South India is known all over the globe for its unique culture and heritage in Magnificient. When it comes to Temples, South Indian’s Magnificient temples are breathtaking. Not just one place, but the entire South India is dotted with amazing monuments and grand temples that reflect India’s ancient culture.
There are more than 33,000 amazing Magnificient temples all over the southern part of India. With every breath you will feel the unique and divine aura, presence of Almighty God along with an extraordinary power to soothe your mind as well as soul.
These marvellous ancient architectures are one of the most attractive tourist places in South India. Here are some of the most amazing temples in South India for you that one should definitely explore.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
Ramanathaswamy is a magnificent temple dedicated to lord Shiva. Situated on Rameswaram Island, Tamil Nadu, this temple is one of the holiest Hindu Char Dham. It is believed that Lord Ram came here and prayed for Lord Shiva and since then the name of this Island changes from “Gandhamadhanam” to “Rameshwaram”.
The temple is popular worldwide and is one of the famous tourist spot in South India. Sandstone pillars and beams form the second corridor of this stunning architecture. The third corridor which has a unique structure in the form of a chess board is considered as the world’s largest Magnificient temple corridor.
The third corridor consists of 1212 pillars and 22 feet 7.5 inches height.
Meenakshi Temple
Built in Dravidian Style of architecture, this Hindu temple was nominated to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. The structure is 52m tall and is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The temple was actually built in 6thcentury BC and then revived in 16th Century. This temple is famous for its hall filled with thousand pillars.
Airavateswara Temple
Built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century, this temple is famous for worshipping Lord Shiva as Airavateshvara. It is also believed that Yama had also worshipped lord shiva here. Famous for its stone carvings, the Magnificient temple is special for its exquisite and detailed work of architecture. The main deity’s of this temple is PeriyaNayaki Amman whose temple is situated to the north of the Airavateshvarar temple.
Vitthala Temple
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Vittahala Temple, is the centre of Hampi’s attractions, art and culture. Vitthala is believed to be an aspect of Vishnu. This temple has numerous halls and pavilions depicting their magnificent architectural carvings.
The temple was originally built in 15th Century AD and got renovated repeatedly by several other rulers. The Magnificient temple is famous for its stone chariot.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
How exciting and inspiring it is to see those perfect masterpieces of south Indian Culture. Rangaswamy temple is one such grand structure not only of its time but today as well. This temple is dedicated to Ranganatha- a form of lord Vishnu.
The most beautiful part of the temple is that it is located on an island in Cauvery River. It is spread over an area of 156 acres, 22 towers and 50 shrines making it the largest temple in India.
Virupaksha Temple
Located in Hampi, this grand Temple has been classified as a world heritage site by UNESCO. This temple is famous for its intricate carvings, and magnificent structure. Many rulers have come and gone and each time they have given to this temple their own additions and modifications.
That’s why it is a special one! the Magnificient temple specially worships Shiva as their primary deity.This structure is a beautiful illustration of culture,heritage as well tradition that it still attracts huge crowd in festive seasons. Its beautiful gateways, well-proportioned courtyards and serene shrines is what makes the temple elegant.
Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple
Built in 16th century, the temple is the centre of pilgrimage of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram. The flawless architecture is a fusion of Dravidian and Kerala styles. Being the richest Hindu Temple, this institution has by far been one of the richest institutions worldwide.
The primary deity is Vishnu who is shown in a Shanyasam position of yogic sleep. There has been mention of this temple in puranas as well as in Mahabharata.
Badami Cave Temples
These temples depict the flawless rock-cut architecture of south India. They are located in Badami, a town in northern part of Karnataka. The architectural styles dates back to the 6th century. These Magnificient temples are the earliest known examples of Hindu temples.
Four caves in total are carved out on the soft badami sandstone, manually. Every cave has ts own distinct meaning. While some carvings depict Vishnu and shiv, some depict Buddha.
This temple with its simple yet mysterious carvings is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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