9 Ancient Vishnu Temples In South India Every Devotee Must Visit Once

Published by: ABP Live Lifestyle
Image Source: twitter/@Disclosure24x7

1. Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu

Srirangam Ranganathaswamy Temple is the largest functioning Hindu temple in the world. This Vashnavite shrine spans 156 acres. It's towering gopurams, Dravidian architecture, and sacred Ranganath idol that makes it truly awe-inspiring.

Image Source: Twitter/@IndiaTales7

2. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh:

Tirupati Balaji, one of the richest temples globally, attracts millions of devotees every year. It's perched atop the Seshachalam Hills. This temple in Andhra Pradesh is famed for divine energy and elaborate daily rituals to Lord Venkateswar.

Image Source: Twitter/@IndiaTales7

3. Melkote Cheluvanarayana Swamy Temple, Karnataka:

Nestled on rocky hills, this is a 1,000-year-old temple. It's a gem of Karnataka’s Vaishnavite history. The annual Vairamudi festival and serene setting of this temple in Karnataka elevates its spiritual charm.

Image Source: Twitter/@yajnshri

4. Thiruvananthapuram Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala:

This temple in Kerala, famed for its hidden treasures, houses Lord Vishnu reclining on Anantha. The temple’s Dravidian style, mystery, and tight security makes it a blend of majesty and mystique.

Image Source: Twitter/@Priyamvada227s

5. Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple, Tamil Nadu:

One of the 108 Divya Desams, this temple in the city of thousand temples is revered for its intricate carvings. The rare ‘Atthi Varadar’ idol in Kanchipuram Varadharaja Perumal Temple is displayed once in 40 years.

Image Source: Twitter/@JamesRicha505

6. Thirukkurungudi Nambi Temple, Tamil Nadu:

Located near the Western Ghats, Thirukkurungudi Nambi Temple is a Divya Desam. It's a peaceful site that showcases Vishnu in five distinct forms. Devotees can experience a blend of ecological beauty and Vaishnavite tradition here.

Image Source: Twitter/@Arthistorian18

7. Thiruvarangam Sarangapani Temple, Tamil Nadu:

Built in honour of Sarangapani, a form of Vishnu, the temple boasts a massive chariot-shaped sanctum. It also features detailed murals that narrate Lord Vishnu’s legends. This temple in Tamil Nadu, is both sacred and visually appealing.

Image Source: Twitter/@temple_of_India

8. Chennakeshava Temple, Karnataka:

Built in the 12th century, this temple is a masterpiece of intricate stone craftsmanship. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it features mesmerising carvings, friezes, and celestial dancers sculpted into soapstone.

Image Source: Twitter/@TheSanatanUday

9. Rangasthala Moksha Ranganatha Swamy Temple, Karnataka:

Tucked away in the quiet village near Chikkaballapur, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a serene form of Lord Vishnu. Believed to be about 1,000 year old, the temple's idol is carved from a single saligrama stone and measures six feet in length.

Image Source: Twitter/@ramapriya1989