Originally posted by Divashni
Just curious. Never bn 2 a south indian temple b4 (north indian yes) but wat's the diff in smell btwn a north n south indian temple?
South Indian temples are built with rocks on a rock structure usually... the sanctum sanctorum or where the idols are placed is usually made of black granite and the idols are too, the idols are too, the male Gods wear a veshti and sacred thread, the Goddesses are splendidly attired with lots of jewelry...
The flower of choice is either, jasmine, lotus or roses, marigold is not considered very auspicious. Lots of betel leaves and nuts and coconuts...
they offer "abhishek" or bathing/drenching services with various materials like honey, milk coconut water etc... so they actually perform it for devotees to watch...
Since I am an Iyer I am partial towards temples of the South, I get goose bumps just by standing there watching the services. The South Indian priest's chanting is LOUD, brisk and in clear Sanskrit, you close your eyes and listen to it it transports you to a different world...
Depending on which city you live I BET you can find a temple of South Indian style in India, not sure about the East though, North & South, West Absolutely!!.