Southern India is home to a surprising number of temples, every one of them as magnificent as others. The architecture of each of these monuments is breathtakingly beautiful, only outdone by the sheer scale of the individual structures and the temple complexes. What’s even more awe-inspiring is the fact that many of these were built in eras when modern construction equipment wasn’t even invented. 

The first time I saw one of these majestic structures was during a visit to Andhra Pradesh sometime in the late seventies. Now, anyone living in Goa like me is quite used to seeing massive churches and cathedrals with amazingly elaborate interiors, but all of those structures fade in comparison with the Venkateswara temple in Tirupati. 

My first reaction was one of complete disbelief and amazement at the grandeur and scale of the main temple as well the surroundings. There was no internet back then, which I think is a good thing. We didn’t know what to expect and that in itself was a real treat! 

It’s impossible to list all of the temples that lay scattered around the South Indian landscape so I’ve just picked six of the most magnificent that I would recommend any traveller to India put on their “must-see” list. I would never dream of ranking them, so they are listed in random order. 

Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple

Tirupathi, Andhra Pradesh

Located atop a hill in Tirupathi and dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. It is also thought to be one of the richest temples in the world with donations coming in from devotees who have had their wishes granted as well as those hoping to get prayers answered. 

The complex is constructed in the traditional Dravidian style architecture. The highlight is an ornate gold-gilded dome that houses an 8ft tall statue of Lord Ventakeshwara, decorated with myriad precious and semi-precious stones. The temple was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

In the inner sacred sanctum is a sacred stone called the Shiva Lingam, which is said to change colour three times a day. Devotees stand for hours in long queues to pay their respects and pray to the Shiva Lingam so that their requests may be granted. For some, this was after climbing the 4,000 steps that it takes to get to the top of the hill. No, you don’t have to go to the top via the arduous route. There are buses at the bottom of the hill to transport devotees back and forth. 

As a sacred ritual, many pilgrims shave off their heads at the site. This hair is auctioned and earns a temple an estimated US$6 million a year! 

Brihadeshwara Temple

Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Brihadeeshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the city of Tanjavur.

In 2020, the temple turned 1010 years old. Its age has special significance when you consider that the main structure features a 216ft tall granite gopuram or entrance gateway. This gopuram is constructed from a single granite rock that’s estimated to weigh about 80 tons. For one thing, granite is not found anywhere near the site. At that time, over 1000 years ago, how did they manage to transport the 80 ton granite rock from another site and then lift it and carve it into the structure it is today? 

Another awesome detail is the interlocking stones that still remain in place unmoved despite the fact that no cement or other binding materials were used to keep them in place. A walk around the complex can take you through a labyrinth of underground passages and corridors that are surprisingly cool and filled with positive energy! Several little and large details make this temple complex architecturally fascinating.  

Virupaksha Temple

Hampi, Karnataka

Situated in the Hampi complex, on the banks of the river, Tungabhadra in Karnataka, Virupaksha Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. 

The temple with its towering gopuram was constructed in the 7th century but has since undergone several additions through the years. Every ruler who reigned over the kingdom after its construction added something to the original structure to show off their wealth and power. 

This has resulted in an interestingly complex temple with elaborate carvings adorning mammoth colonnades and an ornate central pillared hall that has witnessed several royal marriage ceremonies. It is also the centre of celebrations for the grand Virupaksha-Pampa festival that’s held every December. 

Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple

Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu

Built on an island on the Kaveri River in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is rich in legend and lore. The temple is constructed in Dravidian style architecture and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 

The elaborate carvings can be seen from miles away as you approach the island and as you draw nearer you can start to see every little detail. Sprawled over an area of 155 acres, the vast complex includes 21 stone gopurams or towers, each one completely covered with intricate carvings. This is in addition to 81 shrines and 39 grand pavilions, all elaborately carved. Prepare to spend the day marveling at this architectural delight. 

Ramanathaswamy Temple

Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Another island temple, the Ramanathaswamy Temple is built on the tiny island of Rameswaram in Tamil Nadu. Devotees come from all over to pray to this 17th century temple to pray to Lord Shiva. 

The highlight of the complex is its mesmerising pillared corridor that is 3,850 feet in length – the longest in the country. The entire corridor is lined by a staggering number of intricately carved pillars. A walk through the length of the corridor feels like you’re in another dimension. As you walk through the unending row of decorated pillars, don’t forget to look up occasionally and marvel at the stunning ceiling décor. 

Meenakshi Temple

Madurai, Tamil Nadu

The Meenakshi Temple, located in the ancient city of Madurai, forms the centrepiece of a sprawling temple complex covering an astonishing 15 acres in all. Scattered across this vast area are 4,500 pillars and 12 towers covered completely in exquisite carvings. Most of these towers house spectacular sculptures of various Hindu deities. This temple is hugely popular with devotees of Goddess Parvati and her husband Lord Shiva. 

The best time to visit the Meenakshi Temple is in April when the entire complex is decorated and there are numerous festivities held over a period of 12 days to celebrate the heavenly marriage of the god and goddess of the temple – Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.   

One Last Tip Before Visiting 

All of the temples listed above are rich in legend. Once you’ve decided which temple or temples you’d like to visit, take some time to read more about their history and legend. You’ll find that every detail in the architecture, from the intricately carved pillars to the mammoth spires, has a special significance. Knowing the legend and significance behind each monument will make your visit even more special. 

Header image: © Liza Vetta