About Athmanathan Swamy Temple:
Athmanathaswamy temple, built during 10th century, is a famous temple in Chettinad region. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and historically related to the life of Shiva devotee saint Manickavasagar. The temple displays graceful life-size sculptures. The granite roof of the temple is very attractive. The praise worthy ancient mural paintings on the walls and ceilings of Periya mandapam of the famous Sri Athmanathaswamy temple are prime attractions for the art loving tourists. The murals believed to be of 17th and late 19th centuries during Nayak’s rule are real wonders as each of the frames shows perfect details. The murals displays the real events in the life of Saint Manickavasagar. The paintings of many Shiva idols are also seen here. These invaluable treasures are mostly on the walls of the inner ‘prahara’, on the ceiling of the Periya Mandapam and the ceiling of Sivananda Sannidhi. These valuable mural paintings are restored and preserved with the most modern technologies.
General Information about Athmanathan Swamy Temple:
Location: Chettinad
State: Tamil Nadu
Capital: Chennai
Language: Tamil, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 40˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 29˚C, Min 20˚C (winter)
Best Season: November to March
How to Reach Athmanathan Swamy Temple:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Madurai, which is 90 kms from Chettinad. One can take direct flights from Madurai to Chennai.
By Rail:
Karaikudi is the main railway station, which connects Chettinad with Chennai and other major cities in Tamilnadu.
By Road:
Karaikudi is well connected by the national highways 45 and 210 with Madurai, Trichy, Tanjore and Chennai.