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South India Temples
Most of the South Indian temples are built in
Dravidian architectural style and have beautiful and elaborate
sculptures adorning its walls and ceilings. Most of the temples follow
strict rituals and some of them even bar non-Hindus from entering the
premises. However, a few of them have become legendary and the religious
icons of South India such as Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and the
Kalahasteeswara Temple, which are the oldest temples of Andhra Pradesh
dating back to the pre-Christian times and the 6th century Alampur
Brahma temples of Badami that are excellent examples of Chalukyan art
and sculpture. The temples built by Kakatiyas of Warangal from 11th to
14th centuries have elaborate sculptural work while the temples of
northeastern Andhra Pradesh once under the rule of Ganga Kings show
Orissan temple architectural style.
Sree Sailam temple and Lepakshi temples with flat-stuccoed granite
ceilings and beautiful frescos are the highlights of Andhra Pradesh. The
temples of Karnataka are built in Hoysala architectural style while some
of the shrines are the rock-cut cave temples. The 7th century Badami
cave temples, the 10th century Gomateshwara monolithic statue and
intricately carved temples of Halebid, Belur and Somanathapura are
internationally reputed for their sculptural work. The other famous
temples of Karnataka include Atmalinga temple of Gokarna, early 15th
century Hazara Ram Temple with sculptures of Lord Vishnu, Ugra Narsimha
Temple at Hampi, the cave temple at Hidimbeshwara, the oldest temple on
the hill and the 16th century Bull temple at Bangalore.
The temples of Kerala are unique with steep and pointed roofs covered
with copper sheets. If the plan of the sanctum is circular, the roofs
were made conical and if the plan was square in shape, the roof was made
pyramidal in shape. Krishna temple at Guruvayoor is very famous while
the temple at Sabarimala is known as much for the austerities and
penance one has to follow before visiting the temple as the sanctity of
the temple itself. The Tamils have been the greatest of temple builders.
The prominent Pallava temples in Tamil Nadu are Shore Temple at
Mamallapuram, Kailashanathar Temple, Vaikuntha Perumal Temple and
Talagiriswara Temple at Kanchipuram. Chola temples include Brihadishwara
temple at Thanjavur, Airavatesvara temple at Darasuram and
Kampaharesvara temple at Thirubuvanam. Pandyas built notable Gopurams
such as Sundara Pandya Gopuram at the Jambukeshvara temple and the
Eastern Gopuram at the Chidambaram temple. The famous Ranganatha temple
at Srirangam is however the most famous of all the temples at Tamil
Nadu.
| Temples
of Karnataka |
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religious fervor of Karnataka is evident in the number of temples
here that are living examples of Hoysala architectural style and
have an aura of peace and serenity surrounding them. The elaborate
sculpture, the ancient temple architecture and the rock-cut cave
temples of Karnataka have proved themselves to be sturdy against the
rigors of sun and rain. |
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» Badami
Cave Temples
» Somnathpur
Temple |
| Places
of Worship in Pondicherry |
| Pondicherry
is a place with a number of churches and temples and other religious
places. Some of the most beautiful churches include Eglise de Sacre
Coeur de Jesus at the south boulevard, an oriental example of Gothic
splendor. Its highlights are its rare and beauteous stained glass
panels depicting events from the life of Christ. |
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| South India Temples : Reservation Form |
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