Famous Temples In South

The South of India is known for its rich cultural heritage, and one of the most significant aspects of this heritage is its ancient temples. From grandiose structures to intricate carvings, these temples are not only architectural marvels but also offer a glimpse into the region's history and religious practices. Here is a list of twenty famous temples in the South region of India:

1. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
2. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu
3. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
4. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
5. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
6. Murudeshwara Temple, Murudeshwara, Karnataka
7. Shri Krishna Temple, Udupi, Karnataka
8. Guruvayur Temple, Thrissur, Kerala
9. Sabarimala Temple, Pathanamthitta, Kerala
10. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
11. Kollur Mookambika Temple, Kollur, Karnataka
12. Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
13. Konark Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
14. Hampi Vittala Temple, Hampi, Karnataka
15. Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
16. Srikalahasti Temple, Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
17. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
18. Belur Chennakesava Temple, Belur, Karnataka
19. Badami Cave Temples, Badami, Karnataka
20. Chidambaram Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

These temples are not only significant religious sites but also showcase the intricate workmanship of ancient architects and craftsmen. Visitors to the South of India should not miss the opportunity to explore these magnificent temples and learn more about the region's cultural heritage.

1.Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu:

The Meenakshi Amman Temple is located in the heart of Madurai city, Tamil Nadu. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, and her consort Lord Shiva. The temple complex spans over 14 acres and comprises four main gopurams (towers), each over 50 meters tall, adorned with intricate carvings depicting various mythological stories. The temple is renowned for its unique architecture, colorful sculptures, and ancient history. The annual Meenakshi Tirukalyanam festival, held in April or May, attracts millions of devotees from all over the country.

2.Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu:

The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, is one of the largest temple complexes in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and features seven concentric walls with 21 gopurams (towers), the tallest being over 70 meters. The temple's main sanctum is adorned with a solid gold roof and a 50-meter high gold-plated flagstaff. The temple's exquisite carvings, intricate sculptures, and beautiful paintings attract visitors from all over the world.

3.Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu:

The Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built in the 11th century and is renowned for its magnificent architecture and beautiful sculptures. The temple's main sanctum features a giant lingam (aniconic representation of Lord Shiva) made of granite, standing over 3.7 meters tall. The temple's impressive gopuram (tower) is over 60 meters tall and features intricate carvings of deities and mythological figures.

4.Tirupati Balaji Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh:

The Tirupati Balaji Temple, located in the town of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is one of the most famous and visited temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and features a 50-meter tall gopuram (tower) adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings. The temple's main sanctum is believed to be the richest in the world, receiving millions of donations every year from devotees all over the world. The temple's annual Brahmotsavam festival, held in September or October, attracts millions of visitors and is one of the largest religious festivals in India.

5.Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha:

The Jagannath Temple, located in Puri, Odisha, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and features a massive 65-meter tall gopuram (tower) adorned with beautiful sculptures and carvings. The temple is renowned for its annual Rath Yatra festival, held in June or July, during which the temple's three deities (Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra) are taken out in a grand procession on giant wooden chariots.

6.Murudeshwara Temple, Murudeshwara, Karnataka:

The Murudeshwara Temple, located in the town of Murudeshwara, Karnataka, is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

7.Sabarimala Temple, Kerala:

The Sabarimala Temple is located in the Periyar Tiger Reserve in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on a hilltop and can only be reached by a trek through the forest. The temple is open to men of all ages and women above the age of 50. The temple's annual Mandalam-Makaravilakku festival, held in November-December, attracts millions of devotees from all over the country.follow me more about south

The temple is believed to have been constructed by the sage Parasurama and is one of the most famous temples in Kerala. The temple is renowned for its strict rituals and customs, including the 41-day long penance that devotees have to undertake before visiting the temple. The temple's main sanctum is adorned with a gold-covered roof and a silver-plated flagstaff.

8.Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh:

The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, located in the ancient city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas (radiant lingams) and is believed to have been built by Lord Shiva himself. The temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, beautiful sculptures, and ancient history.

The temple's main sanctum is adorned with a gold-plated roof and features a lingam made of black stone. The temple is located on the banks of the holy river Ganges and is believed to be one of the most sacred places in India. The temple's annual Mahashivratri festival, held in February or March, attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.follow me more about south

9.Kanchipuram Temples, Tamil Nadu:

Kanchipuram, also known as the "City of Temples," is located in Tamil Nadu and is home to several ancient temples dedicated to various deities. Some of the famous temples in Kanchipuram include the Kamakshi Amman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Varadharaja Perumal Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.

The temples in Kanchipuram are renowned for their unique architecture, intricate carvings, and exquisite sculptures. The city has a rich history and was once a major center of learning and culture in South India. The annual Brahmotsavam festival, held in April or May, is celebrated with great pomp and show in Kanchipuram and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country.

10.Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala:

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the richest temples in India. The temple's main sanctum features a massive idol of Lord Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta. The temple is renowned for its exquisite architecture, beautiful murals, and ancient history. follow me more about south

The temple's annual Alpashy festival, held in October or November, is celebrated with great fervor and attracts thousands of devotees from all over the country. The temple's treasury is believed to contain vast amounts of gold, silver, and precious stones, and is considered one of the wealthiest religious institutions in the world.follow me more about south