India's
south is a showcase of magnificent monuments and natural hotspots. The
southern states consist of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
The medieval rulers of the period like Pallavas, Cholas, Chalukyas, Nayaks,
Kakatiyas and Vijayanagar rulers were deeply religious and constructed
numerous big and small temples in the region. The temples they built also
carried the stamp of their unique form of architecture. Dotting the southern
landscape to this day, they attract devotees in large numbers from all parts
of the country and even abroad.
The southern Indian states also boast of a long coastline. Along this vast
coastline running into thousands of kilometres are some of India's most
picturesque beaches. This combination of great temples and scenic beaches
makes India's south a favoured holiday destination of many tourists.
Here, we shall take you on a tour of the most revered temples and the most
enchanting beaches.
Important temples of South India
Meenakshi Temple : The
Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu's Madurai is a masterpiece of architecture of
that period. Built by the Pandyan King Kulasekara, the magnificent temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Later on, the Nayakas meticulously renovated it and
brought it to its present shape. Located within high enclosures,
Meenakshi(Parvati) and Sundareshvara(Shiva) are seated in the sanctum
sanctorum.
There are 985 beautifully sculptured pillars supporting
the temple and forming the thousand pillar mandapan hall. The sanctums of
Sundareshvara and Meenakshi are surrounded by a number of smaller shrines
and grand pillared halls. Most impressive are the 12 gopuras of the temple
whose soaring towers are made of solid granite bases and have paintings of
different deities, mythical animals and monsters. The gopuras are pyramidal
gates rising to heights exceeding 50 metres.
The festivals celebrated in the temple with great pomp and gaiety are
Teppam and Meenakshi Kalyanam. Meenakshi Kalyanam is the annual
solemnization of the marriage of Meenakshi with Lord Sundareshvara.
Rock Fort Temple : Another temple displaying the
architectural genius of the medieval period, Rock Fort temple of
Thiruchirapalli is visited by devotees in large numbers. The temple was
originally built by the Pallavas as a small temple. Later on, Nayakas
developed it to its present position. Kangaala Moorthy, one of the 64
manifestations of Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Rock Fort Temple.
The temple is actually a collection of three temples. Manikka Vinayakar
temple is located at the foot of the hill, Uchhi Pillayar Koyil at the very
top and Taayumaanavar Koyil Shivastalam at the middle of the hill. A number
of steps lead to the temples.
The Rock Fort Temple ranks among one of the few temples of India that has
been meticulously carved out from a rock mountain. The festivals celebrated
prominently in the temple are the annual Bhrammotsavam, Aadi Pooram and the
float festival.
Badami Cave Temples : The unique cave temples of Badami
are located in northern Karnataka. Badami was founded by Pulakesin I in the
6th century A.D. There are four cave temples built in Chalukyan
architectural style.
Tirupati Temple : The
temple of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh dedicated to Sri Venkateswara is
located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) and also lies on
the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini. Regarded as the richest temple
of India, this temple also draws the highest number of devotees in the
country. According to the ancient scriptures, one can attain Moksha in
Kaliyuga by worshipping Sri Venkateswara.
All the great dynasties of southern India have contributed immensely in
beautifying this ancient temple. It includes the Pallavas of Kancheepuram,
Cholas of Thanjavur, Pandyas of Madurai and the chieftains of Vijayanagar .
Padi Kavali Maha Dwara, the main gate of the temple has a quadrangular
base. Figures of Hanuman, Kevale Narasimha and Lakshmi Narasimha could be
seen on the Dwara. The main temple has three prakarams or the path for
circumnavigating the temple. There are many mandapams in the prakarama area.
Made of red sandstone, the first temple dates back to 578 A.D. Devotees are
required to cover some 40 steps to reach the colonnaded verandah, a hall
with numerous pillars and a square shaped sanctum. The second cave atop a
sandstone hill is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Located even higher is the third
cave whose facade is nearly 70 feet wide and there are many carvings of
ganas. This cave best represents Deccan form of art. The fourth cave was
built much later in the 6th century but construction took a full 100 years.
This is the only Jain cave of the place full of intricate carvings.
Sabarimala Temple : The temple of Sabarimala is the best
known pilgrimage destination of Kerala. This beautiful temple is situated on
top of Sahyadri Mountains. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ayappa. Legend
has it that Parasurama Maharshi who uplifted Kerala from the sea by throwing
his axe, installed the idol of Ayyappa at Sabarimala. The temple attracts
devotees all round the year. Many beautiful carvings adorn the wall of this
temple. The temple is delightful to watch from below the hills.
Guruvayoor Temple : One of the most sacred temples of
Kerala, Guruvayoor Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. But the deity placed
in the sanctum is a complete man incarnation of Lord Vishnu with four arms.
In the form of a rectangle, the shrine is also called Dwaraka of south. The
best attraction of the shrine are the mural paintings around it. The
Guruvayoor temple also holds the reputation of hosting the maximum number of
marriages and rice feeding ceremony, the ritual first meal for infants.
Thousand Pillar Temple : The marvelous Thousand Pillar
temple is located in Andhra Pradesh's ancient city of Warangal. The temple
was built by King Rudra Deva in the 12th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva,
Lord Vishnu and Lord Surya, one thousand richly carved pillars and a
magnificent black basalt Nandi bull are the main attractions here.
Built in the shape of a star, the temple is raised on a 1 metre high
platform on the slopes of the Hanumakonda hill. Many small lingam shrines
surround the gardens of this shrine.
Lepakshi Temple : One
of Andhra Pradesh's best visited temples, Lepakshi temple is located in
Anandpur district of the state. The temple was built by the Vijayanagar
rulers. In the Lepakshi temple, the best specimens of the mural paintings of
the Vijayanagar kings are available.
The temple has been built on a low rocky hill. The hill is called
Kurmasaila as it is in the form of a tortoise. The beautiful sculptures on
the prakaran attracts the attention of all devotees. They include 14 forms
of Lord Shiva. About 500 metres north east of the temple is the largest
image of a monolithic Nandi bull.
Popular Beaches of South India
Kovalam
beach : Beautiful Kovalam beach of Kerala located some 16 kms from
capital Trivandrum is also called the light house beach. On the southern tip
of the beach is an old lighthouse. Kovalam beach is also popular for
watersports activities. Various water sports like sailing, skiing, swimming
etc. are a routine feature of this beach. Sunset cruises in Kovalam are also
very popular among tourists. The Kovalam village nearby has many small scale
industries.
Marina beach : The main attraction of Chennai, picturesque
Marina is the second longest beach in the world. Marina provides one of the
most mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. To have a glimpse of the rising
and dipping sun, tourists throng Marina during early mornings and evenings.
Although strong undercurrents do not allow swimming, taking long walks on
the golden sands of Marina with a soothing cold breeze following is a
favourite pastime of many. The evening market of Marina where small vendors
sell attractive decorative items is another feature for which this beach is
known.
Mahabalipuram beach : Apart from the cold waves and soft
sand, a few fascinating monuments further beautifies Mahabalipuram beach.
Infact, the beach of Mahabalipuram is one with a spiritual aura. There are
monuments located right on the beach. Stretching to a length of 20 kms, the
beach of Mahabalipuram located some 58 kms away from Chennai is also one of
the cleanest beaches of India. Located near the beach is the 7th century
Shore Temple. It is a structural temple built out of hard blackish
leptinite. Arjuna's Penance, the world's largest bas relief measuring 27m x
9m also stands on the Mahabalipuram beach . It is a huge rock containing
figures of Gods, Demigods and beasts. It is fascinating to note that the
structures on the beach have withstood numerous onslaughts from the sea.
Alleppey
beach : Located in the district of Alappuzha, this beach is one of
the finest of Kerala. The beach allows tourists to indulge in diverse
activities. While some tourists love to have a glance of the early morning
and late evening sun, some others take leisurely strolls on the beach with a
cold breeze blowing continuously. Washed by the waters of Arabian sea, the
scenic beauty also fascinates painters and photographers in a big way.
Varkala
beach : If some beaches of South India are known for fun and
frolic, some also have a spiritual tilt. Varkala is one such beach known for
its unique combination of breathtaking sceneries and beautiful ancient
temples. Varkala shore is also known as 'Papanashini'. It is believed that a
dip in the Varkala waters cleanses people of all their sins. On some
occassions, religious rituals also take place on this beach.
Another attraction of Varkala is vendors in their small stalls selling a
wide variety of decorative items, mainly conch shells and beads.
A visit to Varkala refreshes the mind and soul.
