Gopuram or gopura, a prominent feature of the Hindu temple architecture of South India, is the rising tower at the entrance of a temple. Gopuram is equisitely 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 to which a particular gopuram may form part of.

Gopuram of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Srirangam, Tamilnadu state is one of tallest Gopuram of 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. This Gopuram is the state symbol of the government of Tamilnadu.

• Imposing Gopuram of Virupaksha Temple, Hampi, Karnataka state, South India:

See also

• Sikhara
• Stupa

External link

Reference

• Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0500510881) by Anna Dhallapiccola