Temples of Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry: The Temple Hopper's Guide - The Basics of Building Itineraries

There are certain useful aspects to remember when planning an itinerary to visit temples in Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Given the large number of temples, you need an approach to at least partially experience the most significant ones for you, the individual visitor. There are such a bewildering variety and number of temples, with many of them very unique in their own way, that without a systematic approach you will not be able to see the temples that might impress you the most. It is almost impossible to see all the temples in a single lifetime. So how does a person go about visiting these temples?

There are indeed a large number of temples, many of them more than 1500 years old. They are spread out over the entire state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Pondicherry or Puducherry. Some regions have dense clusters of temples while the temples are sparse in other regions with great distances between them. The temples vary in their antiquity, history, religious/spiritual significance, architecture and art. Some temples are vast and grand structures that will take time to take in and experience while others are small but important in other ways.

The location of the temple goer also matters. If you are a resident of Tamil Nadu or Pondicherry, there woud be many temples in you vicinity that are easily accessed. On the other hand. if you live elsewhere in India or abroad, your planning would be different

1. Time

   When planning a trip, time is an important consideration. It has multiple aspects. Firstly, how much time you have allocated for the trip or if the temple visits are part of a wider trip, how much time you have set aside for temple visits, matters. Secondly, how much time you plan on spending at each temple will also determine the number of temples you can see, This will depend on the size of the temple as well as individual interests. Thirdly, travel time will also matter. The travel time between some temples are only minutes while others are hours apart.

   
   

2. Timing

   The time when the temples are open is also a major consideration. Most active temples will open around 6 am and close around noon to reopen around 4 pm and will remain open till about 9 pm. But timing varies and it is wise to check ahead of time. Some temples will be closed on inauspicious days and times like eclipses etc. If you are interested in the outer structures, you should be there before sunset for adequate lighting. The sun sets quite quickly around 6 pm at all times of the year and it is very dark after that, especially in rural temples. Inactive ASI-controlled temples have different timings and do not generally close in the afternoon. Timing also depends on festivals and special days. People who like to experience the energy and activity around festivals might like to chose that time. Others who like to experience the temple in quiet contemplation might want to avoid those times.

   
   

3. Interest

   Interest will determine which temples to cover and how much time you spend in each. If you are temple goer who is only interested in the divine and dharshan of the moorthy is most important, then the time you spend and how you spend it will be different from someone who is only interested in the art and architecture, Even among those who go only for spiritual reasons, some will engage in special archanais and rituals, some of which might be peculiar to that temple, while others will be satisfied with just having dharshan. Those who are interested in the architectural elements and art in the temple might want to circumambulate the various precincts and might spend more time. Some like us who are interested in all aspects of the temple have to plan accordingly

   
   

4. Geography

   As we alluded to above, there are regions or towns where magnificent temples are literally steps away from each other, Kumbakonam, Kanchipuram and Trichy come to mind. There are other towns and villages too. In other regions you might have to travel a couple of hours to reach a remote temple. A good knowledge of the geography of the region as a whole and individual areas is useful but not absolutely essential. Google Maps and other tools are very reliable these days. A good driver is also an asset.

   
   

5. Accessibility

   When we talk about accessibility, we consider location, transportation and lodging. The temples that are located in large cities and close to major highways or railways are certainly easier to get to. We prefer a motor vehicle to get to temples. It gives us the greatest flexibility and mobility. The roads and highways are getting progressively better. There are a variety of options including trains, buses and autos. Some temples are accessible by foot from public transportation. Lodgings vary and depend on budgets. There are plenty of options. If you go to our Guide section you will find temples arranged according to towns and cities, We picked these places due to the availability of accommodation that is suitable for the most discerning travellers, although some might be comparatively pricier.

We hope that the above information will be useful for a person or group of people planning a trip. Do not try to overdo it. For most people, visiting 2-3 temples a day is ideal. If it is a large temple, it might take a whole morning or afternoon. If there is a small temple nearby, it can be combined. If you are visiting a number of smaller temples, the maximum recommended is 5 temples, 3 in the morning and 2 between 4 and 6 pm. But even this might be too overwhelming for a lot of people. Temple fatigue has to be avoided, You don't want to be "templed out". If you are the academic type you may want to take notes so that you are not confused at the end of the day.

We will post this article in our Guide section where it will be easily accessible. We will update it there from time to time. We will also suggest various itineraries that people might find useful.

The map below shows some of the temples we have visited and ones we have highlighted in our blog. There are many more.

Courtesy Google Maps