1. Tirupati Tirumala Temple, Lord Vishnu
The Tirupati Temple is one of the most important temples in South India. This Temple is very much popular with all the pilgrims, and is located in Chittoor, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. Daily, lot of pilgrims are visiting this temple from all over India, and also from foreign countries. It is one of the most richest temple in India. Every year, crores of rupees are received from the devotees through hundial, and also received from various endowment donations. Nithya annadanam scheme is very much popular in Tirupati. Lot of devotees are consuming good and tasty divine food daily. Hence it is a must to visit this temple, at least once in a year and to offer our prayers, to have annadanam and to offer money based on our financial background, and to get Lord Sree Venkateswara’s divine blessings for ever.
OM NAMO SREE VENKATESAYA NAMAHA
2. Ramanatha Swamy Temple, Lord Shiva:
The Ramanatha Swamy temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is situated at Rameswaram.
People are visiting here for doing their ancestral rituals, and it is very famous for that. This is one of ancient temples of south india. Free food is offered in the temple for more than 100 devotees. Aadi Amavasya,Thai Amavasya and Mahalaya Amavasya pitru rituals are very popular in this temple. We can take bath from the sacred wells situated inside the temple. It is a must to visit this temple, to get relieved from various sins, and also by clearing our ancestral debts by doing pitru tharpan. Many site seeing places are also there nearby rameswaram. We can visit Abdul Kalam Sir’s Memorial also in Rameswaram. Dhanushkodi is the best sight seeing place situated near Rameswaram.
‘OM SREE RAMANATHA SWAMIYE NAMAHA’
3.Virupaksha Temple of Lord Shiva
The virupaksha temple is one of the most famous temple of south india situated at Hampi, Karnataka.This is one of the sacred temple of Lord Shiva and it was established in 7th century AD and also it is one of the oldest temples in india. It is a must to visit this temple, since it is surrounded by natural beauty. The temple continues to prosper and attracts huge crowds for the marriage festivities of Virupaksha in the month of December every year.
In the month of February, the annual chariot festival is celebrated in a grand manner.
‘OM SREE VIRUPAKSHARE NAMAHA’
4. Darasuram Airavathesvara Temple,Lord Shiva
The Airavathesvara Temple was built by Rararaja Chola II. It was constructed in 12th century AD. There is a lot of art and architecture built into the temple. The front of the temple has a huge chariot which is drawn by some horses.This is also one of the powerful temples of south india. Periya Nayaki Amman temple is situated close to this temple. History says, that Lord Indra’s White Elepant, Iravata has worshipped Lord Shiva in this temple, and also Lord Yama has worshipped in this temple.
‘OM SREE AIRAVATHESWARARE NAMAHA’
5. Gangaikonda Temple of Lord Shiva and Saraswathi
This temple architecture is very good. Apart from this, the temple art is the importance of this temple. This temple was established by the cholas to celebrate their victory.The chola kings have made various contributions for this temple. Pilgrims from all over India visit this temple throughout the year. This temple is one of the ancient and historical temples in India.
‘OM SREE GANGADEESWARARE NAMAHA’
6.Sabari Mala Lord Ayyappa Temple
This temple is dedicted to Lord Ayyappan and it is one of the ancient temples of Kerala in India. The temple is located in the hills. The deity of Lord Ayyappan was installed by Lord Parasurama.This is the most popular temple, in which there is no caste, creed and religious discrimination among the devotees to worship Lord Ayyappa. Mostly the devotees will visit this temple during pongal season and Vishu new year day. Free annadanam is offered inside the temple premises to all the devotees. But one has to observe fasting for one mandalam ( for 48 days), and they have to be purified in their body and mind, and to chant the mantra of Lord Ayyappan and also during the fasting period, daily they have to visit some nearby temples and to offer their prayers.
‘SWAMIYE SARANAM AYYAPPA’
7. Agneeswarar Temple or Kanjanur Sukran Temple
The Agneeswarar Temple is located at Kanjanur in Tamil nadu. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati’s marriage took place in this temple, and it was seen by Lord Brahma. Since Lord Agni worshipped Lord Shiva in this place, the temple is known from his name “Agneeswarar”. Fridays are specially celebrated in this temple. Lord Sukran occupies a most important place in this temple.
‘OM SREE AGNEESWARARE NAMAHA’
8. Kapaleeswarar Temple of Lord Shiva
The Kapaleeswarar Temple was built in the 8th century by the pallavas.This is one of the oldest and famous temples of south india. It is located in the heart of Chennai city at Mylapore, and devotees from all parts of the Chennai visit this place. Foreigners are also visiting this temple. The 63 Nayanmars festival is considered as a very important festival in this temple, and it is celebrated in a grand manner every year. Daily free food is offered in this temple for more than 100 devotees.
‘OM SREE KAPALEESWARAYA NAMAHA’
9.Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Meenakshi Amman Temple at Madurai is a most important famous temple in south india. Lot of devotees from all parts of India are visiting this temple. Here Meenakshi Amman is the main diety in this temple. The Meenakshi temple also contains the shrines of Lakshmi, Krishna, Rukmini, Brahma, Saraswati, and also various other vedic dieties. This temple is attracted for its architecture and it is also one of the biggest temple in south india. Daily free food is offered to the devotees.
‘OM SREE MEENAKSHI THAYE NAMAHA’
10.Thiruparankundram Temple of Lord Muruga
This temple is considered sacred among the Muruga temples, and it is one among the six arupadai veedus of Lord Muruga. Apart from Lord Muruga in the main shrine, deities of Shiva, Vishnu, Vinayaka and Durga are also there. The temple follows Shaivite tradition of worship. Six daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple. According to history, Lord Muruga has worshipped Lord Shiva in this place. Daily free food is offered to the devotees in this temple.
‘OM MURUGA VEL MURUGA’
11. Koodalalagar Temple of Lord Vishnu
This temple is located in Madurai and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is originally believed to be built by the Pandyas. Koodal Azhagar is believed to have appeared to kill the demon Somuka who has stolen the four Vedas from Lord Brahma. During festivals, large number of devotees visits this temple. Here Annual Alagar festival is very popular. Four daily rituals and three yearly festivals are held at the temple. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu. ,Here also, free food is offered to the devotees.
‘OM SREE KALAZHAGARE NAMAHA’
12. Chamundeswari Temple
The Chamundeshwari Temple is a Hindu temple located on the top of Chamundi Hills nearby Mysore in the state of Karnataka in India.The Chamundeswari Temple is one of the famous temples in Karnataka and it is dedicated to Goddess Parvathi. Devotees from all parts of India visits this temple throughout the year. It is situated in a good natural location. The Chamundeshwari Temple is considered as a Shakti Peetha, and was the one among the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas.It was built in 11th century AD. The main idol was made up of gold.
The temple is famous for the celebrations of festivals like Navaratri. Fridays are considered particularly auspicious. Another festival celebrated is Chamundi Jayanti.
‘OM SREE CHAMUNDEESWARIYE NAMAHA’
13. Nanjundeswara Temple of Lord Shiva
The Nanjundeswara Temple was constructed in the sides of Kabini River. Nanjanagudu is a City in the state of Karnataka. Nanjangud is famous for Srikanteshwara Temple. Nanjangud is also called "Dakshina Kashi" (southern Kashi). This city is also famous for the growth of bananas. The name of Shiva is called as Nanjundeswara, and according to history, he drank poison and kept it permanently in his throat without leaving it in the outside, in order to safeguard all the living beings in earth and heaven.
‘OM SREE NANJUNDESWARARE NAMAHA’
14. Mangadu Kamakshi Amman Temple, Mangadu
It is one of the most famous amman temples situated in mangadu, nearby poonamallee. Mangadu is known for the temple of Kamakshi performing penance. This is the place where the goddess performed her penance to marry and re-unite with Lord Shiva. All types of rituals were performed here by the goddess. Here the Srichakram was established by Adi Shankara. It is one of the ancient temples, and devotees visit this temple for solving their problems like late marriage, for getting a suitable job and for a proper life. Generally, Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays are important days and free annadanam is offered for about 200 devotees daily inside the temple compex.
‘OM SREE MANGADU THAYE NAMAHA’
15. Kaligambal Temple
The Kalikambal Temple is a temple dedicated to Shri Kalikambal and Lord Kamadeswarar and it is located in Thambu Chetty Street, Parrys,Chennai.. This temple was ancient, and was visited by the great king Chatrapathi Sivaji. This temple contains several shrines for Vinayaka,Gayathri Devi,Durga,Muruga,Viswakarma,Veerabadrar and Navahagraha shrines.
It is also said, that the fierce form of Kali idol which was worshipped earlier, has been replaced with a gentle form.
Here also free annadanam is offered to about 200 devotees daily in the afternoon.
‘OM SREE KALIGAMBAL THAYE NAMAHA’
R.HARISHANKAR
