<P> A Gopuram or gopura ( Sanskrit : गोपुरम् , gopuram ) is a monumental gatehouse tower , usually ornate , at the entrance of a Hindu temple , in the Dravidian architecture of the Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh , Kerala , Karnataka , and Telangana states of Southern India . Ancient and early medieval temples feature smaller gopuram , while in later temples they are a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style ; or in many cases the temple compound was expanded and new larger gopuram built along the new boundary . They are topped by the kalasam , a bulbous stone finial . They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex . </P>
<P> A Gopuram or gopura ( Sanskrit : गोपुरम् , gopuram ) is a monumental gatehouse tower , usually ornate , at the entrance of a Hindu temple , in the Dravidian architecture of the Tamil Nadu , Andhra Pradesh , Kerala , Karnataka , and Telangana states of Southern India . Ancient and early medieval temples feature smaller gopuram , while in later temples they are a prominent feature of Hindu temples of the Dravidian style ; or in many cases the temple compound was expanded and new larger gopuram built along the new boundary . They are topped by the kalasam , a bulbous stone finial . They function as gateways through the walls that surround the temple complex . </P>
the mighty gateway found at the temples of south india are called
the mighty gateway found at the temples of south india are called
Gopuram or gopura
Gopuram or gopura