Temples in South India

South India is land of god loving people. The religious interest of people in South India is well assessed by the multitude of grandeur temples. Several towns are often referred to as the temple towns because of many religious sites. The temples of South India are dotted in the four states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Every year lots of devotees across the land limits come in to visit these revered temples.

The lavish temples are aesthetically designed. South Indian temples are built in Dravidian style of architecture. The tall pyramidal tower consisting of several smaller storeys called Vimana and gopurams- two storeys seperated by a horizontal moulding are the characteristic features of this architectural style. The temples stand on square base and the shrines are surrounded by the prakara; the wall.

The temples in Andhra Pradesh are adorned with beautiful craving as like its exquisite architecture. Karnataka temples are the vivacity of peace and serenity. The ancient shrines and rock-cut temples in Karnataka give it the status of Pilgrimage center. There are many temples throughout Kerala which are also an example of architectural marvel.

The effect of different dynasties ruled over Tamil Nadu has affected the art of Temples.

Here, we introduce you with the holy temples of South India.

Important temples of South India

The Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai is in lotus shape. It was built by the Pandya King Kulasekara. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The fantastic and splendid idols of Goddess Parvati as Meenakshi and Lord Shiva as Sundareshvara are seated here.

It is an architectural wonder. The temple has innumerable huge mandapan hall. The high 12 gopuras of granite bases, paintings of different deities, mythical animals and monsters are quite impressive.

The Rock Fort Temple of Thiruchirapalli constructed in medieval period, was built by the Pallavas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The premise has three temples; Manikka Vinayakar temple, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil and Taayumaanavar Koyil Shivastalam. These are carved out of Rock Mountain.

Four unique cave temples in northern Karnataka are built in Chalukyan architectural style.

The beautiful carving of these temples make them looks stunning. These temples wedged between two rocky hills exhibit various religious sects that evolved in India. Out of the four temples three belong to Vedic faith and the fourth is the Jain temple. Lord Vishnu presides over two and Lord Shiva is worshipped in one temple of the Hindu temples. The beautiful carvings, paintings and bracket figures decorate the walls of them.

Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Sri Venkateswara is the richest temple of India. People believe worshipping Sri Venkateswara can lead to Moksha. The main gate of the temple bears the figures of Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha. The three prakarams has many mandapams.

Around 40 steps lead to the temple of red sandstone. Lord Vishnu is seated on a square sanctum in the hall with numerous pillars.

Other Temples in South India