Do temples excite you? How do visiting temples make you feel? In this new blog, I bring to you a few reasons why I am in love with temples in South India.
Well, for me, temples are more than a place of worship. They become a place to revisit the historic architecture, and the grandeur of ideas, thoughts, and actions placed collectively in the walls of a structure. This is especially true if you visit temples in the Southern states of India.
The temples in South India have their own charm. South India is well-known for its ancient temples and monuments and has a unique culture that is capable of capturing anyone’s heart. From the stone carvings of Krishnadevaraya to the magnificent architecture of Vijayanagara, the vibrance of the temples is breathtakingly beautiful.
There is immense history hidden in every pillar of the temples in South India. In ancient times, temples were not simply seen as a place of worship, but also of social and cultural exchange. They became a symbol of the power and prestige of a king and his empire.
Recently, I visited the Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple or simply the Simhachalam Temple. Being a North Indian traveller, I noticed some very vivid differences between the temple architecture, styles of worshipping, devotional songs, music, and art, among others.
The Simhachalam temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped there as Varaha Narasimha. This temple was regarded as one of the important centres of Vaishnavism in the medieval period.
Read below 5 reasons why I like South Indian temples and what they offer us in abundance.
1. Architecture
South Indian temple architecture, also known as the Dravidian Style of architecture is an exceptionally graceful and stylish display of fine art, creativity, and craftspersonship. These temples were built at a time when no modern techniques and machines were available to build such gigantic and marvelous structures.
The intricately carved structures on a temple amplify its grandeur. If you ever get to visit South Indian temples, pause and reflect on the creativity of those who built these temples. Do reflect on how these temple structures are different than the ones in your city.
2. People
We may forget places, but the connections we make with people stay for longer times
People are the most spectacular ‘instant’ attraction of any place. As soon as I landed in Andhra Pradesh, I was amazed by the warmth and hospitality of the local people.
We may forget places, but the connections we make with people stay for longer times. I vividly remember the lady from whom I brought the coconut water — smiling face, kind, and so warm with her gestures.
The Simhachalam Temple witnesses a huge number of visitors every day, and one could witness the tremendous cosmic energies and emotions of people.
As a North Indian visitor, I surrendered myself to the vibe of the temple and noticed how extravagant the whole scene was within the sacred walls of the remarkable structure.
Some people sing songs for their gods, while some simply wave a ‘hello’. Some dance with devotion and a few people silently drop a tear from the corner of their eyes.
Every person has their own way of worshipping. The more this relationship between god and the devotee remains personal, the more it is better, not just for the individual but for the community as well.
3. Culture
In simple terms, culture is the characteristic features of everyday existence shared by people in a place or time. It encompasses the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group.
It would not be an easy answer if one had to explain the culture of India, but it surely is the most diverse and beautiful one.
India shelters diverse cultures, people, festivities, and celebrations not just within its geographical boundary, but also influence a way of life outside its borders.
While I was aware of the beautiful differences between the North and South Indian cultures, I was amazed by how we all are weaved together as Indians. The South Indian culture is reflected in the minimal things that one could notice — dance, food, clothes, language, music, and so much more.
4. Music
Music is food for the soul. Carnatic music is commonly called South Indian music and is associated with the South Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Like all other art forms in Indian culture, Indian classical music is too believed to be a divine art form. The main emphasis in Carnatic music is on vocal music and most compositions are written to be sung.
The enchanting sound of the Carnatic musical instruments is sure to spellbind anyone. I was also enthralled by the sounds of the veena, harmonium, mridangam, and violin. Music is therapeutic and when one listens to the lyrical beats in an atmosphere of dire devotion, the experience surely gets magnified.
5. Prasadam
It is not wrong to say that we get more taste in small quantities of food, just like the mouth-watering prasad that we receive in temples.
The Simhachalam Temple serves laddoos made with sweet boondi to its worshippers. The generous addition of cardamom makes the laddoos even more mouthwatering.
My personal favourite prasad at this temple is the pulihora or lemon/tamarind rice which is exceptionally delectable. If you get to visit any temple in India, always complete your visit by having the prasad.
India is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse countries and is home to people who are so different even from their next-door neighbours. The language, food, culture, dressing styles, jewellery, temples, movies, and a thousand other things change while we journey from the north to south. For this reason, I believe that India itself is an experience — an experience that you will never find anywhere around this world.
Temples can be an excellent part of your travel itinerary, especially when you are visiting South India. So you see, temples, their architecture, and their art always excite me. What is it about these structures that you find most compelling?
Thanks for reading!
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