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SACRED BITES
OF SOUTH INDIA
In South India, beyond boundaries of religion and place, one truth echoes through time—Annam Parabrahma Swaroopam—food is the very embodiment of the Divine. At GRT, we say: Why stop at reverence? Why not journey to the source—to the holy shrines, where the Gods themselves bless the flavours?
The journey takes you through the holy shrines’ bubbling pots, where divine blessings are scooped out fresh and hot! Here, food isn’t just nourishment; it’s devotion dished out in dollops, spiced with spirit, and served with a side of soul. From melt-in-your-mouth sweets to tangy tidbits wrapped in banana leaves, each morsel whispers stories from sacred kitchens. So come, walk the temple path, and discover which South Indian temple food shall accompany your blessing today.
AROMASOf the Sacred Pots
HEAVEN’S LADLE HAS TIPPED YOUR WAY 🛕
BANGALORE ✨
Bangalore has a flavour for every mood—and apparently, for every god too. The thalis from Thy aren’t just meals, they’re divine dispatches. One bite and you’ll be wondering if they are heaven's kitchen.
Sri Guru Singh Sabha GurudwaraGuru Ka Langar
Someshwara TemplePayasam
CHENNAI ✨
Chennai, a city alive with the constant rhythm of temple bells and jasmine's fragrance, holds an ancient companion—its food, the true Thalapathi. No palette of colours can capture the rich flavours that flow from bustling streets to temple steps, embracing every soul with timeless taste.
Kapaleeshwarar TempleSakkarai Pongal
Parthasarathy TempleAkkaravadisal, Puliyodarai, Adirasam, Sojji Appam, and Thenkuzhal
Ashtalakshmi TempleAathirasam and Laddu
Kaalikambal Kamadeswarar TempleKungumam
Vadapalani Andavar TemplePongal and Kesari
Anjaneya Temple, NanganallurMelagu Vada and Pongal
Iskcon Temple, SholinganallurKesari and Sabudana Kichadi
COIMBATORE ✨
Tamil Nadu’s second-largest city doesn’t just worship at temples—it worships at the dinner table too! A melting pot of cultures, it’s seen more flavour experiments than a spice lab. Over the years, its food has gone from classic to creative, all while keeping that unmistakable local touch.
Perur Patiswarar TempleLaddu
Esha MandirDhyanalinga Prasadam
Maruthamalai Murugan TemplePanchamirtham, Karkandu Pongal, and Thinai Mauv Urundai
DINDIGUL ✨
This ancient city has passed down its traditions not just through monuments and music, but through every bite. From mighty forts to buzzing street corners, the city’s flavour map is as rich as its history. And yes, the legacy lives on in the temple prasadam too!
Arulmigu Kottaimariamman TempleLaddu
HYDERABAD ✨
The capital city of Telangana is so much more than its legendary aromatic biryani. Step into its temples, and you’ll find a flavour fest that could rival any feast! From sweet to savoury, tangy to spicy, the divine kitchens here serve up surprises that keep your taste buds guessing.
Birla MandirCoconut Prasadam
Peddama Thalli TempleDry Fruits and Laddu
Yadagirigutta Narasimha TempleLaddu, Pulihora, Vada, and Daddojanam
KAKINADA ✨
Home to the iconic Kakinada Kaja, the sweet superstar of the Telugu states, this city certainly knows how to satisfy a sweet tooth. That same love for flavour extends to its temple offerings, where melt-in-your-mouth prasadam has you quietly asking for seconds (or thirds).
Annavaram Satyanarayana Swamy TempleAnnavaram Parsadam (Special Chekkara Pongal)
Pithapuram Padagaya Temple (Sakthi Peetam)Pulihora
Draksharamam Bhimeswara Swamy TemplePulihora and Laddu
Sri Chalukya Kumararama Bhimeswara Swamy TemplePravannam or Chekkara Pongal or Pulihora
Sri Srungara Vallabha Swamy Temple (Tholi Tirupati)Special Laddu
Kodandarama Temple (Gollala Mamidada)Pulihora
Sarpavaram Bhavanarayana TemplePravannam or Laddu or Pulihora
KANCHIPURAM ✨
Did you think the city lovingly known as the City of Thousand Temples would hold back on its temple treats? Every temple under this sacred sky makes sure that devotees’ prasadam isn’t just blessed—it’s bursting with flavour to the fullest.
Kamatchiamman TemplePuliyodarai, Pongal, and Curd Rice
Ekambareshwarar TemplePuliyodarai
Arulmigu Sri Ulagalanda Perumal TempleVen Pongal
Sri Vazhakarutheeswarar TemplePuliyodarai
Kanchi Kamakoti PeethamFruits
Sanjeevirayar TempleThulasi Theertham
Varadharajaperumal TempleThattai Vadai
KULASEKHARAPATNAM ✨
The historic town resting along the banks of the Arabian Sea has long held a place of prominence, thanks to the 300-year-old Mutharamman Temple, a spiritual beacon through the ages. This temple doesn’t just offer blessings; it serves divine flavours that echo the town’s rich culinary soul.
Mutharamman TempleSundal and Kool
KUMBAKONAM ✨
From the Cholas to the Pandyas to the mighty Vijayanagara Empire, the city has journeyed through centuries of transformation. Each kingdom left behind whispers of its glory—in the streets, in the stories, and most deliciously, in the flavours. Today, the temples stand as a living reflection of this rich legacy, offering more than just divine blessings—they offer a bite into history, seasoned by time and served with sacred grace.
Kashi Vishwanathar KumbakonamThengulal and Athirasam
Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, KumbakonamThengulal and Athirasam
MADURAI ✨
From crispy dosas sizzling to creamy delight of Jigarthanda, the streets of Madurai are nothing short of an all-you-can-eat buffet. And guess what? The temples here don’t miss a beat either. In Madurai, temples go that extra mile—because who says you can’t fuel up while waiting for a divine blessing?
Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman TemplePuliyodarai (Tamarind Rice), Chakkarai Pongal (Sweet Pongal), Laddu, and Appam
Thiruparankundram TemplePanchamirtham, Puliyodarai, and Sundal
Pazhamudircholai Murugan TemplePazham (Fruits), Panchamirtham, and Sweet Pongal
Kallalagar TempleMelagu Dosai
St. Mary’s CathedralHoly Bread (Sacramental Bread) and Wine (During Eucharist)
Thirumogoor Shri Kalameghaperumal TempleKesari, Pongal, and Tamarind Rice
Pillayarpatti Valampuri Vinayagar TempleModakam and Kozhukattai
Arulmigu Koodal Azhagar TemplePuliyodarai, Chakkarai Pongal, and Ven Pongal
Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal TemplePongal and Sundal
Pazhani Balamurugan TemplePanchamirtham (Banana-based Divine Mix) and Laddu
MAHABALIPURAM ✨
The coastal city of Mahabalipuram cradles temples that rise with the waves, standing tall beside the sea. And the offerings? They taste like they've been handpicked from heaven’s very own buffet—divine, delicious, and unforgettable.
Sri Kanthaswamy Kovil, ThiruporurPanchamirtham
Arulmigu Sri Sthala Sayana Perumal TempleThengulal and Athirasam
MANAPPAD ✨
A city infused with colonial charm, Manappad has always stood tall when it comes to taste. And when Christmas lights up the coast, there’s no better place to be. With soulful celebrations and flavours that lift the spirit, Manappad turns every festive bite into a memory worth savouring.
Manappad ChurchBread and Dry Fruits
NAMAKKAL ✨
This city, home to stunning 6th-century temples carved with the hands of masterful artisans, doesn’t hold back when it comes to food either. Here, the flavours are as rich as the stonework—so when you visit, don’t forget to ask for a second helping of pongal. Trust us, the city insists!
Anjaneyar Temple NamakkalVen Pongal, Pongal, and Puliyodarai
PONDICHERRY ✨
In this city, the sunrise arrives with temple bells serenading the sky, and the day winds down with flavours passed down through dynasties and diverse cultures. And if the heat is turning up, don’t worry. There’s nothing a chilled glass of temple buttermilk and a side of blessings can’t fix!
Manakula Vinayagar TemplePuliyodarai and Sweet Pongal
Sri Gokilambal Thirukameshwara TempleButtermilk and Sundal
RAMESHWARAM ✨
An island city tucked between India and Sri Lanka, this sacred spot is steeped in legend, believed to be where Lord Rama began his journey across the sea to Lanka. More than just a place, it’s a living bridge between mythology and memory—one that every soul should come across at least once in a lifetime.
Rameshwaram TempleAbhisheka Prasadam, Puliyodarai, and Sundal
SALEM ✨
With Palaeolithic and Neolithic stones unearthed from its soil, this city stands as proof that it has witnessed time from its very beginning. Where gods reside, devotees follow—and where devotees gather, you can be sure divine offerings aren’t far behind.
1008 Shivan & Rajarajeshwati TempleAdirasam and Laddu
Arulmigu Sri Rajaganapathi TemplePongal and Sundal
Sri Muthumalai Murugan KovilPanchamirtam
SRIVILLIPUTHUR ✨
Believed to be the birthplace of two revered Alvars—Periyalvar and his foster-daughter Andal—this sacred town is also where food is lovingly crafted just for the Divine. Come, let’s explore what the temples have in store…
Srivilliputhur Andal TempleThulsi, Laddu, and Kalkandu
TENKASI ✨
With Palaeolithic and Neolithic stones unearthed from its soil, this city stands as proof that it has witnessed time from its very beginning. Where gods reside, devotees follow—and where devotees gather, you can be sure divine offerings aren’t far behind.
Kasi Vishwanathar TempleSundal, Kesari, and Pongal
THANJAVUR ✨
A cherished pillar of Tamil Nadu’s temple culture, this historic city resonates with devotion at every corner. Temple bells call out through the streets, inviting you in—and if you’re going to take a bite, why not make it something sweet? A prasadam, straight from the sanctum, is always a divine idea.
Thanjavur Big TempleLaddu and Adirasam
Thiruvaiyaru TempleLaddu
SwamimalaiPanchamirtham
TIRUNELVELI & TUTICORIN ✨
These twin cities of temple wonders, around 50 km apart, are a duet of devotion. Every corner of these cities invites you to experience a feast for the senses, where devotion and flavour come together in perfect harmony.
Nellayappar TempleNei Appam, Laddu, and Sweet Pongal
Nava TirupathiLaddu, Murukku, and Kesari
Nava Kailyasam TempleSundal and Puliyodarai
Our Lady of Snows BasilicaHoly Bread, Wine
Arulmigu Subramaniya Swamy TempleLaddu, Murukku, and Panchamirtham
TIRUTTANI ✨
The city that cradles one of the six sacred abodes of Lord Muruga knows exactly how to honour its devotees. From tangy to sweet, spicy to soul-soothing—the temples here serve it all. Whatever your craving, there's a divine bite waiting just for you.
Mathur TempleNeem Leaf (Bitterless)
Sri Yoga Narasimhar Temple SholingurSweet Pongal, Puliogare, Curd Rice, and Thattai
TIRUCHIRAPPALLI (TIRCHY) ✨
This city, with a history spanning over a thousand years, boasts temple kitchens just as ancient. Recipes passed down through generations ensure every new visitor receives their rightful share of delicious heritage. Even today, the city’s temples stand tall, delivering the same timeless promise—flavours that connect past and present in every bite.
Ranganathaswamy Temple, SrirangamAkkara Vadisal
UchipillayarLaddu
JambulingeshwararNaval (Black Berry Fruit) or Curd Rice
Samayapuram MariammanTamarind Rice (Puliyodaria)/Sakkarai Pongal
UVARI ✨
The shores of this coastal town have witnessed waves of colonial influence, shaping its spiritual roots and the offerings that follow. During Christmas, the Selva Matha Church comes alive in celebration, where the divine presence is felt in every prayer… and every slice of sacred bread shared in joy.
Selva Matha ChurchHoly Bread and Sweet Rice
VELLORE ✨
From the reign of the Cholas to the British era, this city has always been a haven for food enthusiasts. So much so, its temples are famed not just for their grandeur but for their cuisine—each one filling your senses with blessings and bites alike.
Golden TempleLaddu
Jalakandeswarar TempleTamarind Rice
Maragabandeeswarar TempleHoly Water and Panchamrita
VIJAYAWADA ✨
The Telugu states are rich with flavours, and in Vijayawada, even the temples join the feast. The laddus here are so famous, people travel from across the country just to grab a few—and a side of blessings. Because really, why not have both?
Kanaka Durga TempleLaddu and Pulihora
Lakshmi Narasimha TempleLaddu, Pulihora, Vada, and Panakam
Subramanya Swamy TempleLaddu and Pulihora
Hinkar ThirthaLaddu and Pulihora