Though we are all Indians (Original Indians, not Indians of Christopher Columbus), how Indian Indians are we?
For a foreigner. it’s confusing.
Some say that Indians successfully kicked out the colonisers, but Red Indians were not that lucky and people are aware that they underwent genocide.
Ok. Enough of history.
What about Indians from India?
Since all of them are from India, are things similar in every nook and corner of the country?
We know that the country is diverse.
There is diversity in
- Culture
- Architecture
- Clothing
- Food
- Religion
- Customs
- Traditions
- Languages
- Art forms
- Festivals
- Music and Cinema?
What makes India unique and united?
I suppose that our constitution keeps us united.
The fact that our constitution accords all religions with equal authority is the best thing.
Although Hindus predominate, our nation has no official religion.
What about my topic today?
If we were to discuss the specific disparities in the numerous areas I’ve already highlighted, it would take a very long time.
I’ll limit my discussion to North and South Indian Hindu temples, regarding their external appearances.
Temple architecture of high standard was developed in ancient India.
But these temples suffered silently under occupation.
It’s also worth knowing how many great Hindu temples were destroyed. Many of these ancient wonders are in ruined status.
I always wonder how Hindus survived persecution
These two links will help you to understand better.
You must have the patience to go through what I have written.
South Indian Hindu Temples
Size and Height (tower)
South Indian temples have towers that resemble pyramids, whilst towers in North India are more like mountain peaks.
The important difference between the north and south Indian temples is the size of the temple complex and also the height of the gateway tower.
Srirangam Temple in South India occupies an area of 156 acres (631,000m²). North Indian temples are just a fraction of the magnitude of their counterparts.
The temple tower (Known as Gopuram or the rising tower which are tower gateways) is much taller than its counterparts in North India, reaching a height of 73 meters (240 feet) almost 13 tiers.
Decoration
These gateway towers are ornated with colourful figurines which are absent in North Indian temple towers.
They are exquisitely decorated with sculptures and carvings and painted with a variety of themes from Hindu Mythology concerning the presiding deity.
Water tank
South Indian temples are further distinguished by the presence of water tanks and other shrines within the temple complex.
Major temple water tanks can hold up to 2 million litres.
The tank water is used for ritual cleansing and during rites of consecration.
North Indian Hindu Temples
They are simple in appearance.
We don’t see many decorations in the form of colourful figurines
As said earlier the main tower peaks like a mountain. It’s called Sikhara (tall spire).
The tower is much shorter compared to that of South Indian counterparts.
Temple tanks are rare in North Indian Temples.
SIKHARA is constructed over the gharbhagriha chamber (where the presiding deity is enshrined).
In South Indian Temple, the tower is a separate structure and away from the main deity.
The tower covering the main deity is known by the name VIMANA.
(Gopuram is the tower over the main entrance and vimana is the tower over the Sanctum sanctorum)
MESSAGE
“Dear God, Today I woke up.
I am healthy. I am alive.
Thank you I apologize for all my complaining.
I’m truly grateful for all you’ve done.” Unknown
Thank you for your visit.
Take care, my friend.
Namaste 🙏🙏🙏
Mr Philo
You can check my other similar posts HERE
Image by © PTP-2022 All Rights Reserved
This post is part of Amy’s LAPC #236 East meets West or North meets South
Philosophy Through Photography 
Great post Philo! I enjoyed your images and the education. It is amazing that there is such a great difference between north and south Temples. Each are equally beautiful. This leads me to wonder what they are like inside. Namaste!
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Thank you so much, Anne Sandler.
I wish to cover the differences inside one day when I am able to get permision.
It’s difficult because most of the temple authorities advice us not to click inside.
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I understand.
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A remarkable entry, Philo! It great to know that with the diversity of culture, food, architecture, art forms… India is united! I enjoy learning the architecture of these two temples of South and North of India through your beautiful photos and well written informaiton. I, too am educated. Thank you so much!
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Thank you, Amy.
🙏🙏🙏
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You took full advantage of a great opportunity to share such an important part of India’s culture Philo. I loved the images and your description of the differences. Excellent choice for the week!
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Thank you Tina Schell for your kind and encouraging words.
🙏🙏🙏
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Interesting and enlightening about the likenesses and differences of north and south! All temples are beautiful.
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Thank you AC.
And I love your slider comparisons and beautiful clicks.
Instant recognisition of the differences.
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Fascinating and informative. Well done.
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Thank you so much, John.
Namste.
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Wow! I loved the information to take away. Thank you. And, while I am impressed by the brilliant colors of the South, the detail is phenomenal. What a difference from the more simplistic temples in the North. A great idea for the prompt and always nice to learn something new culturally.
PS Thank you for the prayer, so I could also be forgiven for my recent complaining. Always a nice reminder to be grateful.
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Thank you so much, Donna.
Isn’t it pleasant to consider God and ask Him for forgiveness, especially while we are discussing temples?
Namaste.
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Indeed. Flow on my friend.
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Thank you for sharing an insight into your culture, and the difference between North and South
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Thank you, Brenda.
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I’ve been to India and visited so many temples. All of them are so ornate and magnificent without knowing the differences.
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Thank you so much Perpetua.
Appreciate.
Namaste.
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I would love to see ALL the temples!
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Most welcome.
Worth seeing the architecture.
Let me know when you happen to travel to South India.
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I definitely will!
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👍👍👍
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Great article. I didn’t know temples were destroyed. Do you mean by the Mughals or by the British – perhaps both?
For the longest time I have wanted to see Dravidian temples and be on the streets in the South.
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Thank you David Bennett.
Yes Hindu temples were destroyed.
By both.
https://www.patheos.com/blogs/hindu2/2018/11/a-brief-list-of-the-destruction-of-temples-in-ancient-india/
Please include South India, when you visit India.
Most welcome to be here, my friend.
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https://hindupost.in/society-culture/the-brutish-british-museums-a-legacy-of-slavery-loot-colonialism/
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This makes painful reading. Thank you.
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You are welcome David Bennett.
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I enjoyed reading your post and learning more about some of the temples. A great post, there is so much to see and learn about your country.
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Thank you so much my friend.
Namaste.
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Fascinating, PtP! I remember seeing the tower like structures in parts of Nepal and there was on in Patan? i think that had a water bathing area?
The southern Indian forms I saw somethign similar in Singapore.
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Yes.
Patan too has temple towers
It has a water bathing area too.
You are right. Singapore has Hindu temples with similar architecture.
The majority of Hindus are from Tamilnadu, which is in South India.
Hence these South Indian towers (Gopuram) are common in Singapore.
Thank you Amanda.
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That explains it. Thank you!
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Fascinating, beautiful, and highly educational post – you have outdone yourself, dear Philo!
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Thank you, Dolly.
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My pleasure, dear friend.
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never been come to north and south part of India. but thank you a lot for your information about both area. I am come to Bali island.
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Thank you so much, Gederedita
The temple tower in Bali is similar to the one we see in North India.
Namaste
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well described
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Thank you so much, Shivoj Khanna for stopping by and commenting.
Namaste.
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Nobody cares if you are rich.
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True
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