Learn South Indian Temples With Names | UPSC Notes

South Indian Temples With Names: South India’s monuments, which have stood towering and stately since the beginning, create a breathtaking sight while passionately telling historical tales. To take advantage of the serene surroundings of the south, relax on the stunning beaches, or discover the farthest reaches of the stunning backwaters, many tourists choose to book a South India trip package. That does not, however, imply that you ought to skip the well-known South Indian temples. These temples are more than just places of worship; they are brilliant examples of the various architectural styles that have been influenced over many years by numerous historical dynasties.

The South Indian temples are regarded by many historians as the best examples of devotional architecture ever built. A few South Indian temples you should definitely visit are mentioned in this article:

Brihadishvara Temple

Known locally as Thanjai Periya Kovil and Peruvudaiyar Kovil, Brihadishvara temple, also called Rajarajeshwaram, is a Vedic Hindu temple devoted to the god Shiva. It is situated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, on the south bank of the Cauvery River. It just marked its 1000th anniversary of founding.

Built by the renowned Chola empire, it is a well-known UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited temples in South India.

This temple is considered one of the biggest Hindu temples and a prime example of Tamil architecture that has been fully realised. It is also referred to as Dakshina Meru.

Address	Membalam Road, Balaganapathy Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, 613007
Timings	6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva

Also Read: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages in India

Ramanathaswamy Temple

This South Indian temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the location of one of the nation’s twelve Jyotirlingas. The temple’s chief deity is a Lingam of Ramanathaswamy, also known as Shiva, who is supposedly revered by Lord Rama. There are numerous sights to see in the temple. With 4000 pillars, the temple boasts the longest temple hallway in India and is built in the Dravidian architectural style. The statue of Lord Shiva’s bull, Nandi, is also housed at this South Indian Shiva temple. The statue is one of the largest representations of Nandi, at 17 feet tall and 12 feet broad. Since its construction in the 17th century, this South Indian temple has gained widespread recognition. It is important to note that there are severe dress requirements that must be followed before visiting the temple. Items such as jeans, lungis, tight leggings, and Bermudas are not permitted.

Address	Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, India.
Timings	5:00 a.m. to 1:00 PM; 3:00 PM to 9:00 p.m
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva

Ranganathaswamy Temple

Ranganatha, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, is the object of devotion in the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tiruchirapalli. The temple, which is rich in mythology and architecture, is situated on an island in the Kaveri River.

One of the world’s largest religious complexes is housed within this South Indian temple. This temple, which was constructed in the Dravidian style, is stunning in both its exterior and interior design. One of Lord Vishnu’s eight “Swayam Vyakta Kshetras” is the temple.

Address	Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli and Tamil Nadu
Timings	9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:15 p.m. to 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Dedicated To	Ranganatha (Vishnu), Ranganayaki (Lakshmi)

Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Padmanabhaswamy Temple, one of the most significant South Indian temples, is highly significant in Indian and global mythology. One of the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Lord Vishnu’s worship is this temple. The temple’s magnificence is difficult to miss, with exquisite sculptures identifying the building and stunning murals and paintings covering the walls. This is also one of the oldest temples in South India, having been built in the 8th century. It is thought that just one trip to the temple is sufficient to cleanse guests’ hearts and minds, making them feel as though they are newborns. The idol of Lord Vishnu, which is the focal point of this South Indian temple, is said by pilgrims to be able to fulfil any moral desire, regardless of how deeply buried it may be in your mind.

Address	West Nada, Fort, East Fort, Pazhavangadi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Timings	3:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon; 5:00 PM to 8:30 p.m
Dedicated To	Lord Vishnu

Vadakkunnathan Temple

Thrissur, in the state of Kerala, is home to the Hindu Vadakkunnathan Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva.

Also Read: List Of Foreign Travellers Who Visited India in History

The murals of Nrithanatha and Vasukishayana are revered every day and are of major significance. The temple also has a museum filled with antiquated artwork, wood carvings, and wall paintings.

Address	Swaraj Round N, Kuruppam, Thekkinkadu Maidan, Thrissur, Kerala
Timings	4:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to 8:20 p.m.
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva

Sri Mahabaleshwara Temple

Here at the temple, a six-foot-tall Shiva Linga known as the Atmalinga is revered. Constructed from white granite, it embodies the timeless elegance of Dravidian design. The primary deity is represented by a 1500-year-old standing stone image of Lord Shiva. The temple is referred to as Dakshin (South) Kashi because it is featured in the Hindu myths of the Mahabharata and Ramayana and is seen to be just as important as Kashi.

Address	Murdeshwar, Karnataka
Timings	6:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva

Murudeshwara Temple

The 123-foot-tall statue of Lord Shiva at the Murudeshwar Temple is the temple’s most notable feature. In the world, it is the second-tallest Shiva statue. The Gopura temple is twenty floors (249 feet) high. The gopuram now has a lift installed.

Beautiful views can be seen all around from the top of the gopuram. Experience the serenity, tranquilly, and optimism that permeate the temple when you visit.

Address	Murdeshwar, Karnataka
Timings	3:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva

Sarangapani Temple

Among the three principal south Indian temples devoted to Lord Vishnu is Sarangapani Temple. The frequent prayer recorded in early writing from the 7th century AD suggests that this temple was constructed approximately 2,000 years ago.

The temple, which is regarded as one of the 108 Divya desams, is said to have a substantial amount of important artwork from several dynasties, including the Chola and Vijaynagar empires.

Address	Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Timings	7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Dedicated To	Lord Vishnu

Venkateshwara Temple

Devotees visit in large numbers to the Venkateswara Temple, which is highly popular. One of the Pancha Kshethrams where Maha Lakshmi was born is this temple.

Pancha Kshethram includes the Sarangapani Temple in Kumbakonam, the Oppiliappan Temple near Nachiyar Koil, and the Sundararaja Perumal Temple.

Also Read: Hindustani And Carnatic Music

Address	Valayapettai Agraharam, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Timings	9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Dedicated To	Venkateswara

Kailasanathar Temple

About 72 km from Chennai sits the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, home of Kanchipuram, also referred to as Kanchi. The Sanskrit words “Kanchi,” which means girdle, and “pura,” which means city, are thought to have been the sources of the city’s name. Kanchipuram is renowned for its magnificent silk sarees, lively culture, and rich history. The Kailasanathar Temple is one of the most important of them. It is often referred to as the “City of Thousand Temples.”

The oldest temple in Kanchipuram is the Kailasanathar Temple, constructed in the eighth century by Pallava monarch Rajasimha. It is well-known for its exquisite Dravidian architecture and detailed sandstone carvings. The temple honours Lord Shiva, also referred to as Kailasanathar, which translates to “Lord of the Cosmic Mountain.”

Address	Pillaiyarpalayam, Karuppadithattadai, Tamil Nadu
Timings	6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Dedicated To	Lord Shiva

The vast array of temples located throughout the southern region of India is hardly touched upon by this list. Without a doubt, the South Indian temples will astound you with their magnificence and magnificent architectural designs. 

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