Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Temples of South India - Part 1 - Srirangam.

The rich heritage and culture of south India gets mirrored in its ancient architectural achievements that include splendid temples and other stone marvels. The temple architecture of the South Indian is very different from the temple architecture of the rest of India.

This post and the next two posts includes some fine original photographs (through the lenses of Subhendu Kumar Das) of the following temples:
  • Srirangam Temple, Srirangam (near Tiruchirapalli)
  • Brihadishwara Temple, Tanjore
  • Meenakshi Amman temple, Madurai
Srirangam Temple:

Srirangam is the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world (The temple occupies an area of 156 acres). The temple is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a reclining form of Lord Vishnu.

 Rajagopuram (The main 'Gopuram') - current height of 73 m


'Aayiram kaal Mandapam' (hall with 1000 pillars)


Garuda.


Architectural brilliance - every statue tells you a story


Ancient Indian craftsmen - their meticulous effort - precision in work - details hidden in each work.

carvings on the inner walls of the temple.





Another Gopuram.

Outer walls of the temple Gopuram.



 People walking inside the temple premises.

 A small kid found inside the premises of the temple. 
Being inside such a holy shrine or watching such a beautiful/innocent face, If these things wont give a person 'peace of mind', then what else will?

Foot note:
Photographer: SUBHENDU KUMAR DAS
Email: office.skdas@gmail.com
Photos taken on: November 4th, 2010
Information source: www.wikipedia.org