South India takes pride in boasting itself as culturally rich, and it is evident from the splendid temples and architectural wonders that it has, that dates back to the ancient times, offering a spiritual significance of the region. From the majestic sky high temples to the intricately rock carved temples, all showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. Fine examples of the temples of South India include the temples built by the Cholas and other temples in Kerala depicting the story of devotion and exquisite craftsmanship and history of the region.
Cultural implication and heritage of the region
South India’s temples not only showcase the exquisite craftsmanship and history of the region, but also tell us how it serves as the center of rich cultural heritage for centuries now. These temples are not only architectural wonders, but it is the main site for performing many important rituals, festivals and offering spiritual significance. These temples continue to follow their roots and the rituals have been going on for centuries now, connecting the past to present.
The complex carvings on the stones of the temples, the grand vimanas and the high-rise gopurams, are a fine testimony of the dedication and the devotion the rulers and the craftsman had towards spirituality and their service to the God. Most of these temples also have great mythological stories and follows spiritual themes. Each temple present in every state of South India has a unique architectural style, with a combination of the tradition of the local region and a bit of influence from the neighboring places Tour in India. This has in fact leaded to a wide range of architectural design and creativity.
Besides its wonderful architectural glory, the temples of South India are also the bustling center of cultural activities, religious practices, organizing of rituals, hosting dance and music and grand festivals of the region. These cultural activities attract many spiritual lovers and scholars who have an immense appreciation for the rich culture and heritage of the region.
Why not opt for a spiritual tour with the guidance of tour operater in India? Here is a list of some of the important temples of South India.
- Temples in Tamil Nadu
Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu is famous for its vast temple complex and the gopurams which are the gateway towers to the temple, decorated with thousands of sculptures. This temple is devoted to Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar, and was built in the 12th century. It is one of the important temples in India that tourists must visit for a spiritual experience.
Another important temple in Tamil Nadu is the Brihadeeswarar Temple located in Thanjavur. This temple was built by the Chola ruler, King Raja Raja Chola I and stands as fine example of the devotion of the rulers towards the Lord and the exquisite skill of the craftsman of that era. This temple is also popularly known as the Big Temple and was built in the 11th century, and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage. One of the highlight of the temple is the vimana which means the tower of the temple; its height is around 200 feet. The whole temple, from bottom to the top of the tower it is decorated with sculptures that tell tales of the Hindu mythology.
The Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram was also built by the Chola rulers during the 12th century. It was built by Rajaraja Chola II and comprises of intricate carvings on the stone of the temple.
If you want to know in detail about the temples in India and visit them for a spiritual experience, embark on a spiritual journey with the help a travel agency in India.
- Temples in Kerala
The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple’s architectural design comprises of Dravidian architectural style with intricate carvings on the stone of the temple and has mural paintings. One of the highlight of this temple is that it discovered treasure, vast amounts of gold and jewellery in the underground chambers.
Another popular temple is the Sabarimala Temple situated in the Western Ghats. This temple is devoted to the Lord Ayyappa and is famous for the 18 steps leading to the main chamber of the temple. Many pilgrims and devotees visit this temple on a daily basis to offer their prayers to the Lord and seek his blessings. This temple becomes a bustling center of religious activities during the yearly Mandala Pooja and the festival of the region called Makaravilakku.
- Temples in Karnataka
Hoysaleswara Temple in Halebidu is an important temple built by the rulers of Hoysala during the 12th century. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and comprises of intricate stone carvings, sculpture work, and impressive architectural designs depicting tales from the Hindu mythology. This temple is famous because it has twin temples and a statue of Nandi (bull) at the entrance.
Another popular temple is the Virupaksha Temple in Hampi which was the ancient city of the glorious Vijayanagara Empire. The temple was built in the 7th century and is in fact the oldest functioning temple, till date the temple is filled with pilgrims and devotees. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and the temple comprises of gopurams which are the gateway towers to the temple, pillared halls and paintings that depicts stories from the Hindu mythology Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Let the best travel agency in India help you explore the marvels and treasure of South India.
- Temple in Andhra Pradesh
The Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirumala (Tirupati) is a grand temple; pilgrims from around the world visit this temple. This temple is devoted to Lord Venkateswara (which is a form of Lord Vishnu) and comprises of gopurams which are the gateway towers to the temple, complex stone carvings and great architectural design. Pilgrims and devotees visit the temple on a daily basis and during the festivals like Brahmotsavam.
Another famous temple is the Sri Kalahasteeswara Temple located in Srikalahasti is famous for its connection with Rahu-Ketu dosha nivarana puja (this is a puja for problem related to the lunar signs). This ancient temple is devoted to Lord Shiva.
- Temple in Telangana
Bhadrachalam Temple in Telangana is a spiritual temple devoted to Lord Rama, as it is believed that this was the place where Lord Rama stayed at the time of his exile. This temple is located near the banks of the river Godavari.
In conclusion:
South India is a culturally and spiritually rich region and its evidence can be seen in the architectural wonders build by the rulers for their devotion to the God and the rare skills of the artisans who exquisitely designed the temples.
Tourists should definitely experience the architectural wonders with the help of tour operater in India for a rich cultural and spiritual experience as each temple has its own spiritual significance.
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