asi.nic.in/pages/Temple-Survey-Projectsouth/Chennai
Rajarajeswaram, also known as Brihadeshwara temple built by Chola emperor Rajaraja-I at Thanjavur dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Temple Survey Project,Southern Region,Chennai
Temples are the true testimony of our cultural heritage as they served as the hub of socio-economic and religious aspects and activities in our country right from the early period.The Temple Survey Project (TSP) of Archaeological Survey of India was commissioned in 1955 in order to study systematically about numerous temples are situated in different parts of our country. The prime objectives of the Temple Survey Project are to survey, document and publication of unprotected temples for its architectural and historical, archaeological and cultural importance other than the Centrally (ASI) protected temples. Such study is also focused to understand the construction methodology, the usage of core materials, the types of temples, salient features of art as well as architecture and epigraphy etc.
Centrally protected temples are ancient sites, structural temples, and rock-cut shrines designated as "Monuments of National Importance" by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). These sites are strictly governed by the AMASR Act to preserve their archaeological integrity and historical heritage.Notable Centrally Protected TemplesThe ASI protects roughly 3,690 monuments across India.
The most prominent centrally protected temple sites include:
Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram): A UNESCO World Heritage site located 60 km south of Thoraipakkam, featuring the iconic Shore Temple, structural temples, and ancient rock-cut rathas.
Brihadeeswara Temple (Thanjavur): A majestic, highly protected Chola-era temple, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Sun Temple (Modhera): A stunning 11th-century ASI-protected architectural marvel in Gujarat.
Brihadeeswara Temple (Gangaikonda Cholapuram): An architectural masterpiece from the Chola dynasty.
Kailash Cave Temple (Ellora): An imposing, freestanding monolithic rock excavation.
Local ASI-Protected Sites (Near Thoraipakkam)
If you are in the Thoraipakkam/Chennai region, you can visit several nearby centrally protected temples and historical monuments maintained by the ASI Chennai Circle:
Sri Dhenupuriswara Temple: Located in Madambakkam, roughly 25 km from Thoraipakkam.Old Temple with apsidal gopuram
(Dharmeswara Temple): Located in Manimangalam, roughly 30 km from Thoraipakkam.
Fort St. George & St. Mary’s Church: Located in Chennai, housing some of the earliest British-era structures in the country
Monuments CPM_List.pdf List of Centrally Protected Monuments (ASI) wiki/List_of_Monuments_of_National_Importance_in_Chennai_circle
TN MAJOR TEMPLES
Ranganathaswamy_Temple,_Srirangam
Other temples like Madurai's Kallalagar temple — which has high Gopuram towers ornamented with colourful figures — and the Meenakshi Temple, which has high colourful towers and great long halls, are also of note. On Pamban Island, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a pilgrimage site.
NOTE
Gardez Ganesha (or Mahāvināyaka), a 5th-century white marble statue discovered in Gardez, Paktia province, Afghanistan. Originally carved with four arms, damage over time has left only the two front arms visible. wiki/Gardez_Ganesha
- Badami: The famous two-handed Ganesha in Cave No. 1 at Badami (Karnataka) dates back to circa 578 CE, commissioned by the Chalukya king Mangalesha.
- Pillayarpatti: The rock-cut Karpaka Vinayakar at Pillayarpatti (Tamil Nadu) was carved later, circa 650 CE, during the early Pandya period
vināyako vighnarājo dvaimātura gaṇādhipāḥ |
apyekadanta heramba lambodara gajānanāḥ ||
- Vināyaka (विनायक): "The remover of obstacles," or "One who removes (bad) leaders/guides." It signifies wisdom and mastery over oneself.
- Vighnarāja (विघ्नराज): The "Lord of Obstacles", highlighting his supreme role in managing or preventing impediments.
- Dvaimātura (द्वैमातुर): Meaning "one who has two mothers". This refers to his creation by Goddess Parvati and his subsequent care by Goddess Ganga.
- Gaṇādhipa (गणाधिप): The "Commander or Lord of the ganas" (the celestial attendants of Lord Shiva).
- Ekadanta (एकदंत): "One who has a single tusk".
- Heramba (हेरंबा): An ancient title denoting a protector of the weak, or a powerful, beloved leader.
- Lambodara (लम्बोदर): "One with a large belly", symbolizing the containment of the entire universe within him.
- Gajānana (गजानन): "One with the face of an elephant" (gaja meaning elephant and ānana meaning face). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]