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Ayyanar temples in Tamil Nadu worship Ayyanar, a village deity for Tamil Nadu, who is a protector of villages and guardian of fields. Shown mostly riding a horse or an elephant, the statues of Ayyanar are also extremely colourful and mammoth in size, reflecting power and alertness. Located on the edge of remote villages, his temples are a kind of cultural landmark of their own. The temple exteriors are beautiful, with vivid terracotta figures of local traditions and artistic expressions. Clay horses and other figures are offered as part of the worship, stressing a long-lasting communication between the desert deity and the agrarian lifestyle of the community.
Top 10 Popular Ayyanar Temples To Visit In Tamil Nadu
Following are the top Ayyanar temple locations in Tamil Nadu where the Ayyanar worship design and art is cherished in its full ethnic glory.
1. Andavar Solai Temple
Photo: Santhanamahalingam / Wikimedia Commons
The Andavar Solai temple is dedicated to Lord Ayyanar, the divine caretaker. This temple’s unique feature is that devotees offer it as an exercise in gratitude, embellished with terracotta horses running wild. The principal deity rides a grand white horse, which is meant to symbolise protection and gain. The religious theme of the place might be spiritual, but its tranquillity is only enhanced by taking a walk and exploring the area. Popular for being a cultural landmark, the temple represents some of its wealthier traditions and artistic heritage.
Location: Kothari, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 8 PM
2. Pudukkottai Ayyanar Temple
Photo: நடுநாடன் / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to Ayyanar, the Pudukkottai Ayyanar Thevasthanam is positioned amidst lush greenery and tranquillity. Life-sized sculptures of terracotta horses are situated in the entryway as protectors and watchers of divinity. The temple architecture follows the classic Dravidian style, which features splendid carvings and elaborate murals of local mythology and folklore. The temple is different in the sense that it houses an elephant idol, which faces opposite the horse idol, which is an important feature of this temple. The festivals, particularly the Panguni (Tamil month) festivals conducted here, draw huge numbers of devotees and make this place lively with spiritual appeal.
Location: Kulamangalam, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
3. Veerangi Ayyanar Temple
Photo: Khanh Nguyen / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Among the several Ayyanar temples in Tamil Nadu, the Veerangi Ayyanar Temple is unlike all others because of the elaborate warrior narratives and action-packed depictions in the retinue of the deity Ayyanar. These images are intended to convey the strength and alertness of the deity, and more so in his capacity as a village defender. Here, some devotees prepare these contributions, making it more personal to help the supplicants in their quest for protection. The folklore of the region, preserved through generations, contains stories of the miraculous exploits and protective functions of Veerangai Ayyanar, which are performed during local religious and cultural celebrations that are different from the rest.
Location: Veera Bayangaram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
4. Chettinad Ayyanar Temple
Photo: 23 dingen voor musea / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Chettinad Ayyanar Temple, which has rows of terracotta horses, is a unique feature at the temple, symbolising the town deity Ayyanar, who guards and protects. Chettinad Ayyanar Temple is not a conventional temple; rather, it is an open-air shrine. It is accompanied by a pitched roof in the etching filled with terracotta offerings. Such temples are common in rural areas and are simply an attractive open-sky shrine. This place is also known for its aromatic cuisine, allowing you to taste traditional Chettinad food items. Besides the magnificent colourful facade and view of the calm countryside, this temple is for history or culture lovers, as many spiritual seekers visit the spot.
Location: Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
5. Sri Ayyanar Temple, Chidambaram
Photo: Aronrusewelt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Shri Ayyanar Temple at Chidambaram is blessed with beautiful sculptures of the lord of the village. The grand temple shows architectural excellence, featuring intricate carvings, high gopurams, and huge pillars. This place is a very important religious site where devotees come to worship and receive blessings of prosperity and protection. The community also hosts guided tours and more traditional performances. Throughout the year, the Sri Ayyanar Temple organises two processions where the devotees pull the temple car to thousands during celebrations. To the south, a short trip to Pichavaram Mangrove Forest offers boat rides around it; beyond that, to the north, there is Chidambaram village, which houses the Thillai Nataraja Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Location: Sakthi Nagar, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 10 PM
6. Villayuthamudaya Ayyanar Temple
Photo: Bose / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Villayuthamudaya Ayyanar Temple is situated in Kochadai in the Madurai District of Tamil Nadu. This temple, also called Muthaiya Swamy Temple or Kochadai Ayyanar Temple, located near Madurai, is an age-old temple exhibiting Dravidian architectural principles. The Kochadai Ayyanar Temple serves as a place of worship for the locals and stands as a prophetic guardian over the western boundaries of Madurai. This temple has 21 incarnations alongside Ayyanar with a bow, Muthiahswami, and Karupusamy, which highlights the importance of the temple. According to local tales, it is said that once King Pandya was so furious that he punched Lord Sastha, which caused the original name of this place to be Kovichu Adi; it later changed to Kochadai.
Location: Pasumalai, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
7. Pon Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple
Photo: Gauri Wur Sem / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the Mundanthurai reserve forest between Papanasam and Karaiyar Dam, Pon Sorimuthu Ayyanar Temple is also located. It is well known for its principal god, Sivalingam Swamy, and the one-of-a-kind portrayal of Ayyappa with his left leg bowed and one hanging down. This is recognised as the first and foremost Ayyappan temple, where pilgrims get their chain of rudraksha. The Karaiyar and Servar Dam, Agasthiyar Falls, & the Thamirabarani River are just a stone’s throw away from Kollam Mood for a leisurely dip. This temple is highly active during Thai and Aadi Amavasya days, where thousands of devotees camp overnight to attend the prayers.
Location: Singampatti, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 5 PM – 9 PM
8. Kadai Pillai Ayyanar Temple
Photo: Kumarappanghelliah / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kadai Pillai Ayyanar Temple is a beautiful temple situated on the wonderful Cauvery river bank. It is known for its unusual portrayal of Ayyanar in a yogic position. The idol is supposed to have been found by Kadai Kuruvi, a little bird. The temple is believed to be the Kshetra Vinayagar for Melur residents. Visitors can hike through the surrounding lands, gaze at the beauty of the Cauvery River, and visit Karikala Cholan’s Grand Anaicut nearby. The temple is approximately 2000 years old and has many stories from the Chola dynasty. It is said that King Rajendra Chola gifted a colossal statue of a horse and an elephant to the temple.
Location: Melur, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
9. Perungaraiyadi Ayyanar Temple
Photo: P5samy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sri Perungaraiyadi Meenda Ayyanar Temple, built in the 18th century, is one of the major ancient temples dedicated to the deity Ayyanar. This temple is situated along the River Villuni and is popular not only for its serene beauty but also for its spirituality. A sculptural image of a horse, measuring thirty-seven feet in height and once claimed to be the tallest horse in Asia, is also installed in the temple to signify readiness to defend the followers of Lord Ayyanar. The Maasi Magam festival is an annual event that occurs at the temple from February to March, attracting multitudes of followers.
Location: Kulamangalam South, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 9 PM
10. Arulmigu Ayyanar Thirukovil Temple
Photo: G41rn8 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Arulmigu Ayyanar Thirukovil Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Kuthireswami (Ayyanar) located in Anthankadavu village of Kandia River at the state border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Along with Ayayanar, his two wives, Poornam and Porkamalam, are also worshipped here. The temple is 500 years old and exists in a desert with red sand all around, accompanied by natural landscapes like cashew trees, palm-filled orchards, etc. This is best known for its Kallar Vettu festival in November to December, where devotees hope to smash a tender coconut spout of blessed water that promises good luck.
Location: Mangalanadu, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 PM – 8 PM
Each Ayyanar temple is an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s artwork and stands for its age-old practices and protective superstitions. Each temple is associated with an emotion for the Ayyanar as a village deity. Visiting these temples is an experience of intertwining belief systems, cultures, and colourful folk arts that are still relevant to the people. Plan your journey to the shrines of Tamil Nadu with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Kamala L / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
