Many kings of the middle ages and others have donated lands and other properties to the temples in Tamilnadu. Hence religion flourished well. Many temples even today possess lot of wealth and get income. Most of them are under the direct Supervision of the State Government. By directing the income of the temples for the benefit of the people, the Government has brought about a closer link between religion and Society.
Thousands of pilgrims visit such holy places every day. Lakhs of people assemble during the times of Brahmotsavas that happen once a year. Apart from Tamilians many from various parts of India visit the temples in Tamilnadu, throughout the year. Many foreigners do not go back without visiting atleast some of these temples. They visit places like Rameshwaram, Madurai, Palani, Thiruchendur, Chidambaram, Thiruvarangam, Kanchi and Mahabalipuram. They are amazed at the wonderful art and other things seen there. They admire how life is linked with God. There are many great works in Tamil about such glorious temples and the places where they are situated. During the last two centuries many books on holy places have come up. Some of them are translations from Sanskrit. Apart from these, many hymns have been written, praising the (Deity) God in every village. Yet they are of no use for people who do not know Tamil. Pilgrims from the North and many foreigners have only been able to admire and evience surprise. Moreover the festivals in various temples are referred to according to Tamil months. Corresponding English months are given separately in the end. Regarding charges for Archana and Abhisheka and Naivedyams, though they vary slightly at different temples, are acceptable easily even to common people. Some places that are not referred to in the Thevaram also find a place here. Certain places sacred to Lord Muruga are included. I have included a page illustrating the inscriptions in the temples. The names of Saiva & Vaishnava saints are also included in the end. I am sure this book will be of immense help for foreigners who wish to visit the temples in Tamilnadu.
I am very much thankful to the Tirumalai Tirupathi Devasthanam and its executive officer in particular for sanctioning a grant of Rs. 5000/= (five thousand) for this publication.
Many have rendered various help for the publication of this work. The assistance given by Mr. G. Kalyanam Pillai, who was then the Editor of the monthly "Thirukkoil" of Hindu Religious endowments and his colleagues, is invaluable. Srilasri Somasundara Thambiran
