Take a Tour of the Historic Temples in South India
Temples in south India houses some spectacular architectural marvels. These architectural characteristics have been numerous charming spectators for years. A tour to the land of the Dravidians will be incomplete without an excursion to the historic heritages of the temples.
The charm of the architectural marvels can be seen in every temple in south India. Take your family for a visit to the historical temples. But before that, let us take you on a virtual voyage to these temples in our boat of words.
While talking of the famous south Indian temples scattered over the southern states of our country, the ones that top the list of tourist attraction are:
Madurai Minakshi Temple:
The Minakshi temple is dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva, goddess Minakshi and Lord Shiva himself taking the named Sundareswarar.
A historical tour:
- King Kulasekara Pandya built this temple, and further expanded during the late 16th century and early 17th century by Vishwanatha Nayakar, a king of the Nayaka dynasty.
- The years 1190-1216 CE saw the construction of the spectacular 3 storied temples.
- Scholars believe the temple to be as old as the city itself.
- The Dravidian medieval literature and inscriptions referred to the temple as Kadambavanam.
- The temple is believed to be a meeting point for the scholars of the time.
- History suggests that the general of Khilji, Malik Kafur invaded Madurai, destroying temples including this famed temple, for its treasure of gold.
What does Mythology say?
- Minakshi was the daughter of King Malayadwaja Pandya and Kanchanamalai.
- She emerges as a 3-year-old girl out of a yagna performed by the royal couple, as the result of their prayer for a child to Lord Shiva
- Minakshi, a three-breasted girl, blessed to lose the 3rd breast as soon as she meets her future husband Shiva, ruled over Madurai and even captured Indralok.
Spread over 14 acres in the heart of the city of Madurai, the temple falls under the list of the most ornate and beautiful buildings that shine with the historic architectural patterns. When viewed from above, the spectacular architecture appears to represent a Mandala. The temple houses two main shrines dedicated to Sundareswarar and Meenakshi, along with deities like Ganesha, Laxmi, Saraswati, Rukmini and Murugan and proudly nests the pond ‘Porthamarai Kulam.’, known to be called “pond with a golden lotus” as a golden lotus is placed at the center of the pond.
| Pooja Name | Time |
| Thiruvanandal pooja | 05 : 00 AM – 06 : 00 AM |
| Vizha pooja | 06:30 AM – 07 : 15 AM |
| Kalasandhi pooja | 06:30 AM – 07 : 15 AM |
| Thrikalasandhi pooja | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM |
| Uchikkala Pooja | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM |
| Maalai pooja | 04:30 PM – 05:15 PM |
| Ardhajama Pooja | 07 : 30 PM – 08 : 15 PM |
| Palliarai pooja | 09 : 30 PM – 10 : 00 PM |
Tanjore Brihadeswara Temple:
Brihadishvara Temple, also called Rajarajesvaram, is an impressive example of the full patronage of the Dravidian architecture. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is realized to be one of the largest temples among other south India famous temples. The granite temple is located in the South bank of the Kaveri River. The brilliancy of the architecture lies in the fact that the temple’s shadow does not fall on the ground. The shadow only falls on itself, but not the ground at noon. This happens as the basement of the structure is big enough to absorb the shadow on its base itself.
- Rajaraja Chola I laid out foundations of the temple during 1002 CE.
- The temple is built on a layout of asymmetrical and axial geometry rules.
- IT was completed around 1010 CE
Would you not want to visit this temple which happens to be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site? Here is the connectivity:
| Mode | |
| Airway | The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport |
| Roadways | You can take a bus from Thanjavur Old and New Bus stands and Trichy Bus stand |
| Railway | The train will take you to the nearest railway station of Thanjavur Railway Station, 1.9 Km away from your destination. The train will take you to the nearest railway station of Thanjavur Railway Station, 1.9 Km away from your destination. |
Thiruvannamalai Temple:
The Annamalaiyar Temple in Thrivannamalai, considered to be one of the biggest temples in the country, is one of the famous temples in south India. Significant to the Hindu sect of Shaivism, the Annamalaiyar Temple is considered to be associated with the Fire or Agni, one of the five elements of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas. The extravagant temple, nestling at the base of Annamalai Hills in Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The elaborately decorated shrines and halls within the entire temple are sure to take your breath away with its beauty. A 66 m tall tower and the thousand-pillared hall spread across the temple complex
- Important Information:
Entry fee 20 INR Timing for visit 5.30 AM – 10.00 PM Time Required 2-3 hours Festivals Brahmaotsavam (Nov-Dec), Tiruvoodal (mid-Jan) Best Time to visit November – March
Srirangam Temple:
Dedicated to Lord Ranganathan, the Srirangam Temple is one of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. The temple housed between the twin-rivers Cauvery and Coleroon is one of the most important of the 108 main Vishnu temples. Extending over 156 acres, the temple encloses seven significant structures or prakaras, adorned with 21 magnificent towers. You will not face any difficulty in reaching the temple as it is well connected with Tiruchirappalli Air Port and Railway station and Srirangam Railway Station.
Fees:
- Quick Seva – Rs.250/- per head.
- Viswaroopa Seva – Rs.100/- per head
Timings:
| 06:00 – 07:15 | Viswaroopa seva |
| 07:15 – 09:00 | No Darshan |
| 09:00 – 12:00 | General Darshan Timings |
| 12:00 – 13:15 | No Darshan |
| 13:15 – 18.00 | Darshan Timings |
| 18.00 – 18:45 | No Darshan |
| 18:45 – 21.00 | Darshan Timings |
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple, deemed to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located in Hampi in the Ballari district of Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Lord Virupaksha, a form of Shiva, and is a part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi. It was built by Lakkana Dandesha, a chieftain under the ruler Deva Raya II of the Vijayanagara Empire. During its contemporary time, the temple became a hotspot for the growth of native art and culture. Extensive renovations were done in the early 19th century after the Muslim invasions, a breathtaking collection of towers and ceiling paintings were added to this massive structure.
| Mode | |
| Airway | The nearest airport is Bellary Airport |
| Roadways | Cabs are available from Bellary Airport. Busses are available from Bellary, Hospet, and Bangalore |
| Railway | The nearest railway station is Hospet, about 13 km away from Hampi. |
Leave a Reply