South India Temple
Annamalai Temple
Tiruvannamalai the home of Arunachaleswarar, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a lingam. The Consort here is Unnamulaiyaal, also known as Apitakuchambaal. This is one of the largest temples in India. One of the most important Shaivaite temples.
Rameswaram Temple
It is dedicated to Sri Ramanathaswamy (Lord Shiva). Temple is an important pilgrimage site for the followers of Hinduism. It is believed that a visit to this temple washes away one’s sins and brings salvation (moksha). Located on an island off the Sethu coast of Rameshwaram, the shrine is popularly known as Rameshwaram Temple.
Kachipuram Temples, Kanchipuram
Kanchipuram is considered an important pilgrim destination for Hindus due to the cluster of holiest of temples. These temples also attract lots of tourist, as these temples are so magnificently build that they virtually take the travelers to the era in which they were built. There are many temples to visit like Kailasanatha Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple and many more.
Mahabalipuram Temples
There are total 11 excavated temples in Mahabalipuram, called Mandapas, two open air bas reliefs. But the most famous Mahabalipuram temple, built from a rock is cut out temple, it is also known as ‘Ratha’. There are five Ratha Temple and one Shore temple also which is most famous. Shore temple is one of the glorious rocks cut sophistication standing and overlooking towards the sea.
Birla Mandir at Hyderabad
This is a modern temple built of white marble on top of a hill, dominating the skyline of Hyderabad. This temple displays a mixture of architectural styles. A Rajagopuram built in the South Indian style greets the visitors. The tower over the main shrine of Venkateswara called the Jagadananda vimanam is built in the Orissan style while the towers over the shrines of the consorts are built in the South Indian style. There are several carvings in marble, in the adjoining mukha mandapam – depicting scenes from Indian mythology. The temple is floodlit at nights.
Ayyappan Temple at Sabarimala near Kottayam (Kerala)
Ayyappan Temple at Sabarimala near Kottayam (Kerala)- This shrine attracts millions of pilgrims in Nov,Dec and Jan. Dedicated to Dharma Saastha- in the form of the son of Shiva and Vishnu (Mohini) this is located in the mountains of Kerala. Strict are the austere requirements for the pilgrimage which involves a steep climb and culminates in the 18 steps leading to the shrine.
Vadakkunnathan Temple at Trissur(Kerala)
This temple dates back to the time of Adi Sankara the religious leader. The presiding deity Shiva worshipped in the form of a Lingam is covered with mounds of ghee which does not melt despite
the lamps nearby, and which has not decayed over centuries. This is a vast temple with lofty towers and is the site of the famous Pooram festival which attracts thousands.
Tiruchendur Murugan Temple
The first temple of this six part series on Lord Muruga’s abodes is Tiruchendur. Here, the Lord is known as Senthil andavar. It is one of the most visited shrines in Tamil Nadu, and, unlike the other abodes which are atop hills, this one is located on the seashore in the southern part of the state.
Sri Meenakshi - Sundareswarar Temple, Madurai
Synonymous with Madurai is the Meenakshi Sundareswarar twin Temple, the pivot around which the city has evolved. The Meenakshi Temple complex is literally a city – one of the largest of its kind in India and undoubtedly one of the oldest too. A striking feature of the temple is the astonishing structure known as “Ayiramkaal Mandapam” or the Hall of Thousand Pillars and each pillar features high, ornate, bold sculptures that look life like.
Brihadeeswara Temple-(Tanjore/ Tanjavur)
The Brihadeeshwara Temple is the main attraction of Tanjore. The massive temple built by Raja of Chola, reflects the Cholas contribution to the development of arts in this area. It is also regarded as the Chola dynasty’s finest contribution to the Dravidian temple architecture. Listed as a World Heritage site, the temple is visited by a large number of people for the regular worship here.
Venkateswara Temple at Tirupati
Tirupati/Tirumala is a pilgrimage center of great significance and is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throughout the year. Venkateswara, or Srinivasa or Balajias the presiding deity Vishnu is known, is enshrined in this temple, located on a range of the Eastern Ghats, called the Seven Hills. It is an ancient temple and its glory has been sung by the saints of the yesteryears. Said to be the richest temple in India, this temple is a vibrant cultural and philanthropic institution with a grand history spanning several centuries. It attracts pilgrims from all over the country and it is not unusual for pilgrims to stand in line for hours together to obtain a glimpse of the presiding deity for a few fleeting seconds.
Ananthapadmanabha Swami Temple at Tiruvananthapuram (Kerala)
This temple has been sung by the Vaishnavite Alwar Saints. This is the largest temple in Kerala and it exhibits several Dravidian architectural features, particularly the massive Gopuram.Vishnu is worshipped in a reclining pose and is seen through three doors. Much of the structure today is a result of renovations of the 18th century.The mandapams and the corridors have fine works of sculpture and the outside of the sanctum is decorated with murals.
Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor near Trissur(Kerala)
Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor near Trissur(Kerala)- This is one of the most famous sites of pilgrimage sites in Kerala. The temple traces its origins back to antiquity, although the structure that stands today dates back to the sixteenth century.The worship protocol followed here is said to have been established by Adi Sankaracharya the great religious leader. Murals adorn this temple. The flagstaff is made of a single piece of teakwood and is covered by bell metal plated with gold. Millions visit this shrine.
