| 7 mins read
"As I stood on the sacred grounds of the temple, the wave of serenity, the scented air of incense and the melodic sound of devotional chants wrapped around me like a warm embrace. As I bowed my head in prayer, I found a quiet stillness that seemed to transcend the chaos of the world outside! This temple visit wasn't just a journey of exploration; it was a pilgrimage of the heart, one that etched a lasting impression on my soul and forever changed the way I perceive the world around me."
As a travel blogger, I've always been fascinated by the diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures that make India unique. So recently, I embarked on a spiritual journey to explore the ancient temples of South India, where I found myself immersed in their enchanting mythology, architectural splendour, and a profound sense of connection to something greater.
Join me as I recount the journey that touched my soul, and share the important travel tips and tricks that I learned from a local guide along the way.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai
As I set foot on my first destination, the Meenakshi Amman Temple, all my senses came alive! The air was thick with the aroma of incense, and the sound of devotional hymns filled my ears. In front of me was an architectural marvel adorned with beautiful sculptures and exquisite murals, nothing like what I had seen before! Legend has it that Meenakshi (a form of Parvati, the Hindu goddess and wife of Lord Shiva), born with three breasts, was prophesied to lose the extra breast upon meeting her destined consort. And when she met Lord Shiva in Kailash, true to the prophecy, her third breast disappeared. It is in Madurai that the wedding happened, and since then, the celestial wedding is celebrated every year with great fervour during the Chithirai festival.
What not to miss?An essential sight during your visit is the Golden Lotus Tank. This serene and historically significant pond boasts crystal-clear waters and flourishing lotus flowers. It once served as a gathering place for ancient Tamil scholars to debate and evaluate literary works.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
The next day, we drove to the magnificent Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, a serene island located between India and Sri Lanka. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple boasts the longest corridor in India, lined with 1,212 ornately carved pillars. Just to add, the temple's so breathtakingly beautiful that I even got my best pictures here! One of the best experiences here is bathing in the sacred pond, the Agni Theertham, which is believed to cleanse one's sins when bathed in its waters. From my personal experience, I can say that bathing in the sacred pond was a very humbling experience.
What not to miss? After the morning travel and the temple visit, visit the enchanting Dhanushkodi Beach, which also has the remnants of the ghost town of Dhanushkodi, devastated by a cyclone in 1964. Moreover, the Pamban Bridge, connecting Rameswaram to the mainland, is also a must-see for its impressive architecture and breathtaking views.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Another must-visit is the Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Big Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood tall for over a thousand years. As per legends, the emperor Rajaraja Chola I once dreamt of a celestial palace and decided to build a temple that would replicate its beauty on Earth. It is also believed that the Shivalingam enshrined in the temple was brought from the banks of the river Narmada, as Lord Shiva himself instructed the emperor in his dream! On the visit, you can see intricate carvings on the walls depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. In fact, you will be amazed at the sight of the temple's vimana (the structure above the main sanctum), which stands at the height of 216 feet and is a prime example of the Chola dynasty's architectural brilliance. The temple also hosts several festivals throughout the year, with the most significant being the Mahashivratri festival, when the temple is adorned with lights and flowers.
What not to miss? One of the must-visit hidden gems is the Saraswathi Mahal Library, one of the oldest libraries in Asia. It is a treasure trove of ancient palm-leaf manuscripts and rare books. The experience was so enriching that I learned so much about the evolution of literature!
Sri Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
As we reached Tirupati via train from Thanjavur, we headed directly to Sri Venkateswara Temple, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the world. Seconds after entering the temple, I was struck by the devotees' unwavering devotion, who patiently waited in long queues for hours to catch a glimpse of the deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who descended to Earth to save humanity from the troubles of Kali Yuga. It is said that he borrowed wealth from Kubera, the god of wealth, for his divine wedding to Padmavathi and that the offerings that the devotees make help repay this debt!
Pro-tip: Pre-book your tickets! Knowing that it is one of the most visited South Indian temples, it is best to buy the darshan tickets beforehand. Depending on the waiting time and convenience, you can check the temple's timings and darshan (viewing) options, including free and paid options.
Virupaksha Temple, Hampi
Next on the list was the temple of Virupaksha in the historical city of Hampi. It is said that Pampa, a devoted worshipper of Shiva, performed penance to win his heart. Pleased by her devotion, Shiva agreed to marry her, and their wedding was celebrated by the gods and goddesses in the picturesque Tungabhadra valley, where the temple now stands. Not only is the temple a testimony to the divine union, but its architecture galore also echoes the brilliancy of the Vijayanagara Empire.
What not to miss?Hampi is a perfect place that needs a full day to be explored! If you have time, you can also check out the Vittala Temple (renowned for its intricately carved stone chariot and the enigmatic musical pillars that emit melodic notes when gently tapped), the Royal Enclosure (once the seat of the Vijayanagara Empire), and the impressive Mahanavami Dibba platform where the king would preside over festivities. As per my guide's advice, we hiked up the Anjaneya Hill, which is believed to be the birthplace of the monkey god Hanuman. And indeed the panoramic views of the Hampi were worth it!
Murudeshwara Temple, Murdeshwar
Next on the list was my personal favourite - the journey to Murudeshwara Temple along the picturesque coast of the Arabian Sea. The 123 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva, which is also the second-tallest in the world, is truly a sight unforgettable. And pair it all with the sun casting a golden halo around it and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore, as if the ocean itself was singing a hymn in praise of Lord Shiva.
What's the story? The mythology behind the Murudeshwara Temple is steeped in the tale of Ravana, the king of Lanka, and his quest for immortality. As the story goes, Ravana performed intense penance to appease Lord Shiva and obtain the divine Atma-Linga, which would grant him immortality. Sensing Ravana's intentions, the gods sought help from Lord Ganesha, who cleverly tricked Ravana into placing the Atma-Linga on the ground before reaching Lanka. The spot where the Atma-Linga touched the earth transformed into the holy site where the Murudeshwara Temple now stands.
Visiting Murudeshwara was a humbling experience, one that reminded me of the vastness of the universe and our own insignificance in the grand scheme of things.
As I reflect on my incredible journey through South India's sacred temples, I realise that it was not only an exploration of the country's rich history, culture, and architectural marvels but also a deeply personal and transformative experience that brought me closer to my own spirituality.