3,470 Tamil Nadu temples over a century old

If Tamil Nadu’s rich contribution to heritage could be showcased, then the state Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department will have its way. The department, with 38,615 temples across the state under its control, has identified about 3,470 shrines hat are more than a century old.

Chennai, which also has the ancient Sri Kapaleeswar temple, built about 350 years ago and the Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple, has 108 temples that are more than 100 years-old while Tirunelveli, a southern district, accounts for a maximum of 704.

“Tamil Nadu also abounds with many temples which are over 400 years old. They are all matchless magnificent structures which can’t be replicated. These are part of our ancient heritage and historically significant,” a senior official said. The temples mapped by the department may get the heritage tag.