Splendid and amazing, the beauty of the temples of South India is a major part of Indian tourism. The entire South of India gives you major tourist’s spots for pilgrimage, traditional rituals along with mutts and ashrams for ascetics. The voyage is fulfilling when the quest for spirituality is satiated. The temples in Kerala belong primarily to the Shaiva faith and Vishnu faith. There are Vaishnavs and Shaivas who distinctly worship their deities. The temples are fascinating which so much of carvings and decoration.
Sabarimala is a yearly pilgrimage to Kerala, taken by many devotees after keen observance of fast and chants nearly lasting 40 days. The rules are strict and the devotees are clad in black attire with meager belongings. The Pampa river bath is enriching and the steep climb on hills is a must to reach the sacred 18 steps that lead to main deity Lord Ayyappa. This is a crowded place with millions visiting each year during special months. The sanctum sanctorum is done in gold and the deity has a pleasing manner that is captivating.
Most of the temples down south are where the idols are usually in black. Wooden idols or maripachi are very common. The carvings in the temple are done with hand and wooden work. The stone work done at the entrance of most of the temples in Tamil Nadu is amazing. There are giant shaped animal stone carvings at the entrance denoting soldiers to the main deity inside. Alongside the temple hall one can see many legends and folklore depicted by paintings to extol the greatness of the deity.
The Balaji temple at Tirupati is where many devotees visit and offer their hair in exchange of the Lord’s blessing. The Guruvayur temple in Kerala in the region of Guruvayur is another depiction of Lord Krishna which is fervently belied to cure all maladies and sickness. The temple deity is simple and considered very powerful. The Meenakshi temple at Madurai is another spectacular wonder. The beauty of the Goddess is enchanting.
The scenic beauty of the three rivers in different colors mixing and the location of the Swami Vivekananda Rock memorial is yet another spiritual spot where people come to spiritually uplift themselves. Along with the same there are so many temples and mystic deities that continue to intrigue all Indians. The temple of Chotaniraka in Kerala is where people exorcise the evil and is quite an amazing sight.
