20 Most Famous South Indian Temples 2023

The temples in South India are some of the country’s most ancient and exquisite examples of architecture. These structures are man-made wonders, constructed of diverse stones and frequently featuring tall, expressive Gopuras. The majority of these South Indian temples, which are dispersed across the five states of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh as well as Telangana, are exquisite examples of the renowned Dravidian temple architecture, which draws millions of tourists and academics from around the world each year. In this piece, we will explore the famous South Indian temples.

For centuries, the predominant form of tourism in India revolved around religious and devotional places like temples. As of now, this tradition remains intact as millions of devotees continue to visit renowned temples in South India each year. The visitors seek moksha (liberation), inner peace and prosperity. These temples are highly famous for their architectural and historical significance. They have been recognized by scholars and architects as the epitome of devotional construction. Here are the 10 most famous South Indian temples.

South Indian Temples

1. Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Trivandrum

In terms of architectural design, Padmanabhaswamy Temple is among the most intriguing and well-known temples in South India. It was constructed using an unusual mix of Dravidian and Keralan architectural styles. Numerous royal dynasties, including the Travancore Royal Family, have called this 16th-century shrine home over the years. Trivandrum, a significant port city in the state of Kerala, offers direct access to all of India via air, rail, and road. Booking trains and flights to Trivandrum from all major and tier 2 Indian cities is rather simple.

Also Read: Top 10 Oldest Temples In The World

Padmanabhaswamy Temple – Trivandrum

Image Source: Wikimedia

2. Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur

Among the great existing Chola temples, the temple built a millennium ago is likely the most well-known. It was created by KunjaraMallan Raja Rama Perunthachan and built by King Rajaraja Chola. The temple is well-known for its dancing Shiva, other stone idols, and a sizable Nandi sculpture. In 1987, UNESCO designated this massive temple, which has numerous architectural marvels, as a world historic site.

Brihadeshwara Temple, Thanjavur

Image Source: Wikimedia

3. Ranganathaswamy Temple – Trichy

Lord Ranganatha’s temple, known as Ranganathaswamy, was built in the sixth century AD (a form of Lord Vishnu). This temple, which was constructed using conventional Dravidian style, is revered in early Tamil literary texts as a significant Divya Desam to Lord Vishnu. There are good connections between Trichy’s local and international airports and cities around India and the rest of the world. Major Indian metropolises are easily accessible by train from the city. The closest major city by road is Chennai, which is 335 kilometers away and can be reached in roughly 6 hours.

Ranganathaswamy Temple – Trichy

Image Source: Wikimedia

4. Chennakeshava Temple – Belur

King Vishnuvardhana erected the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, the first capital of the Hoysala Empire, in the 12th century. This temple is among the most magnificent in South India and draws visitors from all across the nation. Belur is only 114 kilometers from the airport in Mangalore, which is well-connected to all of India’s major cities. Sakleshpur, in Karnataka, is 26 kilometers from Belur and is the closest railroad station. From Mangalore, Chennai, and Coimbatore, there are daily bus services.

Chennakeshava Temple – Belur

Image Source: Wikimedia

5. Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur

Brihadeeswarar Temple, a temple in Thanjavur that just celebrated 1000 years of existence, is a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the well-known temples in South India constructed by the magnificent Chola empire. Since Thanjavur lacks an airport, Trichy, which is located 48 kilometers from the city center, has the closest airport. From Thanjavur Junction, there is good train access to other significant South Indian cities. Regular buses that travel from Thanjavur to Chennai and take 6.5 hours in total are available.

Brihadeeswarar Temple – Thanjavur

Image Source: Wikimedia

6. Guruvayur Temple – Guruvayur

This South Indian temple, which is situated in the town of Guruvayur, is frequently regarded as the most significant destination of worship for Hindus in Kerala, who see it as the “Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth.” One of South India’s most well-known and ancient temples, according to the earliest scripted documents, is thought to be close to 5,000 years old.

The Kochi International Airport, just a 90-minute drive from Guruvayur, is the closest airport, providing the temple with good domestic and international access. Additionally, Guruvayur has a railroad station that connects to other significant train hubs in the south of India, including Ernakulam, Chennai, and Coimbatore.

Also Read: 14 Types Of Buddhism Symbols With Meanings

Guruvayur Temple – Guruvayur

Image Sourc: Wikimedia

7. Ekambareswarar Temple – Kanchipuram

The largest of all the well-known temples in south India is Ekambareswarar Temple, which is spread out across an area of more than 25 acres. Six players are offered to the deity daily, and there are 12 celebrations held at the temple throughout the year. Kanchipuram is only 68 kilometers from Chennai, making it quite convenient for anyone who wants to get there by plane. In addition, Kanchipuram has its own bus terminal and railway station, allowing it access to all of India’s main cities due to its proximity to Chennai.

Ekambareswarar Temple – Kanchipuram

Image Source: Wikimedia

8. Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur

Lord Shiva is the subject of this temple, which was constructed in Thrissur’s lush natural environs. Visit the historic artworks, such as the collection of mural paintings that depict the Mahabharata, and the traditional Keralan architecture. Come to this temple in April and May to witness the spectacular fireworks displays that mark the Pooram festival. The closest station is the Thrissur railway station, which is just 2 km from the temple. If you enjoy flying a lot, the Kochi airport is 50 miles from Thrissur and you might take a bus or a taxi there to get to the temple.


Vadakkunnathan Temple – Thrissur

Image Source: Wikimedia

9. Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram

The magnificent seaside pilgrimage site in Mahabalipuram was constructed in the 7th century and is one of the oldest temples in Tamil Nadu. UNESCO has designated the temple as a World Heritage Site. Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva, and Lord Brahma each have one of the three main shrines in the temple. The Mahabalipuram Dance Festival, which is hosted on the complex’s exterior, is the ideal time to visit the temple. The nearest connections to the city are the Chennai airport and Chennai railway station. There are many buses that travel the roughly 50 km route between the two cities every day.

Shore Temple – Mahabalipuram

Image Source: Wikimedia

10. Bhutanatha Temple – Badami

Around ten “Dashavataras,” or incarnations of Lord Vishnu, are known to have existed throughout time. Bhutanatha Temple was constructed to investigate the very essence of the avatars. The building’s design blends early South Indian and North Indian architectural styles. And it’s not just one temple—it’s a collection of temples housed in a sizable complex and encircled by a crystal-clear lake and the rugged Badami mountains.

The town has a railroad station, but it is not particularly busy. The Hubli railway station is a significant intersection on the journey. There is an airport at Belgaum, which is 150 kilometers away. The bus or a rented taxi with good road connectivity are the best ways to get to Badami from any of these locations.

Bhutanatha Temple – Badami

Image Source: Wikimedia

11. Veera Narayana Temple

Belavadi’s Veera Narayana Temple is no less than a marvel of architecture. It has ties to the epic Mahabharata. Its three peaks which are shaped like trikutas, are hewn from soapstone. Established in the era of King Veera Ballala II, the temple stands as a very significant monument. Despite the passage of time and its effects, the temple has been lovingly restored and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). This place is quite unique and is worth exploring.

Veera Narayana Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

12. Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Vaikom temple is located in the Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It holds significant importance as a prominent pilgrimage destination in the southern region of the country. Celebrated for the Vaikkath Asthami festivities occurring in November and December, this sacred place is unique as it is being worshipped by both Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites. Vaikkom is especially known for its association with Vaikkathappan. It is a beloved name for Lord Shiva in this area. The Shiva Linga housed within the temple is believed to date back to the ‘Treta yuga,’ making this one of Kerala’s oldest temples where uninterrupted pooja has been conducted since its inception.

Vaikom Mahadeva Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

13. Thirunelli Temple

In the captivating vicinity of Brahmagiri hills in Kerala’s Wayanad, an age-old Lord Vishnu temple is situated. The temple is often referred to as “Sahyamala Kshetram” and “Kashi of the South.” This Mahavishnu temple is a significant pilgrimage site. It draws devotees from all over Southern India. Showcasing Kerala’s traditional architectural design, it holds historical ties to Chera king Kulasekharan.

It is believed by the people that he was the actual founder of the temple. The temple’s allure is not only spiritual but also architectural. It presents an enriching experience for those seeking both divinity and cultural heritage and the stunning Brahmagiri hills in Wayanad, will make your experience even more memorable.

Thirunelli Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

14. Sri Krishna Temple

In the Sri Krishna Temple, the idol of Lord Krishna is uniquely positioned. It faces away from the main entrance. This distinct arrangement has a beautiful story behind it. A devoted person named Kanakadasa was initially denied entry to the temple due to his caste. Undeterred, Kanakadasa went to the backside of the temple’s entrance and offered prayers, wholeheartedly. In a miraculous response to his devotion, it is believed that the deity’s statue miraculously turned towards Kanakadasa. This significant window where this divine event occurred has since been known as “Kanakana Kindi” by the local community, serving as a timeless testament to the power of unwavering faith and divine grace.

Sri Krishna Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

15. Murugan Temple

Thiruparankundram Murugan Temple is a notable religious site. It stands among the six Arupadaiveedu temples dedicated to Lord Murugan. Carved into a mountain, this temple’s construction involved cutting rocks to add to its magnetic appeal. Originating in the 8th century under the Pandyan rule, the shrine features separate sanctums for Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Goddess Durga, Lord Vinayaka, and other revered Hindu deities.

This historically significant temple is different for its remarkable attribute: the statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu facing each other, a rarity in Hindu temples. Another thing that draws the visitors is the vantage point allowing devotees to witness both the sun and moon simultaneously.

Murugan Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

16. Aihole Durga Temple

The Durga Temple in Aihole is undoubtedly a marvel of architecture. The temple displays the remarkable skills of the Badami Chalukyas. Its unique design sets it apart from other temples in the region. Speaking of its shape, it has a curved shape and imposing columns adorned with intricately carved corbels. Its design almost resembles Greek or Roman structures. It is one of the most popular and famous South Indian temples in the world.

Interestingly, this temple is often linked to the inspiration behind the architectural design of the Parliament in New Delhi. Despite its name, the Durga Temple doesn’t primarily venerate Goddess Durga. Yes, you read that right. Its name stems from its historical connection to a fort complex. In Kannada, “Durga” means fort, and as this temple was part of such a complex, it acquired the name “Durga Temple,” a label that has continued to be unchanged over time.

Aihole Durga Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

17. Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Situated in Attukal at the core of Thiruvananthapuram city, Attukal Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The goddess is also known as Kannaki. Bhadrakali is revered in Hindu mythology as the Goddess associated with prosperity and salvation. The temple is famous for its Pongala festival. It is a unique celebration where rituals are carried out solely by women to seek the Goddess’s blessings. In fact, you must plan a visit to this temple around this festival to witness the beauty of the place. This vibrant festival has earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the largest gathering of women at a single location.

Attukal Bhagavathy Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

18. Parthasarathy Temple

This is truly a majestic place, where Lord Krishna is the main deity. The temple allows one to experience great spiritual energy and seek spiritual rejuvenation and peace. The temple draws its name from “Partha,” which is another name of Krishna and has been mentioned in the Mahabharata. Make sure to appreciate the temple’s intricate architecture. You can also participate in the Valla Sadya during the snake boat race on the Pampa River. It’s an excellent opportunity to witness the temple’s beauty amidst the vibrant festivities.

Parthasarathy Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

19. Murudeshwara Temple

One of the famous South Indian temples, Murudeshwara Temple is situated in Bhatkala Taluk, North Canara district along Coastal Karnataka. It is a captivating temple town that is situated on the Mangalore-Karwar Highway. It is located between the stunning Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The focal point of this town is a Dravidian-style Shiva Temple adorned with Chalukya and Kadamba sculptures. The place showcases a magnificent Shiva statue. Perched on a hillock, the temple provides a breathtaking view of the sea, which adds to its allure. Notably, the Shiva statue stands tall at about 37 meters, marking the highest Shiva statue in India. The temple’s gopura reaches an impressive height of 237 ft, ranking as the second tallest in the country.

Murudeshwara Temple

Image Source: Sam Valadi

20. Sivagiri Temple

In the misty and lush slopes of Varkala lies a sacred site, the beautiful Sivagiri Mutt/ temple. It is considered one of the most revered locations in Kerala. This expanse of sanctified land covers 200 acres. It serves as the final resting place of Sree Narayana Guru, who was a legendary leader, saint, and social reformer in the region. The site also houses the SNDP (Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam) headquarters. The place is well-known for its efforts in uplifting backward classes. Visitors come to pay homage to the Guru’s Mahasamadhi.

Sivagiri Temple

Image Source: Wikimedia

These are the 20 most famous South Indian temples in the world. Kindly share and post your comments.

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