Famous Lord Sri Krishna Temples in South India
- Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala
- Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Karnataka
- Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha, Kerala
- Sri Krishna Temple, Udumalpet, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Krishna Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat (although not in South India, it is considered as one of the four principal Krishna temples in India)
- Sri Krishna Temple, Thiruvidanthai, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Krishna Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Sri Krishna Temple, Pandharpur, Maharashtra (again, not in South India, but it is a very famous temple dedicated to Lord Vithoba, considered to be a form of Lord Krishna)
- Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka (also known as the Bala Krishna temple)
- Sri Krishna Temple, Uppunda, Karnataka.
Lord Sri Krishna is one of the most beloved and worshipped deities in Hinduism. South India is home to several ancient and popular temples dedicated to Lord Krishna that attract a large number of devotees every year. Let’s take a look at some of the famous Lord Sri Krishna temples in South India.
- Sri Krishna Temple, Guruvayur, Kerala:
Located in the Thrissur district of Kerala, Sri Krishna Temple in Guruvayur is one of the oldest and most significant temples dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed to be over 5,000 years old and is considered the ‘Dwarka of the South.’ The temple is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and the beautiful idol of Lord Krishna made of Patala Anjana stone. It is also famous for its unique rituals, such as the ‘Neyyabhishekam,’ where ghee is poured over the idol of Lord Krishna.
- Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, Karnataka:
The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple in Karnataka is another popular temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It was established in the 13th century by the saint Madhwacharya and is renowned for its unique traditions and rituals. The temple is famous for its free distribution of food, known as ‘Anna Brahma,’ to all the devotees who visit the temple. The idol of Lord Krishna in this temple is in the form of a small boy, which is believed to be the original form of Lord Krishna.
- Sri Krishna Temple, Ambalappuzha, Kerala:
Sri Krishna Temple in Ambalappuzha, located in the Alappuzha district of Kerala, is another famous temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is known for its stunning architecture, particularly the wooden carvings and mural paintings on the walls. The temple is also famous for its sweet pudding made of rice and milk called ‘Palpayasam,’ which is believed to have been first offered to Lord Krishna here.
- Sri Krishna Temple, Hampi, Karnataka:
Sri Krishna Temple in Hampi, Karnataka, is another significant temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is known as the Bala Krishna Temple and is believed to have been built during the Vijayanagara Empire in the 15th century. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, particularly the intricate carvings and the stunning idol of Lord Krishna in the form of a child.
- Sri Krishna Temple, Thiruvidanthai, Tamil Nadu:
Sri Krishna Temple in Thiruvidanthai, Tamil Nadu, is another popular temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is believed to have been built during the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century and is famous for its stunning architecture, particularly the intricate carvings on the walls. The temple is also renowned for its unique festival called ‘Pavithrotsavam,’ which is celebrated in August-September every year.
In conclusion, Lord Sri Krishna temples in South India are not just places of worship but also hold significant historical and cultural importance. They attract a vast number of devotees and tourists from all over the world. These temples are not just religious sites but also architectural marvels that showcase the rich cultural heritage of India.