South India attracts several tourists from around the world. The place is known for its scenic beauty and rich culture. It houses numerous places of tourist interest including beautiful beaches, ancient forts, lush green forests and enchanting hills. People are also drawn to this part of the country due to its spectacular temples.
Best Lord Vishnu Temples In South India
South India is home for numerous old and new temples dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. People in this part of the country particularly worship, Lord Vishnu who is said to be the preserver as per Hindu religion. Many Vishnu temples are located in South India.
Here is a look at the 15 most famous Lord Vishnu temples in South India.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple
Padmanabhaswamy Temple is one of the most visited Lord Vishnu temples in South India. It is situated in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela. The temple is known for its beautiful amalgamation of Kerela and Tamil style architecture.
The temple finds a mention in many significant Hindu books including the Varaha Purana, Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, Brahma Purana, Bhagavata Purana and Mahabharata.
Venkateswara Temple
This temple is located in Chittoor district in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh. It is known to be the richest temple in the world. Lord Vishnu devotees from different nooks and corners of the country visit this temple to offer prayers. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation, Lord Sri Venkateswara who appeared to fight Kali Yuga.
Jagannath Temple
This is one of the most famous temples in South India. It witnesses large number of tourists. The locals also frequent the temple to offer prayers to Lord Jagannath who is a form of Lord Vishnu.
Jagannath Temple is located in Puri, Odisha. The history of this temple dates back to the 10th century. The Ratha Yatra organised here annually is one of its most pious and popular events.
Koodal Azhagar Temple
Koodal Azhagar temple, located in Madurai, is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Koodal Azhagar and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Mathuravalli. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
Kallazhagar Temple
This ancient temple is located in Madurai district’s Alagar Koyil village. Constructed in typical Dravidian style, this temple is one of the famous Divya Desams. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha. Thenkalai tradition of worship is followed in this temple. It is famous for its float festival. Many other festivals are also celebrated here.
Ulgalandha Perumal Temple
This temple is located in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped here as Ulagalantha Perumal. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped here as Amudavalli.
Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple
The Chengannur area in Kerala houses this spectacular Lord Vishnu temple. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Lord Krishna who is worshipped here as Maha Vishnu. Mahavishnu temple is said to be built by the Pandavas. It was the Pandav brother, Sahadeva who built this holy shrine. Numerous devotees visit the temple each year.
Ranganathaswamy Temple
This temple is located in Tiruchirapalli in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the reclining form of Lord Vishnu referred to as Lord Ranganatha. The history of this temple dates back to the 11th century. It is said to be one of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world in today’s times.
Azhagiya Manavala Perumal Temple
This temple is located in Tiruchirappalli in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu is worshipped here as Azhagiya Manavalan and Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped as Kamalavalli.
Sarangapani Temple
Sarangapani Temple is located in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district. It is known to be one of the Pancharanga Kshetrams. Many festivals are celebrated in this temple during different times of the year. The temple chariot festival is among the most famous festivals celebrated here.
Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple
This temple is located in Alapuzha district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is constructed as per the Kerela style of architecture which is simple yet beautiful. Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple is believed that this temple was built by Yudhishthira during the Mahabharata era. It is one of the five holy shrines situated in Kerala’s Chengannur area.
Janardana Swami Temple
Also known as Varkala temple, this ancient Lord Vishnu temple is located in Varkala city in Trivandrum. Janardana Swami is Lord Vishnu’s form. The temple is 2000 years old and has been maintained well.
Varadharaja Perumal Temple
This Lord Vishnu temple located in Kanchipuraman reflects the Dravidian architecture just like many other temples in South India. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu released a curse here. He then stayed back at this place. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams that hold special significance for the Lord Vishnu devotees.
Ananthapura Lake Temple
One of the most beautiful Lord Vishnu temples in South India, this one stands amid a serene lake. It is located in Kasargod district that forms a part of the Indian state of Kerala. It is said to be the place where the great Brahmin, Divakara Muni Vilwamangalam performed prayers and Lord Narayan appeared here before him as a child.
Adikesava Perumal Temple
This temple is located in Kanyakumari district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Its architecture is much like other famous temples in South India. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu.
Many devotees of Lord Vishnu visit this holy place every day. The temple is surrounded by rivers on three sides and offers a picturesque view. The place is known to exude positive energy.
Temple travel does not stop at the border — the spiritual side of West Nepal takes in monasteries and meditation retreats.
