Where Gopurams Rise & Lamps Glow! These South Indian Temples Bring Southern Grace To Delhi

Tucked across the corners of Delhi are temples that bring the soul of South India to life, through intricate architecture, time-honoured rituals, and serene devotion. These temples don’t just serve as places of worship; they are living pieces of South India’s heritage, carved in stone and lit by oil lamps. From towering gopurams to richly detailed sanctums, each temple in this list carries a distinct story of faith, culture, and architectural grace, right here in the heart of the capital. Here’s our list of 10 South Indian temples in Delhi that beautifully carry this legacy forward.

1. Uttara Swami Malai Temple

Built entirely out of granite, this temple brings classic South Indian architecture to life. Its tall gopuram, carved pillars, and stone halls are inspired by Chola and Pandya temple styles. The main shrine is dedicated to Lord Murugan, worshipped here as Swaminatha, with smaller shrines for Lord Vinayagar, Sundareswarar, and Meenakshi. Even the peacocks roaming the complex feel like part of its divine design.

Where | Palam Marg, Sector 7, R.K. Puram

2. Sri Vaikuntanathji Mandir 

Picture credit -Naveen R

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple follows the calm, detailed rhythm of Tamil-style poojas. The architecture is simple yet graceful, with carved pillars and a traditional layout that reflects temples of South India. The idol of Lord Vaikuntanathar stands tall in the sanctum, adorned with flowers and lit by rows of oil lamps. Every ritual here feels like a piece of Tamil tradition brought to life in North India. 

Where | Vedanta Deshika, Opposite Old Mandir Marg, JNU Campus Road, Ber Sarai

3. Devi Kamakshi Mandir 

Picture credit -Tanuj Chawla

This peaceful temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi, a powerful form of Parvati. Built in traditional South Indian style, it features a carved gopuram and neatly aligned stone pillars. Agamic rituals, floral offerings, and oil lamps fill the space with quiet devotion. Though small, the temple’s charm lies in its calm energy and detailed design.

Where | Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, Block A, Qutab Institutional Area

4. Sree Ayyappa Temple

Picture credit -Tisha Mehrotra

 Reflecting Kerala’s traditional temple architecture, the Sree Ayyappa temple features a curved roof shaped like an elephant’s back- a hallmark of Chera architecture. The idol of Lord Ayyappa sits in a meditative pose symbolising calm and strength. Poojas here follow age-old Malayali rituals, with lamps, chants, and prasadam creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. During the Mandalam season, the temple comes alive with devotion and celebration.

Where | Mandir Marg, Sector 2, R.K. Puram, Adarsh Colony 

5. Uttara Guruvayurappan Temple

Picture credit -Tisha Mehrotra

This temple is inspired by the architecture of Kerala, with sloping red-tiled roofs and wooden gateways. It is dedicated to Lord Guruvayurappan, a form of Krishna, and also has shrines for Bhagavati, Ganapati, Shiva, and Ayyappa. There’s even a small Sarpa Kavu (serpent grove), just like in temples of Kerala. The rituals, poojas, and festivals here all follow traditional Malayali customs.

Where | Temple Complex, Sahakarita Marg, Pocket 3, Mayur Vihar

6. Sri Venkateswara Temple

Picture credit -Puneet Kashyap

Dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Balaji), this temple is built while keeping in mind the Tamil Vaishnav architecture, with a towering gopuram and sculpted stone pillars. The black granite idol of Balaji stands in the sanctum, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. Every pooja here follows rituals from Tirupati, making it a deeply traditional and spiritually rich space.

Where | Udhyan Marg, Pocket J, Type 2, President's Estate

7. Sree Vinayaka Mandir

Picture credit -Manisha Salpal

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha). Its black stone idol, carved by skilled artisans, sits in a quiet sanctum surrounded by simple stone pillars. The temple also has shrines for Hanuman, Shiva, and the Navagrahas. Every corner here echoes with calm devotion and age-old rituals.

Where | AB Block, Sree Vinayaka Mandir Marg, Sarojini Nagar

8. Sri DeviKarumari Amman Dharma Sanstha

Dedicated to Goddess Karumariamman, this temple stands out with its brightly colored gopuram and golden vimana. The main sanctum houses both a sacred anthill and a wooden idol, blending nature and devotion. Tamil-style poojas, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays, fill the space with deep spiritual energy. A temple tank and smaller shrines complete the traditional setting.

Where | Tilak Nagar Road, Block RZ, Khayala, Vishnu Garden

9. Sri Meenakshi Temple

Picture credit - Anushka Shrivastava

Inspired by the famous Madurai temple, this shrine brings Pandyan-style architecture to life with its vibrant gopuram and intricate carvings. The twin sanctums, one for Goddess Meenakshi and one for Lord Sundareswarar, are connected by pillared halls in classic South Indian tradition. Every corner of the temple blends devotion with rich artistic detail.

Where | BB-5, Block BB, Shalimar Bagh

10. Venkateshwara Balaji Mandir

Picture credit -VARADHA RAJAN.S

Modelled after the Tirupati temple, this shrine features a tall gopuram, stone-pillared halls, and classic Tamil Vaishnav design. The black granite idol of Lord Venkateswara stands in the sanctum, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. Rituals here follow Tirumala traditions, with poojas and festivals celebrated in full South Indian grandeur.

Where | Sri Venkateshwara Mandir Marg, Sector 3, Rama Krishna Puram

So, which South Indian temple are you going to visit first?