Southern India is dotted with places of religious interest. Rameshwaram is an island- of Lord Rama`s temple at Tamil Nadu and is a terrific destination. These temples in South India are not only the sign of architectural intellect but also living representation of rich tradition and culture that has made India proud.
This is the style that developed in the Dravida Desam. The Vimana and the Gopurams are the distinctive characteristics of the Southern style. The Vimana is a tall pyramidal tower consisting of several progressively smaller storeys. This stands on a square base. The Gopuram has two stories separated by a horizontal molding. The Prakara or the outer wall, covers the main temple as well as the other smaller temples.The Pallavas, the Cholas, the Pandyas, the Vijayanagar rulers, the Nayaks all contributed to the Southern style of temples from the ancient time.
Andhra Pradesh Temples:
The temples of Andhra Pradesh State not only possess religious but also historic value. These are the real exposure to art and sculpture, an adventure in philosophy and a lifetime experience. Some of the important temples, which are prevalent in Andhra Pradesh, are as follows:
Lepakshi Temple, Thousand Pillar Temple, Tirupati Temple, Srisailam Temple, Mukhalingam Temple, Jain Mandir, Chennakesava Temple, Gunupudi Someswara Temple, Chennakesavaswami Temple, etc are some of huge importance.
Karnataka Temples:
The temples of Karnataka are very old and rich in tradition and culture. There is a halo of peace and serenity that surrounds the temples of Karnataka. The temples are of typical Dravidian style. These temples have survived the difficulties of time. Some of the important temples of this region are as follows:
Bull Temple, Cave Temples, Virupaksha Temple, Vithala Temple, Chamundeswari Temple, Hidimbeshwar Temple, channakeshava Temple, Krishna Temple, Atmalinga Temple, Hazara Temple, Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple, etc are or much significance.
Kerala Temples:
The religious temples of Kerala show the devotees a path to spirituality. These temples have a magical effect that can turn an atheist into a religious person. The temples present in Kerala state are distinct from temples present in any other parts of the country. The temples in Kerala are in synchrony with the geography of the region and vibrate with traditions of the region.
Some of the important temples are as follows:
Guruvayoor Temple, Sabarimala Temple, Sivagiri Temple, Tiruvalla Temple, Ettumanoor Temple, Mannarshala Temple, Thirunavaya Temple, Ambalapuzha Temple, Vaikom Temple, Oachira Temple, Thirunelli Temple, Chottanikkara Temple, etc.
Tamil Nadu Temples:
Tamil Nadu is the abode of some important temples in South India. The state has some monuments of great artistic value. Most of the ancient temples were built of mortar and brick and were scooped out of rocks. Rameshwaram, Thanjavur, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Chidambaram, Meenakshi Temple, and Ekambareswarar, Thanjavur, Jain Temple are some of the famous temples of Tamil Nadu.
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