For over 1500 years, mastery of geometry and mathematics has been implemented in constructing and designing beautifully complex temples.
South Indian temples are of the classic Dravidian style of architecture, with the main tower being a vimana, or stepped pyramid, that rises geometrically. Here are some magnificent ancient temples in South India:
Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is a 7th century temple in Karnataka, India noted for its architecture and intricate carvings. The temple grew and flourished into a huge temple complex at the time of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The interior is decorated with sculptures and vivid murals depicting episodes of the life of Lord Shiva.
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple at Madurai was likely constructed in the 7th century as well.
The most striking feature of the temple is its exquisite facade. It has 14 gopurams, or towers, which stand 45 to 50 m tall that are covered with brightly painted stucco work representing thousands of deities.
The entire temple complex is more than 50 thousand square meters, which includes a ‘hall with a thousand pillars,’ a pond, and many small shrines.
Venkateswara Temple
The Venkateswara Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is situated in the hill town of Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh. The construction of the temple is believed to have started in AD 300.
Inside the main shrine, there is a granite sculpture of Lord Venkateshwara.
Works cited:
“Vijayanagara Research Project: Virupaksha Temple.” Www.penn.museum, www.penn.museum/sites/VRP/html/Virupaksha.html.
Halai, Chandrahas. “Sacred Geometry of Hindu Temples.” Indic Today, 22 Oct. 2019, www.indica.today/quick-reads/sacred-geometry-hindu-temples/.
“Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple.” Maduraimeenakshi.org, 2015, www.maduraimeenakshi.org/.
“Meenakshi Temple, Madurai.” Hindupost.in, 8 Apr. 2021, hindupost.in/dharma-religion/meenakshi-temple-madurai/.
“Incredible India | Tirupati.” Www.incredibleindia.org, www.incredibleindia.org/content/incredibleindia/en/destinations/tirupati.html.
“Dravida Style of Temple Architecture - INSIGHTSIAS Dravida Temple Architecture.” INSIGHTSIAS, www.insightsonindia.com/indian-heritage-culture/architecture/temple-architecture/dravida-style/.