!! Temples of South India !!

Sri Meenakshi Temple, KeralaTemples of South India can be aptly summarized as a window into the past, the present and the future of South India. A priceless collection of art and architecture, from the most illustrious and widely documented dynasties to the empires that still elude the historian with its closely held secrets, are housed in the states and union territories of South India.

The monuments and ruins in South India belong to Hosyala, Chola, Mughal, Dravidian, Portuguese, French, Dutch and British periods. The temples are not preserved in isolation but are an integral part of the people and city's life, whether fast paced or laid-back, and take on a life of their own during the zestful festivals of South India.

Temples to visit on your travel to South India :

• » Guryvayoor Temple
• » Sri Meenakshi Temple
• » Sri Venkateshwara Temple
• » Ramanathaswamy Temple
• » Sabarimala Temple
• » Mahabalipuram Temple

Guryvayoor Temple - The most famous Hindu Temple in Kerala, South India, Guryvayoor Temple in South India (popularly known as the Sri Krishna Temple) is devoted to Lord Krishna, The temple dates back to the 16th century and owes its creation and name to Guru (the preceptor of gods) and Vayu (the god of winds). Also known as 'Dwaraka of the South', the rectangular shrine with exquisite and detailed murals on the walls is host to a number of Hindu marriages and important family ceremonies. Travel to the temple during Pooram Festival, the famous elephant march, is particularly rewarding.

Sri Meenakshi Temple - The Sri Meenakshi Temple, with its unique 1000-pillared hall, is one of the most popular temples in Madurai, South India. Significant for the Dravidian architecture, it was designed by Vishwanatha Nayak in 1560. Set on six hectares of historical land, the Sri Meenakshi Temple is home to some of the most spectacular and unseen images of a plethora of Hindu deities. A travel to this temple of South India during Pongal, Navratri, Teppam or Avanimoolam is an unforgettable experience.

Sri Venkateshwara Temple - Popularly known as Lord Balaji in north India and Srinivas in the southern states of India, it is believed that Venkateshwara (another Vishnu avatar) has the powers to grant any wish of yours. Venkateshwara is the lord of the seven hills that form the Tirumala Range. At Sri Venkateshwara temple of South India, shaving of heads is considered auspicious for the pilgrims while visiting the temple. Brahotsavam Festival is a good time to visit Sri Venkateshwara Temple, Tirupati.

Ramanathaswamy Temple, KeralaRamanathaswamy Temple - Renowned world over for its stunning Dravidian architecture, the tanks (theerthams) at Rameshwaram temple South India are a must visit for a bath in the curative powers of the tank water. The number of tanks at the Rameshwaram Temple in South India is supposed to correspond to the number of arrows in Ram's quiver. Ram, according to Ramayan, used the arrows to generate water on the island.

Sabarimala Temple - Named after Sabari, the temple is devoted to the reverence of Lord Ayyappa, a deity worshipped by the Kerala Hindus. Sabarimala Temple in South India hosts many festivals and religious ceremonies including Sabarimala Temple Festival, Mandal Puja and Makar Sankranti Puja. On the three day long journey, through the rugged and thickly forested hill slopes, the devotees have to dress down in a modest dhoti and carry a small basket of offerings ('Iru Mudi') on their heads.

Mahabalipuram Temple - Home to the only surviving shore temple in India, Mahablipuram is a small fishing village on the coast of Tamil Nadu, where the waves from Bay of Bengal offer their prayers to the Gods. At Mahabalipuram Temple in South India, you can admire the Rathas typical of Dravidian architecture. Also visit the Arjuna's Penance, Krishna Mandapa and sixteen man-made caves on your travel to the temples of South India.