Since there are a temple every 3 miles or more, India is sometimes referred to as a land of temples or religious buildings. For the majority of Indians, going to a temple every day to worship the lord is a regular ritual. Due to the fact that many of them have amazing architecture and have been there for many centuries, these temples are also an important part of India’s cultural past. The countless myths associated with these temples heighten their importance.
India is a nation with a long history, several religious traditions, and a wealth of myths and legends. It is also home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world. India takes tremendous pride in being the birthplace of Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. In India, people from all different religious origins live in harmony with one another. Hinduism is thought to be the world’s oldest religion. Hinduism, in contrast to other faiths, is a synthesis of several religions rather than having a creator.
30 Best Hindu Temples to Visit in India
1. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu
It is one of the most renowned temples in India and one of the most distinctive ones as well. It is located in Katra town in the Reasi region of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is located at the top and is a 12-kilometer hike away from where it is located at a height of 5,300 feet. Even though the journey is exhausting, people who cannot walk so far can get to the shrine by horseback, palanquin, or even helicopter. Three rock heads, known as Pindies, serve as the only statues in this cave-based sanctuary. The Vaishno Devi shrine receives millions of tourists each year. All year long, the temple is accessible.
2. Badrinath Temple, Uttrakhand
The home of Lord Badrinath is situated in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, near the Alaknanda River. This venerated shrine to Lord Vishnu is one of the Char Dhams in Hinduism.
Additionally, it is one of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage locations (comparatively minor pilgrimage sites). The temple is one of the 108 Lord Vishnu temples (Divya Desams) that are mentioned in the writings of Tamil saints who lived from the sixth to the ninth century. Only between April and November is it possible to see Lord Vishnu’s ancient dwelling since the other months are too severe for the temple, which is closed.
3. Dwarkadish Temple, Gujarat
The Dwarkadish temple, one of the Char Dham temples, is a famous site for Hindu pilgrimage. The temple is said to be more than 2,500 years old. The astonishing characteristic of the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Krishna, is that it has five stories and is supported by 72 pillars. The temple is next to Gomti Creek. Swarg Dwar, which means “the door to heaven,” is the entrance, while Moksh Dwar, which means “the door to liberty,” is the exit. The entrance door is reached after 56 stairs.
The deity’s idol is exquisitely designed and made of black marble. The idol stands 2.25 feet tall. It is one of the most well-known Krishna temples in India and unquestionably worth a visit for anybody interested in spirituality, not just diehard followers. In the morning and evening, the temple is open, however, it is closed at midday.
4. The Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
The Sun Temple is located in the Odisha town of Konark, which is part of the Puri district. This architectural wonder is devoted to Surya, the Indian sun god. The temple is shaped like his chariot, which is pulled by seven horses.
Narasimhadeva, a ruler in the 13th century, constructed the temple. According to an old myth associated with this temple, Lord Krishna allegedly afflicted one of his sons with leprosy. His son Samba spent twelve years worshipping Surya to atone. Surya cured him in gratitude for his dedication. As a gesture of thanks, Samba built the Sun Temple.
5. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh
Sanchi Stupa is an architectural wonder in Sanchi that is said to contain the remains of Lord Buddha. It is surrounded by the ruins of lesser stupas and monasteries. The Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great constructed this well-known pilgrimage site in India, sometimes referred to as the Great Stupa, in the third century BC.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site transports you back in time to the thriving Mauryan Era as the nation’s oldest stone sculpture. The Stupa is surrounded by four artistically carved gates known as toranas, each of which represents one of the four emotions—love, peace, bravery, and trust.
6. Golden Temple, Punjab
Although it is frequently referred to as the “Golden Temple,” the Sikh gurudwara in Amritsar, Punjab, is properly named the Harmandir Sahib or even Darbar Sahib. Because the temple’s walls and dome are clad in gold, it is referred to as the “Golden Temple” both literally and symbolically. It is one of the earliest temples in India and was constructed by Guru Arjan, the fifth guru of the Sikhs. In the temple is the Guru Granth Sahib by Guru Nanak. The Golden Temple’s welcoming attitude toward individuals from all backgrounds is one of its many distinctive qualities. No one is limited in any way. People of various religions go to the temple and pay their respects.
7. Kedarnath Temple, Uttrakhand
One of the holiest temples in India is the Kedarnath temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in the Himalayan mountains in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region. One of the oldest temples in the nation, it is said that the Pandavas constructed this temple. The 14-kilometer hike to the temple atop the hill is strenuous. Since the area experiences extremely harsh winters, the temple is only open from April to November. The god is brought to Ukhimath to be worshipped during those months when the temple is closed. The Kedarnath temple, which is still one of India’s major pilgrimage sites, stayed unharmed when the entire area was devastated by floods.
8. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir
One of the most well-known Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world is the majestic and alluring Amarnath cave shrine. This ice-built Shivalinga was created spontaneously. The gods Parvati and Ganesh are sometimes supposed to be represented by two lesser lingams. The cave is surrounded by mountains that are 3,888 metres high and covered with snow. It is situated in a tiny ravine in the Lidder valley, some 141 miles from Srinagar, the state capital. Only the months of June through August are when the temple is open.
The route to the cave is challenging and requires braving a harsh environment and a strenuous climb. At least five days are needed for the hike. Each year, millions of pilgrims visit the Amarnath cave sanctuary, which is believed to be over 5000 years old. In ancient works like the Rajatharangini and the Nilamata Purana, the temple is mentioned.
9. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra
The Shirdi Sai Baba temple, which was built in the saint’s honor, has his Samadhi as well. The tiny Maharashtrian town of Shirdi is home to one of the few shrines in India that welcomes people of all religions. Sai Baba promoted harmony and peace, and his adherents still read and pay attention to his teachings. The phrase “Shraddha-saburi,” which translates to “faith and compassion,” is one of Sai Baba’s most well-known proverbs. Thousands of devotees visit the temple every day in his honor, making him one of the most simple and well-loved saints in the country.
10. Shri Jagannath Temple, Odisha
The 12th-century Jagannath temple, also known as Jagannath Puri, is located in Puri, Orissa. The temple, one of India’s Char Dhams, is devoted to Lord Krishna. The statues of Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are located within the temple premises, with the idol of Lord Krishna standing in the middle. Non-Hindus are not permitted inside the temple’s grounds.
From the roof of the Raghunandan Library, which is situated directly across from the temple, they may have a fantastic view of this majestic temple. Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra riding in chariots may be seen clearly during the annual and well-known Rath Yatra that is held in Puri. The sacred chariot is being pulled by thousands of people, which makes the yatra a worthy spectacle.
11. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu
It is situated in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and is devoted to the goddess Parvati (also known as Meenakshi) and her husband Lord Shiva. Madurai is one of the world’s oldest cities and the second-largest metropolis in India.
It is customary to take a plunge in the temple’s Golden Lotus tank before visiting the God and Goddess’s primary shrine since it is seen to be fortunate. According to a tale, the pond is even older than the temple and was built by Lord Shiva. A hall of the temple has 985 pillars, each of which is artistically carved with a unique figure. The vibrant temple from the 12th century was one of the thirty candidates for the “New Seven Wonders of the World.”
12. Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra
One of the eight Ganesha Temples in Maharashtra is the Siddhivinayak Temple, which is situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. Additionally, it is one of India’s wealthiest temples. The chief god of the temple, Lord Ganesha, is the one who is always worshipped first before beginning anything new in life.
Because of this, he also goes by the name Vighnaharta. There are eight carvings of Lord Ganapati on the shrine’s wooden doors. The Siddhivinayak temple has one of the eight Ganesha statues. Seven temples in Maharashtra include seven more unique pictures. Every day of the year, devotees attend the temple, but on Tuesdays, the greatest number of people come to worship the Lord for good luck.
13. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is unquestionably one of India’s most revered and historic temples. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, in the city of Kashi. Given that it is one of the nation’s 12 Jyotirlingas, it holds great significance for Hindus. It is said that followers who take a dip in the Ganges, then go to the temple and pray receive Moksha, or salvation. The enormous Shivalinga at the temple is around 60 cm tall and 90 cm broad.
14. Yamunotri Temple, Uttarakhand
Yamunotri is another temple that should be visited, along with Gangotri. As its name implies, this temple honours the Yamuna river and is near to the Gangotri temple. Given that it was constructed in the 19th century, it is also among India’s oldest temples. The temple had natural catastrophe damage throughout time, yet it was always repaired. The black marble goddess Yamuna statue is housed in a temple that is 3291 meters above sea level. The temple’s surrounding hot springs are another draw. Admirers must also travel a long trip to the temple because there is no alternative way to reach it.
15. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Tirumala Venkateswara temple of Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, is the official name of the temple. The temple receives at least one lakh, daily visitors, if not more. It is devoted to Lord Venkateshwara, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu also known as Lord Balaji, and is situated in the Tirumala hills. One of the most well-known festivals of the temple is the “Brahmotsavam” festival, which is celebrated in September and is visited by millions of devotees from all over the world. Many devotees, both male, and female get their heads tonsured as a sacrifice to the Lord because it is customary in this place to offer one’s hair. Laddoos, a sweet, are also well-known as prasadam, or temple offerings.
16. Khajuraho Temple, Madhya Pradesh
The town of Khajuraho in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh is home to several temples that date from the 10th to the 12th century. The town’s monuments cover a 20 sq km area and are included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temples are made of sandstone and are devoted to Hindu and Jain gods. The sensual urges, which may also be observed in the temples displaying daily tasks, are well-known across the world.
There are probably only 20 remaining temples in the region out of the almost 75 that were originally there. Eastern, Western, and Southern zones make up the divisions of the temples. The most well-known temples are located in the Western zone; among them is the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, which is the biggest temple in Khajuraho.
Every year, during the first week of February, the Khajuraho Dance Festival, which honors Indian traditional dance styles, is held in front of the Chitragupta or Vishwanath temple.
17. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
This temple is located in Delhi close to the banks of the River Yamuna and was built using the concepts of Pancharatra Shastra and Vastu Shastra. The temple’s similarity to early Indian architecture and the spiritual energy it emanates is evidence of its genuineness.
A manifestation of Lord Vishnu, Lord Swaminarayan is the temple’s main deity. The 11-foot-tall statue is located underneath the temple’s main dome. Italian Carrara marble and pink stone from Rajasthan were used to construct the building.
The gorgeous Akshardham temple is enhanced by the brilliantly built lighting fixtures at night, making it even more spectacular. Information about the history and philosophy of the Swaminarayan sect and its founder may be learned through a variety of activities and events, including exhibitions, documentaries, monuments, and boat trips.
18. Gomateshwara Temple, Karnataka
The Gomateshwara temple, which is devoted to Lord Bahubali, also known as Gomateshwara, is located in the Karnataka town of Shravanabelagola. One of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites, it was constructed in the tenth century. The statue’s unusual construction inspires astonishment in people all around the world. The idol, which is 58.8 feet tall, was carved from a single granite rock. There is no outside support for this monolithic edifice as it sits at such a tremendous height.
Three separate inscriptions—one each in Marathi, Kannada, and Tamil—decorate the base of the Bahubali deity. Mahamastakabhisheka, which takes place in the temple once every 12 years, is the most significant celebration. For the Jain community, it is a highly significant celebration when Lord Bahubali is washed, covered in saffron paste, sugarcane, turmeric, milk, and vermillion, and presented with numerous valuable stones and gold and silver money.
19. Iskcon Temple, Uttar Pradesh
ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), also known as the Krishna Balaram Mandir, was constructed in 1975. The temple is said to have been Lord Krishna’s childhood home and is situated in the holy site of Vrindavan in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
The ISKCON Temple is highly recognized for upholding the highest level of cleanliness. Every hour of the day, the chanting of “Hare Krishna” echoes throughout the temple.
The temple is a part of the Hindu religion known as Gaudiya Vaishnava, which was established in the sixteenth century by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Along with the idols of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Swami Prabhupada, the shrine also contains idols of Krishna, Radha, and Balarama (founder of ISKCON).
20. Banke Bihari Temple, Uttar Pradesh
This well-known Krishna temple may be found in Vrindavan, an urban area in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura District. It is one of India’s holiest locations since this is where Lord Krishna spent most of his formative years. The Banke Bihari Temple is one of the town’s most well-known temples among the several well-known temples in Vrindavan. One of the well-known saints of the time and the alleged mentor of Tansen, the well-known singer in Akbar’s court, Swami Haridas constructed the temple. It is believed that as Swami Haridas was performing a lovely devotional hymn, Lord Krishna and his consort allegedly came before him.
When they agreed to remain, the pair transformed into a stunning black idol at Swamy Haridas’ request. Even now, people continue to worship this same idol. People from all across India visit the temple during the fervor with which Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated. The temple deity’s unique quality is that it is revered while still a youngster.
21. Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
Mahabodhi Temple, which is situated in the historic Bihar city of Bodh Gaya, is also known as the “Temple of the Great Awakening.” Out of the 84,000 shrines built by King Ashoka the Great, it is the only one still standing. At the age of 35, Prince Siddhartha gained nirvana and transformed into Lord Buddha in this fortunate haven of calm. The tour journal of renowned Chinese explorer Huen Tseng has references to the Great Stupa.
The temple has gained a spot among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites thanks to its distinctive and genuine architectural design. For those who practice Buddhism, Mahabodhi Mahavira, as it is more often known, is one of the most important pilgrimage places.
22. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
The Kamakhya Temple has tucked away in the western region of Guwahati, Assam, on the Nilachal Hill. Kamakhya Temple is one of the four main shakti-peethas of Goddess Sati, according to the Kalika Purana. It serves as a place of devotion for Tantra.
The mythological womb of the Goddess is thought to be housed in the temple’s “garbhagriha.” The Brahmaputra river next to the temple glows crimson every year in the month of June, earning it recognition across the country as a special temple that honors femininity. This time period, which is seen as a celebration of the ability of women to bear children, is said to reflect the Goddess’ menstrual cycle.
23. Sabarimala Temple, Kerala
The Sabarimala temple is situated on a hilltop, surrounded by 18 hills, and a thick forest on Kerala’s Western Ghat. With an estimated 50 million or more people annually of various ages, castes, and religious affiliations, it is also one of the busiest pilgrimage sites in India. The Sabarimala shrine is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, the child of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the feminine manifestation of Lord Vishnu. After killing Mahishi, a demon that was bothering the villagers, Lord Ayyappa is reported to have pondered on these hills.
The temple was erected there at the request of Lord Ayyappa, whose foster father was the local monarch. Women can visit the temple after the age of 50 and up until the age of 10, but only men are allowed inside. Visitors to the temple observe a fast and refrain from drinking alcohol and eating meat. On January 14 in honor of Makar Sankranti and during the Mandala Pooja in the months of November and December, the Sabarimala temple is open. In August, the temple is also accessible to worshippers for a few days.
24. Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan
The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, is one of the most respected temples in the state and is frequented all year round by thousands of worshippers. The temple has a special meaning that cannot be found in any other temple. It is devoted to a guru by the name of Karni Mata, who is said to be a manifestation of the goddess Durga. Numerous rats may be found both outsides and within the shrine. Due to a tale around them, these rats are safeguarded and adored.
It is believed that Karni Mata asked Lord Yama, the deity of death, to resuscitate her deceased boys, and the lord consented to do so by giving them the appearance of rats. Rats are never killed at this shrine since they are also adored there.
25. Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple, Uttar Pradesh
The Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi temple is the most well-known of all the notable temples in Mathura, the city where Lord Krishna was born. This is because it is said that this temple was constructed precisely where Lord Krishna was born. The jail cell where the Lord was born is known as the sanctum sanctorum. Numerous Lord Krishna-related artifacts were discovered during archaeological digs, supporting the claims and beliefs. The temple was allegedly erected there around 1814. Numerous thousands of people visit the temple to pray during Janmashtami. Devotees from all around the world attend the temple even on other days throughout the year.
26. Guruvayoor Temple, Kerala
One of the most well-known pilgrimage sites in the nation is the Lord Krishna-dedicated Guruvayoor Shri Krishna temple in the Keralan town of Guruvayoor. Among local worshippers, the lord is known as Guruvayoorappan. The place is also regarded as a holy shrine for weddings. In the temple, many weddings take place. Inside are only Hindus, and visitors must adhere to a clothing requirement. All Keralan temples adhere to the rule that men are not permitted to wear shirts within the building.
27. Mukteswara Temple, Odisha
Mukteswara Temple, built in the tenth century, is devoted to Lord Shiva, also known as the “Lord of Spiritual Emancipation,” which refers to freedom from the cycle of life and death.
Due to its experimental architectural design, the temple has acquired the moniker “Gem of Odisha Architecture.” The walls of the temple are decorated with intricately carved sculptures. The temple’s majestic arched doorway, which features Buddhist texts, is its most well-known feature. Every year from January 14 to January 16, the Mukteswar Dance Festival is put on by the Odisha Tourism Department and draws a sizable attendance.
28. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Karnataka
The biggest active temple in the world is called Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, and it is situated in Srirangam, Karnataka. In the year 984 AD, a local leader dedicated it.
The shrine is home to Raganatha, a reclining manifestation of Lord Vishnu. With Goddess Lakshmi at his feet, Lord Vishnu is seen lying down on his serpent, Adisesha, beneath a canopy made of its seven hoods. The temple is one of the Pancharanga Kshetram, the five most revered places of devotion.
29. Virupaksha Temple, Karnataka
The temple, which was constructed in the seventh century, is renowned for having been in use as a temple ever since it was created. It is one of the most well-known temples in Hampi among many others, and it is situated in the hamlet. All of Hampi’s historical sites have been acknowledged and are included as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Shiva’s shrine, Virupaksha Temple, is a significant place of worship and a well-liked tourist attraction. The size of the pilgrimage center has grown over time. The temple is also known as Pampapathi Temple because the local goddess Pampa and Shiva, who take the shape of Virupaksha, are partners. The temple hosts a number of celebrations honoring the engagement and nuptials of
30. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu
A little island hamlet in Tamil Nadu called Rameswaram is well-known for being one of the revered Char Dhams of the Hindus. According to mythology, after conquering the Brahmin demon king Ravana, Lord Rama and his wife Sita landed on the beach of this island.
Lord Rama wished to pray to Lord Shiva in order to seek atonement for the death of a Brahmin. He requested that Hanuman transport a Shivalinga by flying to Kailash. Goddess Sita created a little lingam in the meantime. Both the one created by Goddess Sita and the one carried by Lord Hanuman is known as lingams. Lord Rama stipulated that Vishwalingam must be worshipped before the Ramalingam, and this tradition is being observed today.
CONCLUSION:
One should begin their tour with the temples if one wants to comprehend India and the many facets of its spirituality and religion. The walls of Indian temples are covered with thousands of stories that condense the intricacy of life and death.
Imagine yourself lost in a nation where there is a wealth of information, a hidden way to nirvana, and a dynamic array of cultural beliefs; that is how it feels to be in a place like India. In India, spiritual tourism has existed since ancient times and is not only a recent fad.
Different segments of this extensive trip of spirituality, beliefs, and truth are brought to you by Tour My India!
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