Beauty of South Indian Temples and Its Architecture

Ancient temples in India portray the architectural marvels and exquisite craftsmanship of early Indian kings. The stone carvings, tall towers, intricate mural paintings, inscriptions and sculptures were created in the eon when mechanization was very little or nil. Starting from cave temples to the magnificent monuments of Dravidian architecture, the south Indian temples have evolved and been the symbol of grandeur.

The tall vimanas with complex sculptures, majestic pillars, stone carvings, spacious pavilions and plenty of marvels in architecture can be viewed in South Indian Temples.

Virupaksha Temple

Although the Virupaksha temple in Karnataka was initially constructed in the 7^th century, later it had plenty of add-ons by the rulers to show their supremacy in architecture. It is one among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Badami cave temple

The cave temples in Badami and Aihole represent the sense of architecture among the Stone Age people in South India. Similarly, the Madurai Thiruparangundram Subramaniyaswamy temple to Jain temple,

Arunachaleswarar Fire Temple

Thiruvannamalai Mamara Guhai and Varaha cave temple in Mahabalipuram are exclusive examples of South Indian cave temples.

Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram

The Madurai Meenakshi temple is a throbbing architectural marvel with 1000s of sculptures in 14 Gopurams ; 1000 pillar hall; classy paintings on the ceiling; well defined idols, spacious patios around the temple and golden vimanas. Among the nominees of ‘New seven wonders of the world’, this temple was listed in the top 30 and is one among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Meenakshi Amman temple

Karnataka’s Aihole and Pattadakal exemplify the impressive Chalukyas architecture and grandeur that Aihole temples are known as the cradle of Hindu Rock architecture. The Lad Khan temple and the Durga temple of Aihole; and Sangameshvara Temple, Jain temple, Galganath temple, Mallikarjuna temple, etc., have notable architecture in Pattadakal.

Mahabalipuram Shore Temple carved in the 7^th to 8^th century still speaks the proficient Chola and Pallava architecture.  Chariot style monolithic rock-cut temple structure has been recognized by the UNESCO.

Another UNESCO Heritage Site, the Tanjore Brahadeeshwara temple gopuram is 66 m high and its super specialty is the shadow never falls on the ground. The mathematical calculation and patterns of ancient Chola kings are awe inspiring.

Arulmigu Ramanathaswamy Temple

4000 ft long corridor in Rameshwaram Ramanathaswamy temple with plenty of intricate carvings and pillars gives it applaud and appreciation from different corners of the world.

The Vitthala temple in Hampi has awe striking grandeur and architecture. The musical pillars that emit the Carnatic musical notes make us wonder the knowledge of ancient sculptors, temple architects and the aesthetic sense of the South Indian kings to build such wonderful temples.

The Thanumalayan Temple in Suseendram is another marvellous illustration of architectural miracles. The startling musical pillars, the stunning hanging pillar and Lord Shivalinga sculpture that represents Trimoorthis – Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara should be never missed in South Indian Temple architecture.

Tiruparankundram Murugan Temple

The Hoysala temples constructed in Halebid and Belur have the blend of the Southern Dravidian and Northern Aryan architecture. The temples are celebrated for the marvellous sculptures, which embellish from the bottom to the ceiling of the temple.

Sri Ranganathar Temple

The Srirangam Ranganathaswamy temple is another largest religious monument with the world’s biggest patios. The architectural details and appearance of the temple makes it unique in the Dravidian style.

South Indian Temples exemplify in opulence, size, grandeur, architecture and complete magnanimity.