Chola kings were saivites. They worshiped Lord Siva. They built many Siva temples. Parantaka I, Rajaraja I, Rajendra King Gandraditya and his queen Sembiyan madevi contributed more for the development of Saivism and Bakthi literature. Parantaka I covered the Siva temple with gold at Chidambaram. King Rajaraja I Built Brahadeeswarar temple (big temple) at Tanjore. Rajendra-I Constructed Siva temple at Polonaaruva in Ceylon and Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Lands, Jewels and vessels were donated to these temples.

Chola Kings were tolerant towards other religions. Vishnu worship was also there. Chola rulers supported the spread of Vaishnavisim Saint Ramanujar was the contemporary of Chola Kings. Thiruvalangadu copper plates. Karanthai plates and Anbil plates talk about the religious conditions of the Chola period. Masimaham Mahamaham, Karthigai, Thaipusam Sivarathri, Chithiraivizha, Aipasivizha were important festivals celebrated during the Chola period. Tanjore, Kumbakonam, Avudaiyarkoil, Kalahasti Tirukadaiyur and Kanchipuram were important temple cities. Bakthi songs were sung in all temples. Some people followed Buddhism and Jainism