a heady mix of the sacred and the profane, the divine and the down-to-earth and, as with almost everything in India, a place of great contrast.
