Southern India is a heavenly abode of magnificent monuments, standing majestically from ages. It houses numerous places of tourist interest including beautiful beaches, ancient forts, lush green forests and enchanting hills. The architecture of these monuments is breathtakingly beautiful and grand. People are also drawn to this part of the Indian region due to its spectacular top Vishnu temples. From large, intricately carved gopurams to majestic pillars and life-size temples, these magnificent temples in South India are steeped in legend and awe-inspiring in their splendour. Top 10 Lord Vishnu Temples in South India
Here are the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in India:
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Sree Padmanabha Temple is one of the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. It is in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, there is a famous Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple has a huge statue of Lord Vishnu in the sleeping position on the sheshnag. The architecture of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a beautiful and amazing blend of Kerala and Tamil styles.
Decorated with gold ornaments, the temple is only accessible to Hindus. Dedicated to Lord Padmanabha; Padmanabhaswamy , one of the avatars of Lord Vishnu, is one of the foremost Vaishnava centers of worship in Vaishnavism Dharma. Padmanabhaswamy Temple was built as a replica of Adikesavaperumal Temple in Thiruvattar and is a well-preserved antique.
Though the origin of this temple remains a mystery, devotees believe it has been around since the first day of the Kali Yuga 5,000 years ago. Inside the temple are two other important shrines, Thekkedom and Thiruvambadi, to the deities Ugra Narasimha and Krishna Swami respectively. The Padmanabhaswamy Temple is also mentioned in the Bhagwad Gita.
Scripture says that Lord Krishna’s elder brother, Balarama, visited the temple, bathed in Padmatheertham and also made various offerings to the deity there. The biggest festival in this temple is Laksha deepam which means hundred thousand lamps.
This festival is unique and takes place every 6 years. Before this festival, prayers are chanted and the three Vedas are recited for 56 days. On the last day, 100,000 oil lamps are lit in and around the temple. No wonder it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi temple is one of the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. It is Located on the southern bank of the Vaigai River, Meenakshi Temple is dedicated to Parvati and her consort Lord Shiva. Also known as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, this architectural marvel is a vibrant center of culture and arts.
It is also one of the main attractions of South India, where thousands of devotees flock every day. The halls, gopurams and shrines of the temple are richly decorated and look magnificent. Two very different iconographic features are the shrine of Meenakshi holding a parrot and the raised right leg of Nataraja.
The temple is surrounded by massive walls built in response to invasions. The whole structure represents a mandala when viewed from above. Various shrines are erected on the territory of the temple complex.
Known for its amazing architecture, Meenakshi Temple has been named as one of the Wonders of the World, but it has not been included in the list of “Seven Wonders of the World”.
However, the temple is definitely one of the “Wonders of India”. During the “Tirukalyanam Festival” which takes place over 10 days, the temple attracts more than a million devotees. Moreover it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Vitthala Temple
Vitthala temple is one of the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. This spectacular masterpiece is a living legend of Hampi’s many monuments for its architectural splendor.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Vithhala Temple stands out for its impressive architecture and splendor. Legends say that the temple was built as a residence for Lord Vishnu in his Vitthala form.
However, the Lord found the temple too ostentatious and returned to his humble abode. Famous for its musical pillars, pillars are said to emit notes when played in a certain way. Another highlight of the temple is the monolithic giant stone chariot. The beautifully carved stone chariot is one of the finest structures in the Vijayanagara kingdom.
It is actually a temple in the shape of an ornate chariot dedicated to Garuda, the bearer of Lord Vishnu. The Vittala temple complex is a large area surrounded by high walls and three high gates. The temple complex has many halls, shrines and buildings inside.
Each of these structures is made of stone and each structure is beautiful in its own right. The western central hall of the temple was destroyed in a Mughal attack that led to the fall of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1565.
Today, the temple complex hosts the annual Purandaradasa festival. Floodlit, the temple is seductively illuminated. Overall it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Suchindram Temple
Known primarily as the Thanumalayan Temple, it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India. This South Indian temple is a majestic monument and another prime example of architectural marvels. Built in the 17th century, this temple attracts pilgrims from neighboring states.
Legends of Anasuya and Ahalya are associated with the temple. The temple’s distinctive features include four musical pillars, a hanging pillar, and a single linga representing the triumvirs Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh.
One of the unique aspects of the temple is the presence of deities across the Hindu pantheon, from Rama and Krishna to Amman and Kandan. Different Hindu sects ranging from Vaishnavism, Shaivism to more localized Tamil sects like Amman, Kandan are represented in different temple idols. Moreover it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Venkateswara Temple
Located on Tirumala Hill in Andhra Pradesh, Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is one of the most famous top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple. The construction of the temple is said to have started in AD 300. The temple houses the idol of Lord Venkateswara, which is over two meters high and attracts millions of devotees and tourists.
The Srivari Temple, which dates back to 1200 BC. Dating back to about 400 BC, it covers an area of acres and is a massive temple 415 feet long and 263 feet wide. There are also separate compartments for storing her ornaments, sacred silk, fresh garlands, and sandalwood bows along her temples.
Interestingly, Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the richest temples in the world in terms of donations from devotees. The temple has a rich history and beautiful Dravidian architecture. Every day the temple is visited by around 50,000 pilgrims, a huge number. No wonder it is one of the famous top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Guruvayur Temple
Guruvayur Temple is one of the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. The main deity of the temple is Lord Vishnu, whose incarnation of Lord Krishna is worshiped here. The central icon is a standing four-armed Vishnu bearing the Panchajanya conch horn, the Sudarshana disc, the Kaumodaki mace and the Tulasi lotus garland.
This temple is highly revered by the Malayalis and Tamils. Located in the state of Kerala, it is one of the most admired temples in the country. Lord Brahma himself is said to have worshiped the idol of Lord Krishna here. This site is home to the world’s largest population of captive male Asian elephants.
The temple is administered by Guruvayur Devaswom under the control of the Kerala government. The main festivals of this temple are a 10-day festival in the Malayalam month of Kumbham beginning with the raising of the flag on the Star of Pooyam, Krishna Janmashtami in the month of Chingam. Overall it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Koodal Azhagar Temple
The Koodal Azhagar Temple is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India. It is in Madurai is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Vishnu is worshiped here as Koodal Azhagar and Goddess Lakshmi are worshiped as Mathuravalli. It is one of the 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
This temple has great architecture and works of art. The temple is adorned with a temple tower, behind which is the main temple with a large ranganandapa and shrine. The temple has a corridor around the main temple, the walls of which have faded colorful paintings of various gods and goddesses.
The woman above the shrine has beautiful colored carvings. The outer walls of the sanctum are exquisitely carved, especially the beams touching the vimana of the sanctum. This temple has beautifully carved ornate windows. There are also wood carvings depicting Lord Rama’s Pattabhishekham. This temple attracts a large number of devotees on festival days. Overall it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Virupaksha Temple
Located on the banks of the magnificent Tungabhadra River, Virupaksha Temple is one of the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. It is a great marvel of the Vijayanagara Empire. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is famous for its large gopurams, magnificent architecture and intricate sculptures. Built in the 7th century, the temple has been enlarged several times by different rulers of the kingdom to demonstrate its power. Over the centuries, the temple gradually developed into a huge complex with numerous shrines, porticoes, pillars, lanterns, gate towers and even a large temple kitchen.
The gradually descending superstructure is made of brick and mortar. There are many interesting stucco figures around the exterior of the first level. The central portico, Ranga Mandapa, is Raja Krishnadevaraya’s most elaborate addition. Virupaksha Temple is the center for weddings and Virupaksha Pampa celebrations in December.
This South Indian temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The annual festivals attract large crowds of both types. The very origin of Hampi’s history as a sacred place revolves around the myths associated with this temple.
In the morning and evening you can witness the daily rituals and ceremonies of the temple. The temple opens before sunrise and closes at night. Overall it is one of the best lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Airavateswara Temple
The Airavatesvara Temple is one of the top 10 lord Vishnu temples in south India. It is in the city of Darasuram near Kumbakonam is another impressive example of Dravidian architecture. This temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was built in the 12th century AD. The main goddess Periya Nayaki Amman is a free standing temple north of Airavateshvarar Temple.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and named after Airavata, the white elephant of Indra, who worshiped Lord Shiva in this temple. Temple is famous only for its beautiful stone carvings. A collection of art and architecture, this temple features magnificent stone carvings.
In the southwest corner of the courtyard is a mandapam with 4 shrines. One of them has a picture of Yama. Next to this shrine are large stone slabs engraved with images of Sapthamatha.
The Indian Archaeological Institute maintains the temple well.With lush green lawns in front and illumination, the temple has become a tourist spot. Moreover it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Brihadeshwara Temple
Brihadeeshwar Temple is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India. It is a magnificent example of Tamil architecture during the Chola Dynasty reign and is located in Thanjavur city. It is one of the most famous temples in South India and part of the “Great Living Chola Temples“.
This majestic and beautiful temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Brihadeeshwar Temple is built of granite which can be fetched from granite sources near Tiruchirapalli, about 60 kilometers west of Thanjavur.
This large Indian temple dedicated to Lord Shiva turned 1005 years old in 2015.This temple is packed with tourists all year round who visit the site to witness an unprecedented display of fascinating architecture. Overall it is one of the top lord Vishnu temples in south India.
Faq related to top lord Vishnu temples in south India:
Which is the biggest Vishnu temple in South India?
The Srirangam Temple
What is Vishnu called in South India?
Lord Venkateshwara
Which state is famous for Vishnu?
Lakshmiramana Swamy Temple, Mysore, Karnataka
Who is the father of Vishnu?
Lord Shiva
Which is the most sacred Vishnu temple?
Thiruchittattu temple
Which is the secret temple in South India?
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Nachiyar Kovil, Betta Bhairaveshwara Temple, and Hasanamba Temple
Who is the most powerful God in South India?
Karthikeyan
Which is the famous Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu?
The Govindaraja Perumal Temple
Conclusion
As for the final say these are some of the top 10 Lord Vishnu temples in south India. These temples are some of the popular temples in India with miraculous stories. It was visited by millions of tourists from across the world for peace and goodness in life.
