South India Temples

Kerala Temples

True to its title, ‘God’s own country’, Kerala is one of the sacred states of India. Numerous lofty temples which trace their origins to antiquity, always remain chock-a-block with pilgrims. Dotted in every nook and corner of the state, these ancient temples showcase the religious dedication of Keralites. Completely different in architectural designs, Kerala temples are constructed in harmony with natural resources and climatic conditions of the state. Some of the most significant temples of Kerala are:

Guruvayoor Temple
A temple, famous all over India as a pilgrim centre, dedicated to Lord Krishna popularly known as Guruvayoorappan. The Sreekrishna idol of this temple is believed to have been worshipped by Vasudevar and Devaki at Dwaraka. This shrine popularly known as ‘Dakshina Dwaraka’ (Dwaraka of south) is in the form of a rectangle. There are a lot of mural paintings around the ‘Shrikovil’ (Shrine).
Guruvayoor, where the famous Sree Krishna Temple is situated, is one of the most sacred and important pilgrim centres of kerala. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum are inlaid with exquisite mural paintings and carvings.

Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala is a renowned pilgrim centre atop the rugged hills of the Western Ghats. This holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The sanctum sanctoram nestles 914 m above sea level, amidst the virgin forest wilderness of the Western Ghats.
The Village of Sabarimala is named after Shabari who did severe penance in order to meet Rama who granted her wish for her devotion and faith during her penance.
The main pilgrimage is undertaken between November and January. Regardless of caste, creed, colour, they wear black dhotis and carry on their heads, bundles containing traditional offerings like coconut filled with ghee, camphor and rice.

Tamilnadu Temples

Tamil Nadu is reffered as ‘Land of Temples’. These temples are the excellent repository of dravidain culture and perfect testimony of unique art forms that evolved over several centuries. Several ancient rulers of the state has patonised these temples during their respective reigns and constructed them with brick and mortar. Some of the most significant temples of Tamilnadu are:

Meenakshi Temple

Madurai or "the city of nectar" is the oldest and second largest city of Tamil Nadu. This city is located on Vaigai River and was the capital of Pandyan rulers. The Pandyan king, Kulasekhara had built a gorgeous temple around which he created a lotus shaped city. It has been a center of learning and pilgrimage, for centuries. Legend has it, that the divine nectar falling from Lord Shiva's locks, gave the city its name - 'Madhurapuri', now known as "Madurai".

Mahabalipuram Temple
The history of Mahabalipuram dates back to two thousand years, it contains nearly forty monuments of different types including an "open air bas relief" which is the largest in the world, for centuries it has been a centre of pilgrimage, it figures in the early annals of the British search for the picturesque in India in the 18th century, today it attracts shoals of foreigners in search of relaxation and sea bathing, and most strange of all, it has an atomic power plant for neighbour.

Kanchipuram Temple
Kanchipuram is a small, rural town about 75-km from Chennai in the state of Tamil Nadu. With the Sankara Mutt acting as the hub of Hindu activities and the temples, Kanchipuram is one of the most highly visited pilgrimage spots in India, and can rightfully be called the "Religious Capital of South India".

Rameshwaram Temple

Rameshwaram is a pilgrimage centre of nationwide importance, as Rama is said to have worshipped Shiva here on his way back from SriLanka. The temple is in the island of Rameshwaram, the Banares of the South, connected to the mainland by a bridge. The deity here constitutes one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of India.

Karnataka Temples

Along with its ample of treasures that beckons tourists from various corners of world, Karnataka also has a long list of some magnificent temples. Adorned with typical dravidian style, the temples of Karnataka encompasses a radiance of peace and tranquillity within themselves. Intricate sculptures mark the rock-cut and ancient temples of the state, which are now regarded as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the most significant temples of Karnataka are:

1)Badami Cave Temple
2)Somnathpur Temple

Andhra Pradesh Temples

Andhra Pradesh is another south-Indian state that abounds prolific religious monuments and archeological remains. The temples of this state illustrates diverse style of temple designs amongst all the temples of the country. The Chalukan, the Dravidian , the Nagara and the Orissa idioms are quiet easily seen in the architectural designs of these temples. One of the most visited temple of India named Tirupati Balaji is the prime attraction of the state. Some of the most significant temples of Andhra Pradesh are:

1)Tirupati Tirumala Balaji Temple
2)Thousand Pillar Temple