Lord Shiva has innumerable temples dedicated to him throughout the length and breadth of India. The most temples are most likely in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, where there are 2,500 Shiva temples of importance. There are several kinds of temples in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
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Pancha Bootha Sthalangal
Pancha Booth Sthalangal are the temples that are the manifestation of the five elements – land, water, air, sky, and fire.
Pancha Bhoota stalam Map
Pancha Sabhai Sthalangal
Panch Sabhai Sthalangal are the temples where Lord Shiva is believed to have performed the Cosmic Dance.
Pancha Sabhai Map
Paadal Petra Sthalangal
Shiva Temples which are glorified in Tamil Tevaram hymns are the Paadal Petra Sthalangal and have been in existence for more than 1,000 years. References to these temples are found in Tevaram Hymns, composed and authored by the 3 Nayanamars – Thirunavukarasar, Sambandar and Sundarar who lived between 7th and 9th century A.D.
There is approximately 275 Temples of this kind:
Tirunelveli
There are several ancient Shiva temples in and around Tirunelveli:
Thoothukudi
Ancient Shiva temples in and around Thoothukudi.
Nava Kailasam
These nine Siva temples are located uniquely on the river bed of Thamirabarani river near Tirunelveli: