Weird & Unusual Attractions in Tenkāsi, Tamil Nādu, India
1. Dum Dum Kuttu Maravathal Murugan Temple
Ancient temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its unique architecture featuring a giant statue of the deity holding an umbrella.
- Huge Statue: The statue of Lord Murugan is one of the largest in India.
- Architectural Uniqueness: The temple's architecture combines Dravidian and Chola styles, making it unique.
- Religious Significance: Pilgrims from all over the country visit this temple for its spiritual importance.
2. Pillar Hall in Mahat Timmanalayar Temple
Ancient temple featuring a unique pillared hall with no central support.
- Unique Pillared Construction: The hall has 60 pillars, none of which supports the roof.
- Architectural Marvel: This structure is a testament to ancient engineering skills.
- Religious Importance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts devotees from far and wide.
3. Sacred Meteorite at Thirumalai Nambi Temple
Temple housing a meteorite believed to be the teeth of Lord Shiva.
- Sacred Meteorite: The meteorite is considered sacred and is worshipped as one of Lord Shiva's teeth.
- Religious Significance: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Shaivites.
- Scientific Interest: The meteorite's origin and composition provide intrigue for scientists.
4. Kallanai (Grand Anicut)
Ancient water regulator built by the Chola dynasty in the shape of a crocodile.
- Crocodile Shaped: The structure is shaped like a crocodile, symbolizing the power of water.
- Water Regulation: It has been used for over two millennia to control flooding and irrigation.
- Architectural Masterpiece: The structure showcases the advanced engineering skills of the Chola dynasty.
5. Thanjavur Vidyashankara Temple
Temple with a unique pillared mandapa (hall) having 108 small shrines.
- 108 Small Shrines: Each of the 108 small shrines represents a form of Lord Vishnu.
- Architectural Masterpiece: The temple's intricate carvings and sculptures are a testament to Chola artistry.
- Religious Significance: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Vaishnavites.
6. Tiruchendur Murugan Temple
Temple dedicated to Lord Murugan, known for its unique tank with a shape of a peacock.
- Peacock Shaped Tank: The tank in the temple is shaped like a peacock, symbolizing Lord Murugan.
- Architectural Uniqueness: The unique design of the tank adds to the temple's allure.
- Religious Significance: The temple is considered one of the six abodes of Lord Murugan.
7. Kulasekara Patnam
Ancient village where the soil turns red when disturbed.
- Red Soil: The soil in this village naturally turns red upon disturbance.
- Historical Significance: This village has been inhabited since prehistoric times.
- Scientific Interest: The geological phenomenon behind the red soil is a subject of interest.
8. Thirunallar Ulagalantha Temple
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with unique features such as an octagonal sanctum and a circular well.
- Octagonal Sanctum: The sanctum of the temple is octagonal, symbolizing the eight forms of Lord Shiva.
- Circular Well: The circular well in the temple is said to have medicinal properties.
- Religious Significance: The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Shaivites.
9. Thiruvidaimarudur Temple
Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva with a unique seven-tiered flagstaff.
- Seven-Tiered Flagstaff: The flagstaff of the temple is an impressive seven tiers high.
- Architectural Uniqueness: The architecture of the temple showcases the Dravidian style.
- Religious Significance: The temple is considered one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalams, representing Earth.
10. Thanjavur Brihadeeswarar Temple
Temple known for its unique large Shiva Lingam and tall vimanam (tower).
- Large Shiva Lingam: The Shiva Lingam in the temple is one of the largest in India.
- Tall Vimanam: The vimanam (tower) of the temple stands at over 200 feet tall.
- Architectural Masterpiece: The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing Chola architecture.
11. Karaikudi Sama Veda Patasala
A unique institution dedicated to the preservation and teaching of ancient Hindu scriptures.
- Preservation of Ancient Knowledge: The institution is committed to preserving ancient Hindu knowledge.
- Teaching of Vedas: It offers courses on the four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda.
- Cultural Significance: The institution plays a crucial role in preserving India's cultural heritage.
12. Chettinad Mansion
A unique mansion known for its grandeur and intricate woodwork.
- Granduer: The mansion sprawls across several acres and is a testament to Chettinad wealth.
- Intricate Woodwork: The mansion's woodwork is known for its intricacy and artistry.
- Cultural Significance: The mansion offers insights into the Chettiar culture and lifestyle.
13. Chola Thanjavur Art
Unique style of art characterized by its vivid colors and intricate detailing.
- Vivid Colors: The art is known for its use of vibrant and bold colors.
- Intricate Detailing: The detailing in Chola Thanjavur art is highly intricate and meticulous.
- Cultural Significance: This style of art reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Chola dynasty.
14. Kumbakonam Sweet Meat Street
Street famous for its variety of sweet and savory dishes, particularly Mysore Pak.
- Variety of Dishes: The street offers a wide variety of Indian sweets and savories.
- Famous Mysore Pak: The street is particularly known for its delicious Mysore Pak.
- Culinary Experience: Visiting the street offers a unique culinary experience.
15. Tanjore Dolls
Unique dolls made from wood and covered in gold leaf and semi-precious stones.
- Gold Leaf Covering: The dolls are intricately decorated with gold leaf.
- Semi-Precious Stones: The dolls are adorned with semi-precious stones.
- Cultural Significance: These dolls are a reflection of the rich cultural heritage of Tanjore.