South Indian Temples bear the essence of architectural brilliance of the states. Southern India is dotted with places of religious interests. The temples in South India are not only the sign of architectural intellect but also living representation of rich tradition and culture that has made India proud. The temple building schools of South India like Dravidian, Holysala, Pandya and Chalukyan styles are constructed according to Agama and Shilpa shastras.
Features of South Indian Temples
The Pallavas, the Cholass, the Pandyas, and the Vijayanagara all contributed to the Southern style of temples from the ancient time. The Vimana and the Gopurams are the distinctive characteristics of the Southern style. The Vimana is a tall pyramidal tower consisting of several progressively smaller storeys. This stands on a square base. The Gopuram has two stories separated by a horizontal moulding. The Prakara or the outer wall covers the main temple as well as the other smaller temples. Below the popular temples of South Indian states have been discussed in brief.
Temples of Andhra Pradesh
Temples of Andhra Pradesh not only possess religious but also historic value. These are the real exposure to art and sculpture, an adventure in philosophy and a lifetime experience. Some of the important temples, which are prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, are Lepakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Tirupati Temple, Srisailam Temple, Mukhalingam Temple, Jain Mandir, Chennakesava Temple, Gunupudi Someswara Temple, Chennakesavaswami Temple etc.
Temples of Karnataka
The temples of Karnataka are very old and rich in tradition and culture. The temples are of typical Dravidian style. These temples have survived the difficulties of time. Some of the important temples of this region are Bull Temple, Cave Temples, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Chamundeswari Temple, Hidimbeshwar Temple, Channakeshava Temple, Krishna Temple, Atmalinga Temple, Hazara Temple, Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple etc.
Temples of Kerala
The temples present in Kerala state are distinct from temples present in any other parts of the country. The temples in Kerala are in synchrony with the geography of the region and vibrate with traditions of the region. The popular temples of Kerala are Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Ambalapuzha Sri Krishna Temple, Sabarimala Sree Ayyappa Temple, Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple, Chottanikara Devi Temple, Ettumanoor-Vaikom-Kaduthuruthy Temple, Mannarasala - Nagaraja Temple, Thiruvanchikulam Shiva Temple etc.
Temples of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is the abode of some important temples in South India. The state has some monuments of great artistic value. Most of the ancient temples were built of mortar and brick and were scooped out of rocks. Rameshwaram, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Meenakshi Temple and Ekambareswarar Temple, Thanjavur Jain Temple are some of the famous shrines in Tamil Nadu. Among these temples, Rameshwaram is the island of Lord Rama`s temple.
Other Important South Indian Temples
Guruvayur Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Sivagiri Temple, Tiruvalla Temple, Ettumanoor Temple, Thirunavaya Temple, Ambalapuzha Temple, Vaikom Temple, Oachira Temple, Thirunelli Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, etc are some of the other South Indian temples, which also possess great importance.
