1 / 12Southern India, is deeply rooted in spirituality and age-old traditions spanning thousands of years and is home to some of the most majestic and architecturally stunning temples in the world. These temples are living examples of India’s cultural and historical diversity, with their elaborate carvings, imposing gopurams (temple towers), and colourful festivals. (Image: Canva)
2 / 12Temples in South India are more than just places of worship; they are architectural wonders, works of art, and cultural and devotional artefacts. These temples offer a profound exploration of India’s spiritual environment, regardless of whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a tourist seeking beauty and history. Take a look at 10 iconic temples that you must visit in South India.
3 / 121. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai | The Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as Meenakshi Sundareshwar Temple, is a wonder of Dravidian architecture with 14 tall gopurams (ornate gateways) dedicated to the Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar. It is known for its elaborate sculptures, tall gopurams, thousand-pillared halls, and vibrant colours.
4 / 122. Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala | The Venkateswara Temple, one of the most fascinating temples in South India, is located in Tirumala, a small hill town in Andhra Pradesh. This holy residence of Lord Venkateswara is one of the richest and most popular temples worldwide, which welcomes millions of worshippers every year.
5 / 123. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi | The Virupaksha Temple, situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra in the popular tourist attraction of Hampi, is one of the most famous temples in South India. The Virupaksha temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a must-visit for those who enjoy history because of its elaborate sculptures and historical significance. (Image: Virupaksha Temple/Facebook)
6 / 124. Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur | Known for its enormous vimana (tower) and granite architecture, this Chola masterpiece is a UNESCO World Heritage Site from the 11th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple displays the magnificence of Tamil dynastic history. Stories from Hindu texts are depicted in the paintings that adorn the temple’s dazzlingly beautiful walls. (Image: Canva)
7 / 125. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram | One of Lord Shiva’s 12 jyotirlingas is housed at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram, one of the most popular temples in South India. Its 1,200-meter corridor is the longest of any temple and is incredibly breathtaking. Another unique aspect of this temple is that it has one of India’s longest pillared highways. (Image: wikipedia commons).
8 / 126. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram | Dedicated to Lord Anantha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Trivandrum is known for its magnificence. In Vaishnavism, it is regarded as the sacred residence of Lord Vishnu and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. There is a rigorous dress code, and only Hindus are permitted admission.
9 / 127. Murudeswara Temple, Murdeshwar | With a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, this seaside temple is home to the second-tallest Shiva statue in the world. Devotees can ride a lift to the 18th floor of the 20-story temple, which offers stunning views of the sea. A comprehensive perspective of the environs is offered by the tall gopuram. (Image: Shutterstock)
10 / 128. Kailasanathar Temple, Kanchipuram | Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this sandstone temple, constructed by the Pallavas, is a superb illustration of early Dravidian architecture. Intricately carved designs, frescoes, and representations of Hindu art on the pyramidal tower, pillars, walls, and shrines are among the temple’s most striking characteristics.
11 / 129. Suchindram Temple, Kanyakumari | Rich in sculpture and legend, this temple is unique in its dedication to the Trimurti—Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma. This temple is characterised by its unique statues and sculptures, including a 13-foot-tall Nandi statue made of lime and mortar and a 22-foot-tall Lord Hanuman statue carved from a single block of granite.
12 / 1210. Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, Trichy | The largest functioning Hindu temple in the world, this enormous temple complex is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It exhibits architectural brilliance with its 21 gopurams and seven concentric surrounds. Besides its theological and architectural significance, the Sri Ranganathaswamy temple has a rich history that goes back more than a millennium.
