6 Temples You Can Visit In South India

Spirituality and India are the two faces of the same coin and while talking about the southern part of India, we find this statement to be absolutely indisputable. While the rise of dynasties like the Cholas, Pandyas or Pallavas led to the construction of unprecedented variety of temples, on the other hand emergence of Bhakti Movement gave birth to a new era of religious purity.

Islamic Sufism was flourishing side by side and significantly influencing the religious scenario of Southern India. Further the foundation of Colonial Era glorified Christianity to the utmost level resulting in the growth of numerous churches that are treats to the eyes.

A communion of all these beliefs purified the soil of South India and as a result, today a huge number of temples, churches and durgahs are found in this part of the country which call upon the followers of all religious beliefs to take a plunge in their sanctified charm. Let us take you on a spiritual tour of South India. Here is the list of the best religious places to visit in South India that we have sorted out for you.

# Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Popular among the tourists for the golden habitat of Lord Venkateshwara Swami, Tirupathi is a temple city in Chittoor District of Andhra Pradesh. A city covered with lush green vegetation and not-so-high hills, Tirupati is visited by Hindus from across the world irrespective of their castes and beliefs. Tiru in Telugu means Shri (Laxmi) and Pati denotes husband.

So the literal meaning of Tirupati is the husband of Laxmi, i.e. Vishnu. There are several myths and legends associated with the formation of the Tirumala Venkateswara Devasthanam and it is claimed to be the most reputed religious sites in the world in terms of visitors visiting the temple and the amount of donation it gets every year.

# Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

A popular town in the heart of Ramanathpura District of Tamil Nadu, Rameswaram is associated with innumerable myths. The major attraction of this city is the Ramanathaswamy Temple which is considered to be one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in South India. Rameshwaram along with the other three temples of Dwarkadish, Puri and Badrinath complete the famous circuit of Chardham Yatra of India.

Lord Shiva is the presiding deity of this temple. He is worshiped here in the form of Jyotirlinga. Thus the temple of Ramanathaswamy is counted among the Dwadash Jyotirlinga, (12 Pillars of Light). It is believed that Rama worshipped Shiva here in Rameshwaram to do the penance of killing Ravana, the Brahmin.

# Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Located on the Vegavathy River, Kanchipuram is a city in the state of Tamil Nadu, India, and counted among the seven Indian cities where one can attain moksha. One of the most important pillars of spiritual tourism in south India, Kanchipuram houses some of the most revered Hindu temples found in India.

Kanchi Matha, the headquarter of Hindu monastic institution is the most religious site of Kanchipuram and claimed to be founded by Hindu Saint Adi Shankara. Other popular pilgrimage sites in kanchipuram are Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Ekambareswarar Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple, and Kumarakottam Temple.

# Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu

Popular among the believers for the auspicious Kumari Amman Temple and astonishing Vivekanda Rock Memorial, Cape Comorin or Kanyakumari is one of the most famous pilgrimage travel destinations in South India. Kanyakumari is a district of Tamil Nadu and attracts people from across the globe for being situated at the southern-most tip of Indian peninsula.

The city gets its name from the temple of Devi Kanyakumari (Kumari Amman Temple), an incarnation of goddess Durga. The temple of Kanyakumari is counted among the 108 Shaktipeethas dedicated to the female form of supreme energy, Goddess Durga and visited by the unmarried girls in large numbers to get their desired life partner.

However, to see the variety of temple architecture, you should explore the temples of Nagaraja Temple, Thanumalayan Temple in Suchindram, and the statue of Thiruvalluvar (next to Vivekananda Rock Memorial).

# Mysore, Karnataka

Very popular among the devotees of South India as well as other parts of the country for its Dusshera festival, Mysore is claimed to be the residence of Devi Mahishmardini. Chamundi Hills, 13km east of Mysore is the actual place where the temple of Chamundeshwari has been attracting pilgrims since ages.

It is believed that the demon Mahishasura was killed here by Goddess Chamundi after a fierce and long-drawn-out battle. It is said that the name of the city, Mysore is derived from the name Mahishasur. Some of the best temples to visit in Mysore are Prassana Krishanswamy Temple, Shewtavarahaswamy Temple, and Trineswaraswamy Temple.

# Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Called the Athens of the East, Madurai is a city in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. Located on the banks of the Vaigai River, Madurai houses awe-striking religious sites that are worth visiting by the believers as well as the lovers of architecture. Meenakshi Amman Temple, one of the major sites for making spiritual journey to South India is the major attraction of this city.

Shiva is worshipped here as Sundareswarar along with Goddess Minakshi. Koodal Azhagar Temple is a sacred shrine for the Vaishnavites where one can see the statue of Navagraha. Other prominent temples found in Madurai are Thiruparankundram, Koodal Azhagar Temple, Pazhamudhir Solai are some of the most famous temples in Madurai.