South India is a place full of divine presence. From Vijayanagara architecture style to Dravidian architecture, from intricate Chalukyas pillars to Krishnadevaraya’s tiny stone, every monument tells a different tale.
All these South Indian shrines are spectacular in their magnificence and rich in legend. Considering the grandeur and innovation of these pilgrimages, we have compiled a detailed list of twenty South Indian shrines that you must visit.
List of the 20 Most Popular Temples of South India:
1. Tirupati Balaji
Tirupati Balaji lies in the mountainous town of Andhra Pradesh. The shrine is also popularly called Tirumala Venkateswara temple. Tirupati Balaji temple is dedicated to Lord Balaji, or Venkateshwara, who is believed to be the manifestation of Lord Vishnu. This temple has an impressive Dravidian style and a rich history of architecture.
Venkateswara Temple is located in the mountainous district of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. This is a popular and regal South Indian temple. Venkateswara Temple temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is also popularly called Tirupati Balaji temple. The temple was built in 300 AD. An interesting fact about this temple is that it is the 2nd richest religious place where people offer an abundance of gold and money to the Lord. The cost of these offerings runs into millions each day. Read Also: Top 10 Famous Destinations to Visit in Tirupati.
This ancient temple is visited by the leaders of several impressive dynasties of South India. This shrine celebrates several festivals. Most of the popular festivals are Brahmotsavam that is also called ‘Salakatla Brahmotsavam’. This festival goes for nine days. It witnesses an enormous gathering of devotees. As a sacred rite, a majority of devotees shave off their heads, so that every year around six million US dollars are earned by the auction of this hair.
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- Main deity: Lord Venkateswara
- Location: Tirumala, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 517504
- Timings: 3:00 am to 1:30 pm; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- How to get there: Tirupati is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Tirupati Airport, and the nearest railway station is Tirupati Railway Station.
2. Meenakshi Temple
Madurai is the 2nd biggest and oldest city in India. Meenakshi Temple is one of the marvelous architectural wonders in this city. It is a popular center for devotees to worship Goddess Parvati and her husband Lord Shiva. Read More: Interesting facts about Meenakshi Amman Temple.
There is a Golden Lotus tank in the temple. A bath in this tank is considered very sacred. There is a ritual of taking a bath in this tank and then visiting the shrine. According to the legend, the pond is created by Lord Shiva and is older than the shrine. Read Also: Madurai Popular Places to Visit
This temple consists of a hall that comprises 985 pillars. Each of these pillars is intricately and differently carved. Meenakshi temple is the 12th-century temple that is listed among the thirty contenders of the “New Seven Wonders of the World’. Also, read Chennai Popular Temples
- Main deity: Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar
- Location: Madurai Main, Madurai, Tamil Nadu 625001
- Timings: 5:00 am to 12:30 pm; 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- How to get there: Madurai is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, and the nearest railway station is Madurai Junction.
Madurai Package: 5 Nights 6 Days Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Tirupati Tour Itinerary
3. Kanchipuram Temples
Kanchipuram is one of the popular cities in Tamil Nadu. This is a city of thousand shrines. As per the Hindu religion, the Kanchipuram temple is a sacred place in the country where people can come and attain salvation.
Every shrine in Kanchipuram is a mesmerizing piece of architecture. It is regarded as one of the highly revered temples of Kanchipuram. A few of these are Kamakshi Amman Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, and Varadaraja Perumal Temple.
- Main deity: Various
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
- Timings: Varies by temple
- How to get there: Kanchipuram is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Kanchipuram Railway Station.
Also, read Tamil Nadu Informations:
- 5 Best Amazing Architecture of Tamil Nadu
- Tamil Nadu 8 Most Famous Hill Stations
- Popular Folk Dances of Tamilnadu
- Tamil Nadu’s 10 Most Famous Temples
4. Rameshwaram Temple
Rameshwaram is a less populated island town located in Tamil Nadu. It is one of the four sacred pilgrimage centers of the Hindus. One of the most special features of the Ramanathaswamy shrine located in Rameshwaram is a stunning pillared hallway. It is considered to be the longest in the country, with a lining on its perimeter. The unending boundless rows of engraved pillars have a hypnotic decorated ceiling.
Rameshwaram is built on a small island located at the top of the Indian Peninsula. This temple is very significant in Hindu mythology as it is the place where Lord Rama constructed a bridge across the sea. It is believed that Lord Rama with his wife Sita landed on its seashore after conquering the demon king Ravana. To seek penance for the assassination of a brahmin (Ravana), Lord Rama wished to pray to Lord Shiva. Read Also: Top 13 Destinations to Visit in Rameshwaram.
Hanuman reached Kailash to bring a sculpture of God called Vishwalingam. During this time, Sita also made a small lingam that was called Ramalingam. According to Lord Rama’s instructions, Vishwalingam is adored before Ramalingam. This practice is even followed in today’s time. Also, read: Best Places to Visit Kerala in March.
- Main deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
- Timings: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- How to get there: Rameswaram is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, and the nearest railway station is Rameswaram Railway Station.
5. Brihadeeswara Temple
Brihadeeswara Temple is also called Raja Rajeswaram and Peruvudaiyar Kovil. This is an eleventh-century temple that represents Tamil-style architecture. It was built under the Chola King Raja Raja Chola I. This temple lies in Thanjavur city. It is one of the very popular South Indian shrines that is also a part of “Great Living Chola Temples”. It is regarded as the largest shrine in India that is located in Thanjavur city of Tamil Nadu city. The royal and grand Brihadeshwara temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. In 2019, this wonderful time in India turned 1009 years. Read Also: 10 Most Famous Tourist Destinations to Visit in Tanjore.
Cholas are well-known for their splendid and majestic array of structures. The artistic and opulence proficiency of Chola rulers is reflected in the magnificent and grand architecture of the shrine. The most remarkable attribute of this site is that one can’t see any shadow on the floor at noontime. Also, read Top 10 facts about the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha.
- Main deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Membalam Rd, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm; 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- How to get there: Thanjavur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Thanjavur Junction.
Read also: Discover the Temples of Rameshwaram
6. Virupaksha Temple
Situated on the shores of the beautiful Tungabhadra river, the Virupaksha temple is a wonderful architecture of the Vijayanagara Empire. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva who is also known by its other name “Virupaksha”. This temple got constructed in the 7th century. Virupaksha temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its grand gopuram, incredible architecture, and elaborate carvings.
There are a large number of additions by different rulers to the architecture to showcase their power. There is a central pillared hall, called Ranga Mandapa. This is the most decorated addition by Raja Krishnadevaraya. At Virupaksha temple, a lot of marriages and festivals are organized in December. Learn More: Celebration of the Maha Shivratri in India
- Main deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Hampi, Karnataka 583239
- Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
- How to get there: Hampi is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, and the nearest railway station is Hospet Junction.
7. Padmanabhaswamy Temple
This temple is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It is constructed in an intricate fusion of the native Kerala style and the Tamilian style of architecture. Its architectural style resembles the temples situated in the neighboring states of Tamil Nadu, that feature Dravidian architecture, a 16th-century Gopuram, and high walls. Read Also: Top 9 Destinations to Visit in Trivandrum and Nearby.
- Main deity: Lord Padmanabhaswamy
- Location: West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 695023
- Timings: 3:30 am to 12 noon; 5 pm to 8:30 pm
- How to get there: Trivandrum is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Trivandrum Central.
8. Ramanathaswamy Temple
Ramanathaswamy Temple is situated on Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. It is considered to be one of the 12 sacred Jyotirlinga shrines of the country.
The interesting facts about this temple are that it is the longest temple with the most decorated corridors among the other temples in South India. Rameswaram is also included as one of the “Char Dhams” for devotees.
- Main deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu 623526
- Timings: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- How to get there: Rameswaram is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Madurai Airport, and the nearest railway station is Rameswaram Railway Station.
9. Aihole and Pattadakal
Aihole is known as the “cradle of Hindu Rock Architecture”. Both Aihole and Pattadakal, are the capital cities of Chalukyas. They are exclusively popular for their splendid temples in Karnataka. These temples were constructed in the 5th century CE. They are designed in a very elaborate grandeur and architecture.
Some of the popular temples of Aihole are Lad Khan Temple and Durga Temple. Pattadakal follows the combination of the Dravidian and Nagara style. A few of the important shrines include Mallikarjuna Temple, Sangameshvara Temple, Jain Temple, and Galganath Temple. Read Also: Top Tourist Attractions in Kabini
- Main deity: Various
- Location: Aihole and Pattadakal, Karnataka
- Timings: Varies by temple
- How to get there: Aihole and Pattadakal are well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, and the nearest railway station is Badami Railway Station.
10. Airavatesvara Temple
Airavatesvara Temple is situated in the district of Darasuram close to Kumbakonam. This temple is another awe-striking construction that depicts Dravidian architecture. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple got built-in in the twelfth century CE.
Airavatesvara Temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. The name of this temple is derived from Airavata, who was known to be Indra’s white elephant. This elephant used to worship Lord Shiva in this temple. The temple is very famous all over the world for its gorgeous stone carvings.
- Main deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Darasuram, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu 612702
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm; 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- How to get there: Kumbakonam is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Kumbakonam Railway Station.
11. Guruvayur Temple
Guruvayuris a popular South Indian temple devoted to the Hindu god Guruvayurappan. It lies in the district of Guruvayur in Kerala. Guruvayurtemple is one of the significant centers of worship for Hindus of Kerala.
It is also referred to as “Bhuloka Vaikunta” which translates to as “Sacred Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. This temple showcases the architectural style of Kerala. Read Also: Famous Places to Visit in Guruvayur
- Main deity: Lord Krishna
- Location: Guruvayur, Kerala 680101
- Timings: 3:00 am to 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm to 9:15 pm
- How to get there: Guruvayur is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Cochin International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Guruvayur Railway Station.
12. Vittala Temple
Vittala Temple is another spectacular masterpiece in South India. It is a living legend of numerous monuments in Hampi in terms of architectural splendor. Vittala Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
People from worldwide come to witness its mind-blowing grandeur and architecture. Popular for its musical pillars, the pillars of this temple are believed to emit musical notes at the time of playing in a specific manner. Another important attraction of this shrine is its huge and monolithic stone chariot.
- Main deity: Lord Vittala (Lord Krishna)
- Location: Hampi, Karnataka 583239
- Timings: 8:30 am to 5:30 pm
- How to get there: Hampi is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Hubli Airport, and the nearest railway station is Hospet Junction.
Read More details on Hampi:
- Top 10 facts about Hampi, Karnataka
- Places to Visit in and Around Hampi
- Best Time and Season To Visit Hampi
13. The Thanumalayan Temple
The Thanumalayan Temple is a royal monument in South India that is another marvelous illustration of architectural miracles. This temple was constructed in the seventeenth century. It attracts several pilgrims from neighboring states.
The legends of Ahalya and Anasuya are located adjacent to the temple. Some of the remarkable features of the Thanumalayan temple are the hanging pillar, four musical pillars, and the single Linga, which represents Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
- Main deity: Lord Siva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma
- Location: Suchindram, Tamil Nadu 629704
- Timings: 4:30 am to 11:44 am; 5:30 pm to 8:45 pm
- How to get there: Suchindram is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Trivandrum International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Nagercoil Junction.
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14. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is situated in Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli. This temple is dedicated to Ranganatha, an embodiment of Lord Vishnu. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple temple is constructed on an island in the popular river Kaveri. This temple is rich in architecture and legend.
Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple has one of the grand religious complexes seen in the world. This temple is constructed in the Dravidian style. It looks spectacular in its appearance as well as architectural details. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is counted among the 8 “Swayam Vyakta Kshetras” of Lord Vishnu.
- Main deity: Lord Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu)
- Location: Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620006
- Timings: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm
- How to get there: Srirangam is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport, and the nearest railway station is Srirangam Railway Station
15. Ayyappa Temple, Sabarimala
This temple is devoted to Lord Ayyappa. It is one of the highly revered and major temples of all the other Sastha temples.
The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple is important for its religious elements and the societal, and cultural elements linked to it. Due to this reason, it is considered one of the largest shrines in the world that attracts more than a hundred million devotees per year.
- Main deity: Lord Ayyappa
- Location: Sabarimala, Pathanamthitta, Kerala 689662
- Timings: The temple opens only during certain days of the year. The main pilgrimage season is from November to January.
16. Thanjavur, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu
Thanjavur temple impresses visitors with its incredible Tamil culture. It was built in the 11th century, by Chola King Raja Raja I. The significance of this temple is accredited by the fact that it is ranked as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Thanjavur temple completed its 1,000 years in the year 2010.
It is a sign of the unsurpassed power of the Chola rulers. The Thanjavur temple is also recognized among the most primitive pilgrimages devoted to Lord Shiva in India. One of the interesting facts about this temple is that it is built only with stones. Its dome is elevated to more than sixty meters. The passage surrounding the shrine is ornamented with Chola frescoes. This is a great sight to watch!
- Main deity: Not applicable
- Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
- Timings: Not applicable
- How to get there: Thanjavur is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (about 60 km away).
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17. Mayuranathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
This shrine got constructed in the 8th century. It is located on the banks of the river Cauvery in Kumbakonam town, Tamil Nadu. This town has eighteen temples in total, out of them Mayuranathaswamy temple is the most impressive. Another famous temple is Sarangapani Temple that is devoted to Lord Vishnu.
It is made an impressive temple with a pilgrimage in the shape of a horse-drawn chariot. It is a Great Living Chola Temple that is known for its exemplary temple art, exquisite stone carvings, and popular highly intricate details.
- Main deity: Lord Mayuranathaswamy (Lord Shiva)
- Location: Mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm; 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- How to get there: Mayiladuthurai is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (about 135 km away).
18. Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
Kanchipuram is called a “City of a Thousand Shrines”. Earlier, this town has been the capital of the great Pallava dynasty. One of the amazing things about these temples is their diversity.
There are temples of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, constructed by several rulers who ruled this region such as the Cholas, Muslims, British and Vijayanagar kings. One can see the brilliant works of rulers who refined the design of the temple.
- Main deity: Not applicable
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Timings: Not applicable
- How to get there: Kanchipuram is well-connected by road. The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (about 72 km away).
19. Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareswarar Temple is another popular Hindu temple in South India. It is devoted to Lord Shiva. This temple lies in the Kanchipuram district in Tamil Nadu. Ekambareswarar Temple is noteworthy to the Hindu group of Saivism.
This temple is one of the shrines associated with the Pancha Bhoota Stalas. It is made according to the Dravidian architecture style. One of the lesser-known facts about this temple is that it is the 6th largest gopuram (190 ft) all across the world.
- Main deity: Lord Shiva
- Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:30 pm; 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
- How to get there: Same as above
Read More About Others temples in India:
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- Tali Shiva Temple
- Famous Temples in Bhopal
20. Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu
Chidambaram temple is another great ancient temple devoted to Lord Shiva who is portrayed as performing the cosmic dance.
Unlike other Lord Shiva temples that are based on Sanskrit scriptures, this temple follows Vedic rituals that were established by the saint Patanjali. The Vedic rituals are positioned on fire. The close-by Pichavaram mangroves make this place a devotional and interesting trip.
- Main deity: Lord Nataraja (Lord Shiva)
- Location: Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, India
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm; 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- How to get there: Chidambaram is well-connected by road and rail. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli International Airport (about 168 km away).
Conclusion
South Indian pilgrimages are vastly known for their size, opulence, grandeur, and sheer magnanimity. Have you visited all these architectural marvels yet?
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