South India Temples

South Indian Temples are the most beautiful architectural expressions of religion in India. Tourists from across the globe show a great deal of interest in exploring the intricately carved and aesthetically designed temples of South India. Forming an integral part of the rich heritage of South India, these temple are a feather in the cap of India.

The testimony to the rich legacy left behind by the Kings of the bygone era is vividly reflected in the temples of Kerala. Highly influenced by the climate of the region the temples of the state are characterized by steep and pointed roofs enveloped with copper sheets. The templse with round plane have conical roofs whereas the temples with square plane have pyramidal roofs.Some of the famous temples of Kerala are:Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Mannaarshala near Trivandrum, Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayur and the? Vadakkunnathar Temple at Thrissur.

Standing the test of time, the temples of Karnataka are famous for their architectural beauty. Rock-cut temples and ancient temples constructed in Dravidian style are the major attractions. These impressive shrines were built by the Chalukyas. The temples built by the Hoysalas are characterized by the use of star shaped platform as the base of the temple. The monolithic pillars and sculptural motifs of these temples make them different from other temples. Some of the famous temples in Karnataka are:

• Iskcon Temple at Bangalore
• Chennakesava Temple at Hassan
• Virupaksha and Hemakuta Temples at Hampi
• Cave and Jain Temple at Badami

Tamil Nadu is an abode of the most beautiful temples of India. Reflecting the glorious past of the bygone era, the temples of the state were built by the rulers of Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Nayak and Vijaynagar. Carved out of rocks these temples exhibit different architectural styles. Some are characterized by huge halls and big Gopuras( is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple which is decorated with carvings and painted with a variety of mythological themes) , some by monolithic pillars and some by towering gateways and walled enclosures. Some of the most famous temples of Tamil Nadu are:

Meenakshi Temple: Built in the honour of Lord Shiva and his consort goddess Parvati, the Meenakshi temple is situated in Madurai. Its history dates back to the 18th century. The 12 stunning Gopurams of the temple are noteworthy.

Rameshwaram Temple: The temple has the longest corridor in the country. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Other beautiful temples are Kapileshwar Temple,Shore Temple,Sarangapani Temple,Sri Adhikesava Perumal Temple,Brihadeshwara temple and Kanyakumari Amman Temple.

The Union Territory Pondicherry is a home to around 350 temples which are impressively built. The Varadaraja temple and Villenour's Thyirukameswarar temple which were constructed in the 12th century still hold their old world charm. Tiruvandar Siva temple, Bahur temple and Manakula Vinayakar temple are the other attractive temples here.