For the many travellers seeking the new – here are some incredible temples to visit in South India – for a rich cultural trip.
South India has a rich cultural heritage and is one of the most beautiful parts to visit in the world.
It has breathtakingly majestic monuments and beautiful architectural marvels to explore.
South India is no stranger to spectacular temples built by different dynasties dating back hundreds of years. Every temple has a different story to tell so check out our list of these incredible temples to visit in South India.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Tamil Nadu
This striking temple is located in Madurai, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The sacred Suyambulingam, discovered at Kadambavanam by the King of Gods Indira, was later enshrined in Madurai, according to legend. In this temple, the Lord might be seen riding on Indira’s vehicle.
Many ancient temple relics dating back to the first century A.D. have been discovered. The temple was practically completely devastated after the Islamic conqueror Malikkapur invaded around 1310.
Sabarimala Temple, Kerala
This temple complex is located in the Sabarimala village in Kerala. With an estimated 40 to 50 million worshippers visiting each year, it is one of the world’s major yearly pilgrimage locations.
It is the most famous and prominent among all the Sastha temples in Kerala and is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. The temple offers pilgrim facilities such as Health Care centres, accommodation, Government department services, and much more.
Ekambareswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu
It is one of the 5 Hindu temples devoted to the Hindu god Shiva that is located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India. It has Dravidian-style architecture and was Initially built by Pallavas. Water, ether, fire, and wind are represented by the five Shiva temples, while the earth is represented by the Ekambareswarar temple. This massive temple is known for its huge ‘Gopuram,’ which dominates the skyline of Kanchipuram, the temple town.
Sree Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka
This spectacular temple is situated in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka. This temple is also dedicated to Lord Shiva and is at a distance of 350 km from Bangalore. It was constructed under the rule of King Deva Raya II.
During the month of December, it attracts enormous crowds. However, the best time to visit this temple would be in the month of February, when a yearly chariot festival is held.
Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple, Kerala
This temple is located in Kodungallur, Kerala. Their tutelary deity is Shiva of Thiruvanchikulam temple. Thiruvanchikulam temple is the only Saiva Tirupati temple in Kerala, according to Tamil Saiva traditions.
This temple has served as the administrative centre of the Kochi and Calicut kingdoms for centuries. It is currently administered by the Cochin Devaswom Board.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Vaari Temple, Andhra Pradesh
This magnificent temple is located in Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. Five thousand years ago, Lord Sri Venkateswara, also known as Srinivasa, Balaji, and Vekaachalapati, chose Tirumala as his home.
Lord Varahaswami had chosen Tirumala as his home long before him. Many worshippers have continued to build elaborate entrances on the temple’s ramparts for generations after then. The temple complex covers a total area of 16.2 acres.
Airavatesvara Temple, Tamil Nadu
The Airavatesvara Temple is a Hindu temple with Dravidian architecture located in the town of Darasuram, near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu, India.
The temple complex was built by Rajaraja II in the 16th century and features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. After the two major Chola temples of Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, it is ranked third.
Tali Maha Kshetram Temple, Kerala
Situated in Kozhikode in Kerala, it is one of the oldest temples in the area. The 14th century saw the construction of this traditional Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Sri. Parasurama is said to have installed the lingam in the Temple’s sanctum near the end of the Dwaparayuga. Sivan and Krishnan are the primary prathishtas. Also present is Narasimhamoorthy.
Hoysaleshwara Temple, Karnataka
This is a Hindu temple located in Halebidu, Karnataka. It is also known as the Halebidu temple and is the largest temple in the area and one of the bigger temples in South India.. The city of Mysore is 150 kilometers away from this temple.
It is was built in the 12th century by the King of Hoysala and is dedicated to Shiva. It is the former capital of the Hoysala Empire. The temple was stolen from in the 14th century and eventually fell into ruins.
Kanaka Durga Temple, Tamil Nadu
Kanakadurgamma Temple is located in Indrakeeladri, Vijayawada, on the banks of the Krishna River in Tamil Nadu.
The second-largest temple in Andhra Pradesh is a Swayambhu (self-manifested) shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is believed that Goddess Durga had been glowing with the golden color of the sun’s beams on this mountain.
The Darshans that take place here include Dharma Darshanam, Antaralayam, Mukha Mandapam and the Paroksha Sevas include Daily Sevas, Weekly Sevas, Periodical Sevas, Online Sevas.
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