South India Temples are mostly based on Dravidian architecture. South India Temples, apart from being spiritual centers are also popular tourist destinations. A great many devotees, as well as equal number of foreigners, frequent these temples, owing to their architectural grandeur. Out of many famous south India temples, the following have become popular by virtue of sanctity and rituals that are held every year.
Sabarimala Sri Dharmasastha Temple, in recent years turned out to be the most famous and most visited temple in Kerala, dedicated exclusively to the Lord Ayyappa. Pilgrims throng this temple located on the Sahyadri Mountains in large numbers every year, during the months from November to January, and especially on the eve of Mahakarma or Makara Sankranthi.
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh One of the richest temples, built on the scenic seven hills on Tirumala, at Tirupathi, this south India temple is dedicated to the Lord Venkateswara. People from all over the world visit this temple and many of the devotees prefer to climb the hill by steps to pay obeisance to the Lord Venkateswara, though temple runs buses up the hill. This temple is exclusively built in Dravidian style.
Guruvayoor Temple, Kerala Guruvayoor Temple in Kerala is another famous south India temple, also known as the ‘Dwaraka of South’ or ‘Bhooloka Vaikuntam’. Dedicated to the Lord Krishna, this temple is said to be around 1000 years old and its deity more than 5000 years old. The temple conducts record number of marriage ceremonies and regarded as the most sacred of the Hindu temples in south India.
Mahabalipuram, Chennai Mahabalipuram got its name from ‘Mamallapuram’ the town of Kancheepuram district in Tamil Nadu. The historic place has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and hosts a variety of historic monuments, said to be constructed between the 7th and the 9th centuries. The place is famous for the rock-cut and monolithic temple of Dravidian style of architecture, dedicated to the Lord Vishnu. Many devotees visit this temple, which is extremely beautiful being located close to the shore emanating peace and tranquility.