Hello, everyone! We have just another week in Chennai before returning back to the Bay Area, Califonia. I thought you might enjoy the unique architectures and styles of the beautiful South Indian Hindu temples we have been visiting. The temples I have showcased in this blog post were typically built with stone from a single rock; most of the structures fall under "Dravidian Architecture", a style that emerged thousands of years ago. South Indian temple architecture is quite unique and several aspects of Vastu Shastra are strictly followed during the construction of these temples.
Typical South Indian temples consist of a square-chambered sanctuary that showcases the idol for worship. This structure is topped by a tower that is known as the mandapa or mantapam. The mantapam is typically shaped like a pyramid and filled with miniature carvings of gods, goddesses, people, and animals. You can often find pre-historic stories on this mantapam. Such temples are not only breathtaking but also make you feel the presence of god within the sanctuary. I always come out of the temple feeling positive and energetic. There is always something special that goes on in each and every one of them, and the rituals are followed exactly like the way the ancestors laid out. There is so much more to tell you.. but here's just a glimpse of the places we visited. Feel free to click on the links below each to find out more..
via: Kanchipuram Temples
