20 Renowned South Indian Temples

20 Renowned South Indian Temples That Every
Indian Must Visit Atleast Once In Their Lifetime!
The glorious history and rich heritage of India are well preserved in its temples. As the Hinduism
worships many thousand Gods, there are myriad of temples extending over the length and
breadth of India. However, the majority of these South Indian Temples can be seen in South
India and are regarded as one of the main tourist attractions in India.
The Southern states of India, say, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and
Telangana are primarily known for breathtaking temples that reflect awesome architectural
wonders of Cholas, Pallavas, Nayaks, Chalukyas, Vijayanagar, and Kakatiyas, standing proudly
as an epitome of cultural exuberance and heritage.
From huge beautifully sculpted gopurams to lofty pillars and life-sized monuments, these
temples are rich and remarkable in their grandeur. Apart from being architectural miracles, these
temples carry a distinctive divine aura that has been keeping the faith alive in people for
centuries.
Considering the splendid glory of these temples, here is the list of temples that must be surely
visited at least once in a lifetime to discover the intriguing history and glorious past of the
country for which it is renowned globally.
ANDHRA PRADESH
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple
2. Veerabhadra Lepakshi Temple
3. Srikalahasteeswara Temple
4. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple
KARNATAKA
1. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal
2. Vittala Temple
3. Chamundeshwari Temple
4. Mahabaleshwar Temple
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KERALA
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple
2. Sri Krishna Temple
3. Sree Dharma Sastha Sabarimala Temple
4. Vadakkunnathan Temple
TAMIL NADU
1. Brihadeeswarar Temple
2. Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple
3. Ramanathaswamy Temple
4. Shore Temple
TELANGANA
1. Bhadrachalam Temple
2. Gnana Saraswati Temple
3. Thousand Pillar Temple
4. Yadagirigutta Temple
ANDHRA PRADESH
1. Sri Venkateswara Temple - A temple which is a study in opulence

Location: Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh
Located in the hill town of Tirumala, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is the most glorious
South Indian temples. Also known as the ‘Temple of Seven Hills’, this famous Vedic temple is
dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is the 106th
and last
Divya Desam and is considered as the richest temple in the world in terms of wealth and
donations received. Also, the temple is one of the most-visited places of worship in the world.
Many legends are linked with the manifestation of Lord Venkateswara in Tirumala. As per one
legend, the temple has an idol of Lord Venkateswara, which is believed to remain in the temple
for the entire duration of the present Kal Yuga.
The temple is maintained by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, one of the richest religious
bodies in the world. The Lord’s prasadam, a laddu, is also very famous. More than 75,000
devotees are estimated to visit the temple every day.
2. Veerabhadra Lepakshi Temple – The Popular Pilgrimage Centre

Location: Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Located on the banks of river Vaigai, Meenakshi Temple is devoted to Parvati and Lord
Shiva. The temple has many shrines other than the main shrine of Veerabhadra, which include
Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga. The temple is well-known for its architectural beauty and captivating
fine arts.
The finely carved Mandapams of the temple display life-size images of dancers and musicians.
The ceilings are beautifully decorated with mural paintings. The main attraction of the temple is
a huge granite Nandi bull which is carved out of a single stone. All these spectacular sculptures
attract devotees from around the world.
3. Srikalahasteeswara Temple - Temple renowned for Rahu-Ketu Puja

Location: Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
Srikalahasteeswara Temple is one of the most famous Shiva temples in South India and also one
of the most impressive temples in India. It is considered as one of the ancient and must visit holy
places of Andhra Pradesh.
4. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple - Eminent Srisailam Jyotirlinga

Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
The shrine of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy is situated on a flat top of Nallamalai Hills in the town
of Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is considered as one of the 12
Jyotirlinga temples dedicated to Lord Shiva attracting devotees from all over.
KARNATAKA
1. Virupaksha Temple, Pattadakal – The one with many builders

Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Virupaksha Temple is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi and a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known as Virupaksha in the temple.
The interiors of the temple are embellished with elegant carvings and aesthetically designed
sculptures. Also, there are different big and small inscriptions engraved on the different parts of
this temple.
The temple is visited by people from different regions of the country for its religious
significance. A number of festivals are celebrated in the temple. The annual chariot festival,
celebrated in the month of February, is the main attraction of the temple which is attended by a
number of devotees.
2. Vittala Temple – The one with musical pillars

Location: Hampi, Karnataka
Dating back to the 16th
century, Vittala Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is known as
Lord Vittala in the temple. Vittala Temple features the original South Indian Dravidian style of
architecture. The temple was constructed back in the reign of King Devaraya II. The temple is
one of the most popular attractions of Hampi and people from all over visit the temple to have a
look at its beautiful carvings and magnificent architecture.
The star attraction of the temple is the Ranga Mandapa and 56 musical pillars, which emanate
music upon tapping. The temple showcases the creativity and architectural excellence which the
sculptors and artisans of the Vijayanagara era possessed.
3. Chamundeshwari Temple - One among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas

Location: Mysuru, Karnataka
Named after the Goddess Chamundi Devi, the Chamundeshwari Temple was built back in the
12th
century by the Hoysala Kings to honor the courage and victory of the Goddess. The temple
is architecturally beautiful and is a great example of Dravidian architecture. The temple has a big
statue of Goddess Chamundi Devi which is made of pure gold. The temple is considered a Shakti
Peetha and is one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.
To reach the temple, one needs to climb 1008 steps. People from all over the world visit the
temple to seek the blessings of Chamundi Devi. The main attraction of the temple is Teppotsava
festival which attracts people from all over the world.
4. Mahabaleshwar Temple - Exhibiting the architectural style with granite
stones.

Location: Goakarna, Karnataka
Mahabaleshwar Temple of Gokarna is one of India’s most sacred places, situated in Uttara
Kannada district of Karnataka. The temple is located on the shores of the Karwar coast and built
in the Dravidian architectural style with granite stones.
KERALA
1. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Trivandrum’s Top Pilgrim
Centre

Location: W Nada, East Fort, Kerala
Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The history of this alluring temple
dates back to the 8th
century. It is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples present in India. The
temple presents a great blend of the Kerala and Dravidian styles of architecture. The temple
features bronze and stone work. The temple interiors are decorated with beautiful paintings and
murals.
One of the best South India temples, PadmanabhaSwamy Temple exudes a royal and spiritual air
that will simply mesmerize your senses. The gigantic temple structure is built from a single huge
stone that makes it a sheer architectural marvel in Trivandrum. It is also claimed to be the richest
temple in the world and has antique riches of worth 1 lakh crore rupees, shielded with the strong
faith of millions of devotees.
2. Sri Krishna Temple - A Sacred Place for Viashnavites

Location: Guruvayur, Kerala
Sri Krishna Temple situated in Guruvayur of Kerala dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is the most
prominent temple of worship for Hindus in Kerala. Sri Krishna Temple is also known as
“Bhuloka Vaikunta” which means the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth”. The shrine is appraised
as one of the holiest spots for Vishnu followers.
3. Sree Dharma Sastha Sabarimala Temple - A place filled with Spirituality

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Sabarimala Temple, dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, is the prominent South Indian temple. It is
basically located on a hilltop named Sabarimala. The greatness of the temple that it is open to all,
regardless of caste and religion. Another fact is that it is open only during the days of Chitra
Vishu, Makaravilakku, and Mandalapooja. In order to have Swamy’s darshan, pilgrims need to
follow virtuous fasting for 41 days to purify their minds from all worldly pleasures. The journey
to the temple is observed through tough paths in the forest by foot.
4. Vadakkunnathan Temple - A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Location: Thrissur, Kerala
Vadakkunnathan Temple is an ancient Shiva temple, situated at the heart of Thrissur city. This
temple is a classic example of Kerala style architecture and has been recommended for world
heritage site of Kerala.
TAMIL NADU
1. Brihadeeswarar Temple – The one which is 1005 years old

Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadeeswara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is
one among the most beautiful architectural sites in India. The temple was constructed back in
1010 AD by Raja Chola I. The main reason behind the construction of this temple was to display
the power and vision of the emperor royal ceremonies.
The entire temple complex houses around 250 lingams. The tower including the interiors and the
kalashaare are structured on a single stone. The temple walls are built around the 16th
century
filled with beautiful paintings that depict Chola and Nayaka murals.
2. Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple – A Brilliant Architectural Wonder

Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Located on the banks of river Vaigai, Meenakshi Amman Temple adores Goddess Parvati and
her consort, Lord Shiva. Meenakshi Temple built back during 1623 and 1655 CE houses 14
gopurams (gateway towers) and around 33,000 sculptures. The temple witnesses 15,000 visitors
every day and around 25,000 on Fridays.
The halls, towers and the shrines of the temple are sumptuously adorned and rich in their
appearance. Two shrine state the iconography of Meenakshi holding a parrot and the right raised
leg of Nataraja. This historic temple is nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the
World.
During the festival of Meenakshi Kalyanam and Eppam, millions of devotees from around the
world visit the temple.
3. Ramanathaswamy Temple – The one which is a Jyotirlinga

Location: Rameshwaram, TamilNadu

Ramananthswamy Temple – Beauty Redefined
Located at Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu, Ramanathaswamy Temple takes the name of Lord
Shiva. The temple has one of the extensive and elaborate corridor having 1200 exquisitely
designed granite pillars among other South Indian temples. It is considered as one of the 12
Jyothirlinga temples of Lord Shiva and part of the most important Hindu pilgrimage circuit, Char
Dham.
There is a belief that Lord Rama, while returning from Lanka after killing the demon Ravana,
wanted to pray Lord Shiva to seek forgiveness for the sins done by him. The temple encrypts two
lingams, the Ramalingam, built by Sita for Rama’s prayers and the Vishwalingam, brought from
by Hanuman from Kailash. There are 22 wells located within the temple premises, each of them
having water with completely different taste.
4. Shore Temple - Built of cut stones

Location: Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
Built by King Narasimhavarman back in the 8th
century, Shore Temple is dedicated to Lord
Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site monument, the
temple is one of the ancient structural stone temples of South India and displays the royal taste of
Pallava dynasty.
It is built of cut stones and has two shrines, one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to Vishnu.
The style of the temple is characterized by a pyramidal kutina-type tower which has stepped
storey topped by a cupola which forms a shape of the northern Indian sikhara.
TELANGANA
1. Bhadrachalam Temple - Represents Scenic Beauty Spirituality

Location: Khammam, Telangana
Bhadrachalam Temple of Seetha Ramachandra Swamy shrine is the most famous temple in
Telangana, dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is located on the banks of Godavari River and
forms a scenic tourist beauty for the people who visit the place.
2. Gnana Saraswati Temple - Destination of Knowledge for Children

Location: Adilabad, Telangana
Gnana Saraswati Temple (Goddess of Knowledge) situated on the banks of Godavari River at
Basara, is dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. It is one of the two most famous Saraswati temples in
India. Children get “Akshara Byasam” over here, before they start their education in
Kindergarten.
3. Thousand Pillar Temple - Splendid Architectural Beauty

Location: Warangal, Telangana
Thousand Pillar temple located in Hanamkonda of the Warangal city is dedicated to Lord Shiva,
Vishnu and Surya. This famous historic monument was built in a typical Chalukyan style of
architecture by King Rudra Deva. It attracts many tourists throuought the year, making it one of
the must-visit place in Telangana.
4. Yadagirigutta Temple - Sacred Avatar of Lord Vishnu

Locataion: Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Telangana
Yadagirigutta Temple is a popular Hindu Temple in Telangana state, dedicated to Sri Lakshmi
Narasimha Swamy, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This Temple is situated on a beautiful and
pleasant Hillock in Town.
It is said that Yada Maharshi had performed great penance for Lord Narasimha Swamy.
Impressed with his devotion, Swamy gave his darshan to him, and came into existence in five
avatars. Hence, Yadagirigutta is also termed as "ancha Narasimha Kshetram".
Just a Glimpse...
The list is not complete and is just a glimpse of many temples present in different states of
Southern India. Once you visit any of the temples, you come across many other spiritual places
surrounding it. If you haven’t visited any of the above list, make sure you do, to attain divine
aura and Moksha.

20 Renowned South Indian Temples

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