Southern Splendour – Glimpses of Ten Iconic Temples of South India

The temples of South India stand as remarkable symbols of the region’s rich cultural heritage and devotion. Characterised by their spectacular towers, vibrant sculptures, and ancient history, these temples hold a special place in the hearts of millions of people. Every part of the temples from the towering gopurams (entrance towers) adorned with intricate sculptures to the mandapas or pillared halls tell a unique story that blends mythology, history, and art.

1. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, Tirumala

Any list of South Indian temples is incomplete without the iconic Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala. The Sri Venkateshwara Swamy temple holds a special place in the heart of every practising Hindu, especially those from Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. On an average day, anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 devotees throng the temple, with devotees waiting several hours and even days for Darshan. These numbers double on special occasions. 

However, the temple’s significance is not limited to just that.The temple is more than eleven hundred years old, and stands as a witness to the history of the Pallavas, Cholas, the British and many more eras of the region’s history. It was visited by many prominent historical figures such as Krishnadeva Raya, the powerful King of Vijayanagara and Ramanujacharya, a respected spiritual leader and reformer during the Bhakti movement. 

The temple is an excellent example of classical Dravidian architecture. While it is built mostly of granite, it also includes a vendi vakil(a silver entrance) and a bangaru vakili(a golden entrance), before getting to view the lord. The temple reminds us of its role in history with the many walls inlaid with a wealth of historical inscriptions dating to the mediaeval ages. 

The hilltop temple town of Tirumala, where the temple is located is planned to the last detail for devotees’ convenience. From spacious accommodation for devotees starting from 50 rupees a day to the shady staircase route to climb the hill to the utilisation of up-to-date technology, the temple town has it all. The Venkateshwara Swamy temple is not just a temple, but an experience.

Suggested read: Temples in Andhra Pradesh – Finest Examples of Great Culture

2. Sita Ramachandraswamy temple, Bhadrachalam 

Located in the Dandak forest of Andhra Pradesh where Rama and Lakshmana were said to have come during their fourteen year exile, the Rama temple of Bhadrachalam is one of the South’s most renowned temples. According to most accounts, the temple was built by Kancherla Gopanna, a tax collector for the Golconda sultanate. The temple was built with the money collected under Jizya, a tax meant to be paid only by non-Muslims. Gopanna spent twelve years in jail while he composed songs in honour of lord Ram, after which Rama himself evidently appeared and paid a ransom of gold coins and got Gopanna out of jail. Gopanna continued to spend his life in devotion, and the temple today is regarded by millions as a symbol of his commitment to the Lord as well as the greatness of Lord Ram himself today.

3. Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Srirangam

The Sri Ranganathaswamy temple of Srirangam in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu needs no introduction. The temple is dedicated to Ranganathswamy, a form of Lord Vishnu and is considered the most important of the Vaishnavites’ Divya Desams. The temple itself dates back to about the fifth century BCE, and has endured power changes, invasions and raids by Islamists to remain standing today. The deity is mentioned in a number of important religious texts, including the Ramayana itself. 

The Srirangam temple complex is built in the Dravidian style and occupies an area of 155 acres, making it the world’s largest Hindu temple today. The temple complex consists of over fifty small shrines dedicated to Lady Lakshmi, saints and other avatars of Vishnu. It also includes a mandapam or hall of thousand pillars, which was built under the Vijayanagara empire, alongside other architectural marvels.

4. Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy temple, Rameshwaram

The Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy temple of Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is a revered Shiva temple located at the very tip of the Indian penninsula. It is one of the most important Shiva temples in India, being one of the four holy Char Dham sites, the twelve Jyotirlingas and also one of the Tevara Sthalams or 275 sacred sites for Shaivites. 

The original temple was evidently built in the eleventh-twelfth century CE, but the two lingas of the temple were said to have been installed by Lord Ram(The Ramalingam) and Hanuman(the Vishwalingam) respectively. The temple, over the centuries, received patronage from many royal dynasties, including the Pandyas and Marathas.

Today, the Ramanathaswamy temple continues to be a pilgrimage site of great importance and is visited by millions of devotees every year.

5. Meenakshi Amman temple, Madurai

The iconic Meenakshi Amman temple is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Built in the twelfth century CE by the Pandyas, the Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Thirukkovil, as it is known in Tamil, is known for its iconic colourful main gopuram, its intricate sculptures and marvellous architecture.

The temple is one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, an incarnation of Shakthi, the divine female power and her consort, Sundareshwar, an incarnation of Shiva. It is an important pilgrimage site in the Shaiva or the Shiva worshippers sect. 

The Meenakshi amman temple is one of the most widely photographed temples in India. Every inch of the temple is a feast to the eyes, from the colourful main gopuram carved with intricate statues to the innumerable hypnotic mandalas on the ceiling of the temple. The Meenakshi Tirukalyanam, a festival celebrating the wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, is a great time to witness the splendour of the temple.

Suggested read: 7 Must-Visit Temples in Tamil Nadu for divinely Inspired Travellers

6. Sri Manjunatha temple, Dharmasthala

Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple, located in Karnataka, India, is a sacred haven devoted to Lord Manjunatha, a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Established by B. Ratnavarma Heggade in the 16th century, this temple is distinctive for its inclusive ethos, welcoming people of all backgrounds. Managed by the Heggade family, the temple offers free meals and shelter to every visitor, reflecting a commitment to hospitality and unity. The Akshaya Patra, a revered stone vessel, symbolizes perpetual abundance. The temple’s philanthropic endeavors extend to education and healthcare, contributing to community well-being. Its annual Rathotsava, a grand chariot procession, draws devotees from far and wide. Dharmasthala Manjunatha Temple transcends religious boundaries, emphasizing the universal principle that service to humanity is akin to worshipping the divine. Pilgrims and visitors alike are not only spiritually enriched but also witness a living testament to compassion, communal harmony, and the timeless values of the Heggade family.

7. Virupaksha temple, Hampi

The Virupaksha temple is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites in Hampi. Contrary to popular belief, this temple predates the Vijayanagara empire and has been in existence since the seventh century AD. The temple, however, grew in importance and size under the Vijayanagara dynasty.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, one of the forms of Lord Shiva. It is characterised by a huge, intricately carved granite gopuram, built by a local chieftain named Lakkana Dandesha under the Vijayanagara empire. 

The temple is the only one standing in the Hampi complex; the rest had been destroyed by the Bahmani sultanate. However, it is still one of the most iconic symbols of Hampi and is alive and thriving- several festivals are celebrated here, one of which is the marriage ceremony of Lord Virupaksha and his consort, Pampadevi in December.

8. Veerabhadra Temple, Lepakshi

The Lepakshi Veerabhadra temple is one of the most marvellous examples of Vijayanagara architecture. Located in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh, it was built in the sixteenth century. It is a centrally protected monument of national importance. It is after this temple that the government Handicraft enterprise of Andhra Pradesh is named- Lepakshi handicrafts. 

The temple is dedicated to Virabhadra, a fiery form of Shiva, and is famous for its profuse sculptures, marvellous architecture and beautiful frescoes. The sanctum sanctorum, especially, is a visual spectacle. Every inch of the building is covered in sculptures and frescoes illustrating the many forms of Shiva, saints and holy rivers. The frescoes are beautiful examples of Vijayanagara art- vividly coloured, intricate, yet two dimensional and portraying tales from the epics and puranas. The Lepakshi temple is a true wonder and is certainly worth a visit.

9. Adhishakthyathmaka Sri Annapurneshwari Devi Temple, Hornadu

The Annapurneshwari temple in Hornadu, Karnataka is a popular pilgrimage site across South India. It is dedicated to Annapoorna devi, the Goddess of food and an incarnation of Lady Parvathi. It dates to the mediaeval ages and is built in a fusion of Dravidian architecture and that of Karnataka. 

The temple celebrates many festivals in a year, the most prominent being Akshaya Tritiya, which is believed to be the birth date of the Goddess. The festival falls in April-May, and is a great time to visit the temple.

10. Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram

The Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram is known for being one of the richest temples in the world. It is dedicated to Padmanabhaswamy, a form of lord Vishnu. It is said to have been originally built in the seventh century AD, but the famous wide main entry tower or Gopuram was built much later.

The Padmanabhaswamy temple is of great importance to all Hindus, and specifically, Vaishnavaites. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams or holy places in the Vaishnava tradition, and is mentioned in a number of Hindu religious texts like the Vishnu Puran, Matsya Puran, Brahma Puran, Bhagavata Purana and many more. It is also mentioned in Tamil Sangam literature, and has often been referred as ‘The Golden Temple’, due to its vast reserves of wealth. 

The Padmanabhaswamy temple organises many festivals every year, the most popular being the Aippasi and Panguni festivals in the beginning of winter and the end of Spring. These festivals are fabulous times to witness the splendour of what is possibly the world’s richest temple.

11. Ettumanoor Mahadeva Temple, Kottayam

The Ettumanoor Mahadeva temple is a very ancient Shiva temple located in Koattayam, Kerala. While it is believed that the temple as it is now was constructed in the 1500s, the temple has a long and rich history. According to legend, it has served as a host to many important figures in Hinduism, from the Pandavas to the revered Shankaracharya. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style with Dravidian elements. The temple showcases many examples of excellent craftsmanship, including the fresco of Shiva, said to be one of the finest in India. It hosts the famous arattu festival celebrated with great pomp in February-March, which includes elephant parades. 

Conclusion

The temples of South India preserve craftsmanship, culture and traditions dating centuries. They deserve to be cherished and protected not just as religious places, but also for being standing witnesses to history and changing times.