Kovil

Kovil or koyil (meaning: residence of god)[N 1] is the Tamil term for a distinct style of Hindu temple with Dravidian architecture.

There are over 36,488 Temples in Tamil Nadu alone as registered by Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

The Sangam literature scripted before the common era, refers to some of the temples the early kings of Tamilagam had erected.

The Chola dynasty (850–1279 CE) left a number of monuments to their credit such as the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur.

The Nayak style (1600–1750 CE) is noted for the addition of large prakaram (outer courtyard) (circum-ambulatory paths) and pillared halls.