Gopuram

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Gopuram or gopura, a prominent feature of the Hindu temple architecture of South India, is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple. Gopurams are exquisitely decorated with sculpture and carvings and painted with a variety of themes derived from the Hindu mythology, particularly those associated with the presiding deity of the temple of which a particular gopuram is.

1 Examples
2 See also
3 External link
4 Reference

[edit] Examples

The Gopuram of the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamilnadu state is the tallest Gopuram in South India. This Gopuram known as the Rajagopuram (the royal temple tower) rises from the base area of around 13 cents (32500 sq feet) and goes up to 196 feet, moving up in eleven progressively smaller tiers.

The Gopuram of Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputtur is the second highest temple tower in Tamilnadu. It is 60 m (192 feet) high and has thirteen progressively smaller tiers. This Gopuram is the centerpiece of the state symbol of the Government of Tamilnadu.

Gopuram of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam	Gopuram of the Virupaksha Temple at Hampi	Gopuram of the Annavaram temple at Annavaram	Temple gopuram in Madurai
Temple gopuram at Chennakeshava