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A gopuram (or gopura) is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of any temple, especially in Southern India. They are a prominent feature of koils, Hindu temples built in the Dravidian style.[1] They are topped by the kalasham, a bulbous stone finial. They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex.[2]

The gopuram's origins can be traced back to early structures built under the south Indian kings of the vijaynagara, Pallava and Chola dynasties. By the twelfth century, during the Pandya dynasty, 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.[3] It also dominated the inner sanctum in amount of ornamentation. Often a shrine has more than one gopuram.[4]

A koil may have multiple gopurams, typically constructed into multiple walls in tiers around the main shrine.

Tallest Gopurams

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Gopurams are widespread in south Indian temples, predominantly in Tamil Nadu.[5] Very tall gopurams are a later feature, added from the Middle Ages onwards, typically to much older temples.

Rank Temple Image Height
ft 		Construction

Year

Notes Location
1 Ranganathaswamy Temple,
Raja Gopuram 		239.501[6][7] Started at 1700 AD and completed at 1987 AD[6] Ranganathaswamy Temple is the largest temple complex in India, covering an area of 156 acres (63 ha).[8] It is home to twelve gopurams, the largest being the Raja Gopuram, built by the 44th jeeyar of ahobila mutt. Srirangam, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Murdeshwara Temple 237[9][10] 2008 AD Murdeshwara Temple is known for its colossal, 40m high statue of Shiva. Its gopuram is the second tallest in India. It is also the only one where one can take a lift to top floor of the gopuram.[11] Murdeshwar, Karnataka, India
3 Annamalaiyar Temple
East Gopuram
(Raja Gopuram) 		216.5[10] 9th century AD; gopuram 16th century Annamalaiyar Temple covers 10 hectares, and is one of the largest temples in India. It is surrounded by four large unpainted gopurams, one facing each cardinal direction. The eastern gopuram rises to 66m, and is called the Raja Gopuram.[12] Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
4 Srivilliputhur Andal Temple 193.5[13] 10th–16th centuries AD Srivilliputhur Andal Temple's gopuram measures eleven storeys high and 59m tall, making it the tallest of its era. During the Madurai Nayak dynasty, lesser figures sponsored religious projects, including the large scale campus.[14] The temple is the emblem of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[13] Srivilliputhur, Tamil Nadu, India
5 Ulagalantha Perumal Temple 194[15] 9th century AD [16] Ulagalantha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Trivikrama, the fifth incarnation of Vishnu.It is one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Ulagalantha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Poongothai.[17] Its gopuram is 194 feet (59 m) in height.[18] Tirukoilur, Tamil Nadu, India
6 Ekambareswarar Temple 190[19] AD Ekambareswarar Temple is the largest temple in Kanchipuram, a highly visible symbol of Pallava dynasty. The entire complex covers an area of 10 hectares and has five courtyards.[20] Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India
7 Kallazhagar Temple 187 AD Kallazhagar Temple is located in Azhagar Koyil, and is dedicated to Vishnu. In the outer gateway of the temple, there is a massive door that is rarely opened. The inner shrine is dedicated to Karupannaswamy, no image him is present. Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
8 Kasi Viswanathar temple, Tenkasi 180 15th century AD Built by the Pandya kings, the massive gopuram of the temple is the second largest in Tamil Nadu. It is also known as Ulagamman Temple. This temple boasts beautiful sculptures and also has musical stone pillars that produce different sounds when tapped with fingers. The name of the town (Tenkasi) is derived from this temple, meaning "Kasi of the south". The Chittar River nearby is considered sacred, similar to the Ganges. Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, India
9 Sarangapani Temple 173 12th century AD Sarangapani Temple is the largest Vishnu temple in Kumbakonam. The inner shrine is made in the form of a stone chariot, a common feature for temples built under the Chola kings.[21][22] Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India
10 Annamalaiyar Temple
Northern Gopuram (Ammani Amman Gopuram) 		171[10] 9th century AD Annamalaiyar Temple covers 10 hectares, and is one of the largest temples in India. It is surrounded by four large unpainted gopurams, one facing each cardinal direction. The northern gopuram is called the Ammani Amman Gopuram.[12] Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
11 Meenakshi Amman Temple
170 870 AD Meenakshi Amman Temple houses 14 gopurams, ranging from 45m to 50m in height, the tallest being the southern tower at 51.9 metres (170 ft) high.[23] The temple has some very old sections but the largest part dates back to 17th century. The four gopuram are decorated with many figures from the Hindu pantheon and can be seen from great distances.[24] Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
12 Virupaksha Temple, main entrance gopuram Virupaksha Temple, Hampi 166 15th century AD Virupaksha Temple was built during the time of Vijayanagara Empire. It is part of the Group of Monuments at Hampi, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hampi, Karnataka, India
13 Annamalaiyar Temple
Southern Gopuram
(Tirumanjana Gopuram) 		157[10] 9th century AD Annamalaiyar Temple covers 10 hectares, and is one of the largest temples in India. It is surrounded by four large unpainted gopurams, one facing each cardinal direction. The southern gopuram is called the Tirumanjana Gopuram.[12] Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
14 Rajagopalaswamy Temple 154 1523–1575 AD Rajagopalaswamy Temple was started by Chola kings. Later, king Vijaya Raghava Nayak of the Vijayanagara Empire added the thousand pillar hall, the outer compound, and the large gopuram. Details of these constructions are recorded on inscriptions inside the temple.[25] Mannargudi, Tamil Nadu, India
15 Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, Mangalagiri 153[6][7] 1809 AD[6] Lakshmi Narasimha Temple is dedicated to Vishnu. Its gopuram is eleven storeys tall. Mangalagiri means "The Auspicious Hill". This temple is built on one of the eight important Mahakshetrams (sacred sites) in India[8] Mangalagiri, Andhra Pradesh, India
16 Ranganathaswamy Temple,
Vellayi Gopuram 		145 [6] 13th Century AD Ranganathaswamy Temple one of the largest temple complexes in India, covering an area of 156 acres (63 ha).[8] It is home to twelve gopurams, the second largest being the Vellayi Gopuram.[26] Srirangam, Tamil Nadu, India
17 Sundaravarada Perumal temple 144[27] (720–796 CE) [28] Sundaravarada Perumal Temple in Uthiramerur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple. The temple is glorified by various acharyas and is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram dedicated to Maha Vishnu. Vishnu is worshipped as Sundaravarada Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Anandavalli.[27] Uthiramerur, Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, India
18 Annamalaiyar Temple
Northern Gopuram
(Pei Gopuram) 		144[10] 9th century AD Annamalaiyar Temple covers 10 hectares, and is one of the largest temples in India. It is surrounded by four large unpainted gopurams, one facing each cardinal direction. The northern gopuram is called the Pei Gopuram.[12] Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India
19 Varadharaja Perumal Temple,Kanchipuram 130 15th century AD Also known as Perumal koil, dedicated to VishnuThe 7 storied, 130 feet tall temple Gopuram and its extensive exterior was built by Vijayanagara kings and is one of the 108 Divya Desams. Kanchipuram, Varadharaja Perumal Temple, India.
20 Sankara Narayanasamy Temple, Sankarankovil, Sankaranayinarkoil 127 11th century AD Sankara Narayanan Temple is located in the town of Sankaranayinarkoil, and is dedicated to both Vishnu and Shiva . Sankarankovil, Tamil Nadu, India

Tallest Vimana

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Vimanas are structures over the sanctum of temples. In Northern India they are called sikharas.[5] In the Nagara style of architecture, the vimana is the sanctum (garbhagriha) of the temple housing the main deities and they are the tallest part of the entire temple. In many cases within South India, the vimanams are confused with gopurams. In Tamil Nadu, vimanams are present above the garbhagriha or sanctum sanctorum of a Hindu temple and will be relatively smaller in size compared to the gopurams, which are usually present at the entrance of the temple.

Rank Temple Image Height
ft 		Year Notes Location
1 Chaturbhuj Temple 344 16th century AD Built by the Bundela Rajputs of the Orchha State in Central India, the temple blends styles of both ancient Nagara architecture and new Mughal influences. The temple is dedicated to Rama and is the tallest temple structure in India. Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India
2 Shri Vishwanath Mandir, BHU 250[29] 1966 The Birla family as per wishes of the BHU's founder Madan Mohan Malaviya, completed the construction, the foundation was laid in March 1931. The temple (Shri Vishwanath Mandir) was finally completed in 1966. Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
3 Jagannath Temple, Puri 217[30] 1174 AD The Jagannath Temple in Puri is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Jagannath (Vishnu) and located in the coastal town of Puri in the state of Orissa, India. The name Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of).[31]

The temple was built in the 11th century atop its ruins by the progenitor of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra, or chariot festival, in which the three main temple deities are hauled on huge and elaborately decorated temple cars. Since medieval times, it is also associated with intense religious fervour.[32]

Puri, Odisha, India
4 Thanjavur Brihadisvara Temple 216[33][34] 1010 AD The Peruvudaiyar Koyil, also known as Rajarajeswaram,[35] at Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is the world's first complete granite temple[36] and a brilliant example of the major heights achieved by Cholas kingdom Vishwakarmas in dravidian temple architecture. It is a tribute and a reflection of the power of its patron RajaRaja Chola I. It remains as one of the greatest glories of Indian architecture.[37] The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Great Living Chola Temples". Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India
5 Lingaraj Temple 183.7[38] 11th century AD Lingaraja Temple is a temple of the Hindu god Harihara and is one of the oldest temples of the Temple City Bhubaneswar, a revered pilgrimage center and the capital of the state of Orissa. The temple of Lingaraja, the biggest of all at Bhubaneswar is located within a spacious compound wall of laterite measuring 520 feet by 465 feet. The wall is 7 feet 6 inches thick and surmounted by a plain slant coping. Alongside the inner face of the boundary wall there runs a terrace probably meant to protect the compound wall against outside aggression.[39] Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India
6 Brihadisvara temple, Gangankonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu 182[40] 1035 AD The Vimana with its recessed corners and upward movement presents a striking contrast to the straight-sided pyramidal tower of Thanjavur but with octagon shape of Dravidian architecture. As it rises to a height of 182 feet (55 m) and is shorter than the Thanjavur tower with larger plinth, it is often described as the feminine counterpart of the Thanjavur temple.

The Vimana is flanked on either side by small temples; the one in the north now housing the Goddess is fairly well preserved. The small shrine of Chandikesvara is near the steps in the north. In the north-east are a shire housing Durga, a well called lion-well (simhakeni) with a lion figure guarding its steps and a late mandapa housing the office. Nandi is in the east facing the main shrine. In the same direction is the ruined gopura, the entrance tower. The main tower surrounded by little shrines truly presents the appearance of a great Chakravarti (emperor) surrounded by chieftains and vassals. The Gangaikondacholapuram Vimana is undoubtedly a devalaya chakravarti, an emperor among temples of South India.[41]

Gangaikonda Cholapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
7 Somnath Temple 155 1951 Somnath temple, also called Somanātha temple or Deo Patan, is a Hindu temple located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India. The present Somnath temple was reconstructed in the Māru-Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture in 1951. Veraval, Gujarat, India
8 Konark Sun Temple 130[42] 230 before ruin[43] 13th century AD Konark Sun Temple (also known as the Black Pagoda), was built in black granite by King Narasimhadeva I (1236 C.E-1264 C.E.) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 24 wheels (3.3 m dia diameter each) drawn by seven horses and, carrying the Sun god, Surya, across the heavens. It is a stunning monument of religious (Brahmanical) Kalinga architecture. The large structure seen today is actually the mantapa (mandap). Of the main tower, which once stood in the front, only the remains can be seen. This tower (deul) was perhaps 230 feet (70 meters) tall, higher than any other temple in India at that time. Konark, Odisha, India

Under construction

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This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.
Planned height metres (feet) Name Completion City Country Comment
219 m (721 ft)[44][45] Perth Ram Temple TBA Perth  Australia It will be the tallest Ram Temple in the world once completed. At its potential cost of ₹600 crore (US$75 million) it is likely to be one of the most expensive temples in the world.
213 m (700 ft)[46] Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir est. 2024 Vrindavan  India It will be the 2nd tallest religious monument in the world once completed. At its potential cost of ₹300 crore (US$42 million) it is likely to be one of the most expensive temples in the world.
123 m (405 ft)[47] Viraat Ramayan Mandir est. 2022 Kesaria  India When completed, it will be the largest religious monument in the world. The Virat Ramayan Mandir will be almost double the height of the world-famous 12th century Angkor Wat temple complex in Cambodia.
49 m (161 ft)[48] Ram Mandir, Ayodhya est. 2022 Ayodhya  India A Hindu temple that is being built at the pilgrimage site of Ram Janmabhoomi.
116 m (380 ft) Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Mayapur 2022 Mayapur  India After completion, the temple will be the 3rd biggest in the world, second to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.[49]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Ching, Francis D.K.; et al. (2007). A Global History of Architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons. p. 762. ISBN 978-0-471-26892-5.
  2. ^ Ching, Francis D.K. (1995). A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: John Wiley and Sons. p. 253. ISBN 0-471-28451-3.
  3. ^ Mitchell, George (1988). The Hindu Temple. Chicago: University of Chicago Press. pp. 151–153. ISBN 0-226-53230-5.
  4. ^ "gopura". Encyclopædia Britannica. Archived from the original on 2020-08-19. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
  5. ^ a b 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams: Divya desams in Pandya Nadu. M. S. Ramesh, Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam.
  6. ^ a b c d e Chand 1987, p. 36
  7. ^ a b A new Rajagopuram Archived 2012-02-08 at the Wayback Machine Frontline Magazine, 4–17 April 1987.
  8. ^ a b c Yatra2Yatra. Sanjay Singh.
  9. ^ "Murudeshwara Shiva Temple and Statue of Lord Shiva". Karnataka Tourism. Archived from the original on 2022-11-23. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
  10. ^ a b c d e Singh 2009, p. 1069
  11. ^ South India P.271. Sarina Singh
  12. ^ a b c d South India P. 418. Sarina Singh
  13. ^ a b Tourist guide to Tamil Nadu 2007, p. 109
  14. ^ Architecture and art of southern India: Vijayanagara and Successor States, Volume 1, Issue 6P.112. George Michell
  15. ^ "ஒரு காலை தூக்கிய படி காட்சி தரும் பெருமாள் - திருக்கோவிலூர் உலகளந்த பெருமாள் கோவில்".
  16. ^ Madhavan 2014, p. 140-1
  17. ^ M. S., Ramesh. 108 Vaishnavite Divya Desams: Divya desams in Pandya Nadu. Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam.
  18. ^ "Indian Heritage - TIRUKKOILUR- Ulagalanda Perumal Temple, South Arcot district, Tamilnadu". www.indian-heritage.org. Archived from the original on 2012-05-23. Retrieved 2012-11-21.
  19. ^ Sajnani 2001, pp. 305
  20. ^ India P.545. Karen Schreitmüller
  21. ^ South India P.432. Sarina Singh
  22. ^ Temples of South India P.112. V.V. Subba Reddy
  23. ^ Sajnani 2001, pp. 307–308
  24. ^ India P.586. Karen Schreitmüller
  25. ^ Power of Passion P. 4. S. Manickavasagam
  26. ^ Narasimhan, T. a (January 4, 2012). "The legend of Vellayi". The Hindu. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 18, 2020 – via www.thehindu.com.
  27. ^ a b "Shrine design: Pristine glory". 19 March 2019.
  28. ^ "Constitution 1,000 years ago". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 11 July 2008. Archived from the original on 14 July 2008.
  29. ^ "Vishwanath Mandir, BHU".[dead link‍]
  30. ^ The Jagannatha Temple at Puri: its architecture, art, and cult.O. M. Starza
  31. ^ Vedic Concepts Archived 2008-01-03 at the Wayback Machine "An example in Sanskrit is seen with the word Jagat which means universe.] |accessdate=2006-09-12
  32. ^ "Jagannath Temple History". Time. 1959-07-20. Archived from the original on March 14, 2008.
  33. ^ Middle Chola Temples, S.R. Balasubrahmanyam
  34. ^ CBSE textbook on Social Studies Class 10
  35. ^ South Indian Inscriptions – VolII, Part I& II
  36. ^ "National Portal of India". www.india.gov.in. Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
  37. ^ Atlas of the Year 1000 – Page 105 by John Man
  38. ^ Land and people of Indian states and union territories: in 36 volumes. Orissa .S. C. Bhatt, Gopal K. Bhargava
  39. ^ Ramesh Prasad Mohapatra (1986) Page 69. Archaeology in Orissa Vol I. B. R. Publishers, Delhi ISBN 81-7018-346-4
  40. ^ Nagasamy R, Rajapalayam (1970), State Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamil Nadu
  41. ^ "Gangankonda Cholapuram Temple History". Time. 1959-07-20. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2015-09-16.
  42. ^ "HEIGHT OF SUN TEMPLE KONARK IN ORISSA | eOdisha.com". Archived from the original on 2012-05-09. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  43. ^ "main temple". konark.nic.in. Archived from the original on 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  44. ^ "World's tallest Ram temple will be built in Australia's Perth at a height of 721 feet". www.thetatva.in. 20 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  45. ^ "World's tallest Ram Temple to be constructed in Australia, will be 721-foot-high". pragnews.com. 20 January 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  46. ^ "Meeting His Spiritual Master". Archived from the original on 2021-09-14. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
  47. ^ "World's largest temple to be built in India – after Muslims donate the land for Hindu shrine". telegraph.co.uk. 22 May 2015. Archived from the original on 28 May 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2015.
  48. ^ "'Bhavya Ram Mandir' blueprint: Take a 3-D look into the design of the coveted temple". www.timesnownews.com. 23 July 2020. Archived from the original on 2020-07-23. Retrieved 2020-07-23.
  49. ^ "Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – Home". Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Archived from the original on 2019-11-29. Retrieved 2020-01-04.

References

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