South India

Hinduism is the most common religion of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, with Hindus making up close to 90% of the population. Referred to as the temple state of India, Tamil Nadu has many of the most revered and monumental Hindu temples in the world. With nearly 33,000 ancient temples scattered across the state, some dating back almost 5,000 years, they remain an integral part of the vibrant culture and heritage of the Hindu Tamils. Their majesty is only fully appreciated in person, with intricate sculptures and psychedelic colours creating dazzling places of worship.

Some of the greatest Hindu temples were built during the Middle Ages, when Hinduism was the main religion of most kingdoms of South India. Characterised by Dravidian customs and traditions, the South Indian Hindus follow various branches of Hinduism including Shaivism, Vaishnavism and Brahmanism with most temples dedicated to the Lords Shiva, Ganesha, Muruga, Vishnu and the Goddess Parvathi. The South Indian kings also spread Hinduism to parts of South-East Asia and northern Sri Lanka; Hindu Tamils of Sri Lanka are followers of the same religious practices, customs and traditions seen in parts of South India (which differs to those of Northern India) with some culturally unique festivals only celebrated in South India and Sri Lanka. South India also has numerous Hindu pilgrimage sites that are visited by millions of devotees from all over the world each year, with the historic, hill-top Tirupati Temple in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh considered the most visited place of pilgrimage in the world.