5 Most Beautiful Temples To Visit In South India

Unlike the Hindu shrines in other parts of India, what makes the temples in South India unique are their grand structure, done beautifully in Vijaya Nagara and Dravidian styles. Like literally, you’ll find no compromised work of art anywhere in South India especially when it comes to the Hindu temples where a plethora of devotees throng from the world over. Each shrine in South India, irrespective of its location displays fine artwork not only in the interiors but also outside on the Gopurams (spire).

For instance, the exquisite decor of the popular Sabarimala Sastha Temple in Sabarimala simply takes one’s breath away and how can we miss out on the colourful facade of Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, which is simply divine! The richness of South India temples does not limit to just the architecture but belief as well where millions of devotees gather to pay respect to holy figures. You can expect to witness the interesting rituals like hair offering or tonsuring to Lord Venkateswara. We can surely say that, there are no shortage of temples to tour in the South Indian states and to keep your pilgrimage holiday even better, we have compiled a list of 5 must visit temples in South India.

* Vadakkunnathan Temple, Kerala

This classically built temple adorned with an architectural style of Kerala is a must visit shrine that is set amid the lush garden in centre of Thrissur. Here, you can explore the exquisite collection of artworks and mural paintings that display the episodes from Mahabharata. Vadakkunnathan Temple is best visited during the annual celebration of Pooram Festival to see the fireworks and Puja.

* Mahabaleshwar Temple, Karnataka

Completely built in a classical Dravidian style of architectural, Mahabaleshwar Temple is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Gokarna. What makes this Temple one of the most sacred pilgrimage attraction in Karnataka is for the legendary stories that unfold the history of Gods. One of them being, Ravana on the influence of Lord Vishnu was forced to place the Atmalinga given by Lord Shiva on the grounds of Gokarna, thus, the temple was erected.

* Shore Temple, Tamil Nadu

The 7th century Shore Temple is truly a remarkable tourist attraction that sits on the coastline of the Bay of Bengal. Noted to be a UNESCO site, it was believed to have a collection of temples but due to natural disaster the temple comprises with only three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Throughout the exterior of the complex, you’ll notice artistic sculpted images and copious idols of Gods and Nandis.

* Mallikarjuna Swamy, Andhra Pradesh

This popular Hindu temple in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, Mallikarjuna Swamy is said to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas shrines in India. Situated on top of a flat area of Nallamala Hills, the temple displays beautiful inscriptions from the Satavahana Dynasty on the temple walls. You can explore its four gopurams, sculpted pillars, mirror hall that houses the image of Nataraja along with numerous shrines and sculptures.

* Birla Mandir, Telangana

Seated on 280 feet high Naubat Pahad hillock, Birla Temple offers the devotees with a sense of spiritual awakening. Perhaps the temple housing multiple shrines of various Hindu deities, it gives an opportunity to the visitors to seek blessing not only from Lord Venkateswara but other all deities like Shiva, Ganesh, Shakti, Hanuman, Saraswati, Brahma, Sai Baba and Lakshmi. With a mixed architectural style of Rajasthani, Dravidian and Utkala, the entire temple is built in white 2000 tons of white marble.