Temples are sacred places for many people all over the world. They’re also an excellent way to explore a new area without having to spend too much money. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best temples in South India and why you should visit them during your trip. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to pray or an escape from the everyday hustle and bustle, these temples will have something for you. So book your tickets now and see for yourself!
Ooty
If you’re looking for a religious experience in India, look no further than the temples at Ooty. This small town in the Nilgiri Hills offers visitors some of the most stunning religious architecture anywhere in the country. Here are five of the best temples to visit in Ooty:
1. The Vaishnava Temple: Located on top of a hill overlooking Ooty town, this temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area. Constructed between 1887 and 1897, it’s a classic example of South Indian temple architecture. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of sculptures and paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
2. The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple: Another well-known temple located in Ooty, this one is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (a form of Vishnu). Constructed between 1886 and 1895, it’s one of the largest and most popular temples in southern India. Inside, you’ll find a large number of intricate carvings and paintings portraying various scenes from Hindu mythology.
3. The Sivananda Ashram Temple: Dedicated to yoga guru Swami Sivananda, this temple is home to many interesting relics related to his life and teachings. Built between 1902 and 1904, it’s one of the oldest surviving temples in Ooty. It features a beautiful copper roof and an impressive collection of statues depicting various aspects of Hindu theology.
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Bangalore
Bangalore, the capital of Karnataka, is a thriving metropolitan city with many attractions to explore. Here are five temples you should visit while in Bangalore:
1. Basavataran Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Basavatar, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. The temple complex has a beautiful garden and is home to several shrines and statues of the deity.
2. Ganesha Temple: This temple is dedicated to the elephant-headed god Ganesha. It’s one of the largest temples in Bangalore and features a huge statue of Ganesha flanked by two smaller ones.
3. Venkateshwara Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, one of the most popular gods in India. The temple complex has a beautiful garden and houses many impressive sculptures and paintings.
4. Sundaracharya Temple: Dedicated to the philosopher and theologian Sundaracharya, this temple is located close to several other notable tourist destinations in Bangalore such as Chokkanatha Lake and Cubbon Park.
5. Sri Sankara Nithyananda Temple: This temple is devoted to Sri Sankara Nithyananda, an important figure in Advaita Vedanta philosophy who lived in the 12th century AD. The temple features unique architecture and artwork that is worth seeing if you’re interested in Hinduism or Indian culture in general.
Mahabalipuram
Mahabalipuram is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This ancient city is known for its well-preserved Pallava and Mamallapuram temples, as well as the 2001 Mahabalipuram earthquake that damaged many of these structures. While there are many other temples to visit in South India, Mahabalipuram is a must-see destination for anyone visiting this region.
The city of Mahabalipuram was first settled by the Chalukyas in the 6th century AD. The Pallavas, who ruled from 563 to 993 AD, were responsible for much of the architectural preservation at Mahabalipuram. The most famous temple at Mahabalipuram, the Temple of Deepa Vikramaditya, was built by King Narasimhavarman I in 592 AD. Other notable temples include the Temple of Siva Linga (built in 600 AD), the Temple of Kaliamman (built in 604 AD), and the Temple of Muthalaimedu (built in 639 AD).
The 2001 Mahabali Puram earthquake destroyed many buildings within the city limits. However, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts by local authorities and volunteers, much of the damage has been repaired or replaced over time. Today, visitors can explore all but two of the original 108 temples that once stood within Mahabalipuram’s boundaries.
Thanjavur
The Thanjavur Historical City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited places in Tamil Nadu. The city is known for its majestic temples, including the Brihadishwara Temple, Periyar River Temple, Arulmigu Theruvangalathur temple and the Mahabalipuram temple complexes. If you’re looking to add an extra layer of enchantment to your trip, then these are the temples you should visit in Thanjavur.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to take a trip somewhere special and explore some of the best religious sites in South India, then you should definitely visit one of these temples. From ancient landmarks with an interesting history to awe-inspiring architectures, each temple on this list is a must-see for anyone travelling to South India. So whether you’re planning your trip now or waiting until later, bookmark this article and come back to it when you have the opportunity!
The 2001 Mahabali Puram earthquake destroyed many buildings within the city limits. However, thanks to ongoing restoration efforts by local authorities and volunteers, much of the damage has been repaired or replaced over time. Today, visitors can explore all but two of the original 108 temples that once stood withinMahabalipuram’s boundaries
