Traditional form of Hinduism found in southern India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, where the invasions and political upheavals of northern India had little influence. The important centres of Tamil Hinduism are Rameshvaram, dedicated to Shiva; Shrirangam, dedicated to Vishnu; and Madurai, dedicated to Meenakshi, the wife of Shiva. Tamil temple architecture is characterized by towering
gopurams, or temple gateways.
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