A Gopuram or Gopura is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of any temple, especially in Southern India. This forms a prominent feature of Koils, Hindu temples of the Dravidian style. They are topped by the kalasam, a bulbous stone finial. They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.
The gopuram's origins can be traced back to early structures of the Tamil kings Pallavas and by the twelfth century under the Pandya rulers these gateways became a dominant feature of a temple's outer appearance, eventually overshadowing the inner sanctuary which became obscured from view by the gopuram's colossal size. It also dominated the inner sanctum in amount of ornamentation. Often a shrine has more than one gopuram.
A koil may have multiple gopurams, typically constructed into multiple walls in tiers around the main shrine.
Gopurams are widespread in south Indian temples, predominantly in Tamil Nadu.
1. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple
Height (ft) :: 239.501
Year :: 1987 A.D
Location :: Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India
The Srirangam Temple is the largest temple in Asia and it houses the tallest gopuram in the country. The temple occupies an area of 156 acres
2. Murudeshwara Temple
Height (ft) :: 237.5
Year:: 2008 A.D.
Location :: Murudeshwar, Karnataka, India
The temple is popular among travellers for the pretty high Siva temple, which is towered over an immense 40m high idol of the deity. The gopuram is second tallest in India
3. Annamalaiyar Temple
Height (ft) :: 216.5
Year:: 9th century A.D.
Location :: Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
The temple covers some 10 hectares, this vast temple is one of the largest of India. Four large unpainted gopurams, one of each cardinal point, front of approaches, with the eastern side rising 13 storeys and an astonishing 66m
4. Srivilliputhur Andal Temple
Height (ft) :: 193.5
Year:: A.D.
Location :: Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, India
The 11-storied gopuram has a height of 59m, making it the tallest gopuram of the era. During the period of Madurai Nayaks, the lesser figures sponsored religious projects, including large scale campus. The temple is the emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu
5. Ulagalantha Perumal Temple
Height (ft) :: 192
Year:: A.D.
Year:: A.D.
Location :: Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu, India
This temple is dedicated to Sri Trivikrama - Ulagalanda Perumal, the fifth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This temple tower is one of the tallest, measuring 192 feet in height. The Alwars Poigai Alvar, Bhoothathalvar & Peyalvar sang in praise of Lord Vishnu which formed the integral part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
One of the special features is that one idol contains the forms of two Gods - front side as Chakratalwar with sixteen hands and the back side as Narasimhar.
6. Ekambareswarar Temple
Height (ft) :: 190
Year:: A.D.
Location :: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
This is Kanchipuram's largest temple with its tall gopuram, a highly visible symbol of Vijayanagar dynasty. The entire complex covers an area of 10 hecatres and has five courtyards.
7. Azhagar Kovil
Height (ft) :: 187
Year:: A.D.
Location :: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Azhagar Koyil is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. In the outer gateway of the temple, there is a massive door that is rarely opened. Behind the door, Karupannaswamy, the subordinate of Lord Vishnu, although no image of Karuppanaswamy is present. The shrine is dedicated to Karupannaswamy.
8. Meenakshi Amman Temple
Height (ft) :: 170
Year:: A.D.
Location :: Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
The complex houses 14 gopurams(gateway towers) ranging from 45-50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower, 51.9 metres (170 ft) high The temple has some very old sections but the largest part dates back to 17th century. The four gopurams are decorated with many figures from the Hindu pantheon; they can be seen from great distances.
9. Sarangapani Temple
Height (ft) :: 164
Year:: A.D.
Location :: Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India
The temple is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam. The temple shrine, in the form of chariot was the work of the Chola kings during the 12th century.
10. Rajagopalaswamy Temple
Height (ft) :: 154
Year:: 1523-1575 A.D.
Year:: 1523-1575 A.D.
Location :: Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, India
King Vijayaragava Naik built the main gopuram, the thousand pillar hall and the big compound encircling the temple. The details of all these are available in the inscriptions within the temple
11. Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple
Height (ft) :: 153
Year:: 1809 A.D.
Location :: Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
Mangalagiri means The Auspicious Hill. This place is one of the 8 important Mahakshetrams (sacred places) in India
12. Nanjundeshwara Temple
Year:: 9th Century A.D
Location :: Nanjundeshwara Temple, Karnataka, India
This is known as Dakshin Kashi or Kashi of South
Source : Google
2 Comments
Where is Thanjavur big temple
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