10 South Indian Temples with Stunning Architecture

South Indian temples are known for their stunning architecture and attention to detail. Most temples from the 12^th century onwards feature striking gopurams atop their entrance gates. These are pyramid-like towers etched with figurines (humans, animals, divine beings) on every tier. Interestingly, gopurams look like mandals when seen from above, with their peaks serving as the center.

It’s also worth noting that spirituality and the world’s practical realities often intertwine. Gopurams were in fact constructed as fortifications for the temple gates. The temples acted as guardians of the entire city. They were also much more than just places of worship. They were also flourishing centers of learning and trade, while also being resting places for travellers.

Now that we know what makes South Indian temples so special, let’s look at the ones that boast of the most remarkable architecture.

10 South Indian Temples with Stunning Architecture

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruchirapalli district holds many distinctions. At over 239 feet, its gopuram is the tallest of its kind. Some even say that it is the largest functioning temple in the world. Ranganatha is a reclining avatar of Maha Vishnu, a deity in the Hindu pantheon. The gigantic temple complex includes 81 shrines with numerous water tanks, towers, and pavilions. The Ayiram Kaal Mandapam, a hall consisting of 1000 pillars is a sight to witness. The Kaveri River flows around the island that the temple sits on, and is also considered to be sacred. Click here for Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple timings.

Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala)

Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also dedicated to Maha Vishnu, and its striking gopuram dates back to the 16^th century. The architecture of the temple reflects both Malayali (from Kerala) and Tamilian influences. Featuring high walls and mandapams, the temple bears a marked resemblance to the Sri Adikesava Perumal temple in Kanyakumari. The deity Padmanabha rests on the Adi Sesha serpent, which has five hoods. A Shiva lingam, Sridevi-Lakshmi, Bhudevi, and Brahma (the creator) are also a part of the inner sanctum. Interestingly, the Padmanabha figure has been fashioned from 12008 saligramams (fossilized shells)!

Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameshwar

Situated on Rameswaram Island in Tamil Nadu, Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Shiva shrine and among the twelve Jyotirlinga temples. These are major Shiva temples in India. A major pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva, the temple is arresting in its golden splendor. The temple’s corridor is the longest among all Hindu temples in India, and legend goes that even Lord Rama paid homage to its presiding deity. Ramanathaswamy Temple features two lingams, high walls, gopurams, and many pillars with intricate carvings.

Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai

Madurai is known for its beautiful temples but Meenakshi Amman Temple is probably the most renowned. Dedicated to Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, the temple lies on the banks of the Vaigai River. Meenakshi is another name for Parvati. The temple finds a mention in many ancient texts. Seen from above, it looks like a defense structure with gopurams guarding every side of the shrine complex. One can enter the temple through one of four gateways. Apart from the main shrine, it is also worth visiting the sacred pool of golden lotuses, the wedding hall, and the thousand pillar hall.

The 14^th Century Virupaksha Temple, Hampi

The beautiful city of Hampi is a must-visit for travelers in South India. But if you needed yet another reason to plan a trip to the ancient city, how about the breath-taking Virupaksha Temple? It is among the various monuments of Hampi that together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Virupaksha is an avatar of Lord Shiva. Mathematics enthusiasts will appreciate the precision and symmetry that define the temple’s architecture. In fact, parts of the temple are built on the principle of fractals, and the temple top is made up of repeating patterns that imitate many natural phenomena.

Lad Khan Temple, Aihole, Karnataka

Constructed in the 5^th century, Lad Khan is an ancient Hindu temple in Karnataka. It was built by royals of the Chalukya lineage and pays tribute to Lord Shiva. The temple looks particularly arresting at sunset. A mandapa sits in front of the shrine and there are floral patterns on the walls. The temple looks nothing like some of its later counterparts as it has been built in the Panchayatana style. Interestingly, it was first dedicated to Vishnu.

Mahabalipuram Temples, Tamil Nadu

The group of ancient temples and monuments at Mahabalipuram (today Mamallapuram) are together designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prominent among these are the seaside Shore Temple, the Pancha Rathas, and the cave temples. In total, there are 400 religious structures dating back to the 7^th and 8^th centuries. They were built during the Pallava dynasty and include one of the world’s biggest open-air rock reliefs. The Ratha temples are shaped like chariots and dedicated to the five Pandava brothers. The Shore Temple’s main structure is 60 feet high and shaped like a pyramid.

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple is located in Kumbakonam and dedicated to Shiva and his consort Parvati. There are four splendid gopurams at the temple along with numerous shrines and halls. But the most impressive is a hall constructed during the Vijaynagar dynasty. It features sixteen pillars and a stone inscribed with the 12 zodiacs and 27 stars. Every month, you’ll find some or the other festival being celebrated at Adi Kumbeswarar Temple.

Arunachalesvara Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Also known as Annamalai Temple, Arunachalesvara Temple is situated at the base of the Arunachala Hill in Tirvannamalai, Tamil Nadu. It is among the largest Hindu temples in the world and is mentioned in many literary Tamil works. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents all five elements. There are four gopurams at the temple along with numerous shrines and a hall with a thousand pillars. Construction was initiated during the Chola period in the 9^th century and there are many legends associated with the temple.

Ekambareswarar Temple, Kanchipuram

Ekambareswarar Temple in Kanchipuram is also a Shiva temple with representation of the five elements, in particular the ‘earth’ element. Its gopuram is 190 feet tall and the sixth tallest in the world. The temple is not to be confused with others by the same name in India. Spread across 25 acres, the temple has been around since 600 AD. An ancient mango tree is considered to be the ‘temple tree’. Legend goes that it is 3500 years old and each of its branches yields a different kind of mango!

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