Kamakshi Amman Temple

The 'Prithvi' (earth) Pancha Bhoota Sthalam, dedicated to Lord Shiva as Ekambareswarar, in the temple town of Kanchipuram. Its 58-metre gopuram is among the tallest in Tamil Nadu, and its ancient mango tree — said to be over 3,500 years old — is revered as the spot where Parvati is believed to have worshipped Shiva.

One of the 108 Divya Desams, the most important Vishnu temple in Kanchipuram. The 100-pillared hall inside is a masterpiece of Vijayanagara art. The 'Atti Varadar' idol (made of fig wood) is kept submerged in a sacred tank and brought out once every 40 years — the last emergence was in 2019, drawing 15 million visitors.

The fifth of the six sacred Arupadaiveedu (abodes) of Lord Murugan, atop a small hill 84 km from Chennai. Murugan is said to have married Valli here after defeating the demon Soorapadman.

One of the most important goddess temples in the Chennai region, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi (Parvati as the love-eyed goddess). Located 20 km from Chennai centre, the temple draws massive crowds on Fridays and Navratri. The Goddess Kamakshi here is said to have done penance by sitting in fire (agni) — hence the fire pit in the temple.