INDIA’S TOP 25 FAMOUS TEMPLES

1. JAMMU’S VAISHNO DEVI TEMPLE

One of the most famous and distinctive temples in India, it is located in Katra town in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. To get to the temple at the peak, which is located at a height of 5,300 feet, one must go for roughly 12 km. The journey is tough and long, but those who are unable to walk so far can travel to the shrine by horseback, palanquin, or even helicopter. The temple is actually inside of a cave, and instead of statues, you’ll find three rock heads here known as pindies. Every year, the Vaishno Devi shrine receives millions of visitors. The temple is accessible all year long.

2. Uttarakhand’s Kedarnath Temple

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 district. One of the oldest temples in the nation, it is thought that the Pandavas constructed this temple. The 14 km 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 deity 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.

3. Punjab’s Golden Temple

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 figuratively. 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 people from all backgrounds is one of its many distinctive qualities. No one is limited in any way. All kinds of people pay their respects at the temple.

4. Kerala’s Shri Padmanabha Swamy Temple

A majestic statue of Lord Vishnu resting on Anantha, the five-hooded serpent, is housed in the Shri Padmanabha Swamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the state’s capital city (formerly known as Trivandrum). Additionally, since Lord Vishnu is the third god, the idol depicts the three trinities of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, and Lord Vishnu. A lotus may be seen emerging from the idol’s navel, where Lord Brahma is seated. The lord is known as Padmanabha as a result (padma means lotus and nabha means navel). The Shiva Lingam emerges from the idol’s right palm. One of the most significant Vishnu temples in the nation is this one.

5. Uttarakhand’s Badrinath Temple

One of the temples of Chaar Dhaam, the sacred Hindu pilgrimage, is the Badrinath temple. It takes a lot of walking to get to the temple, which is at a height of 10,170 feet. The magnificent architecture of the Badrinath temple, with its stone façade, arches, and unique rooftop, is another intriguing aspect.

6. Gujarat’s Dwarkadish Temple

The Dwarkadish temple, one of the Char Dham temples, is a revered site for Hindu pilgrimage. It is estimated that the temple is older than 2500 years. The temple, which is devoted to Lord Krishna, has five levels and is supported by 72 pillars, which is an astounding feature of the building. The temple is adjacent to the 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 in the midday.

7. Jammu and Kashmir’s Amarnath Cave Temple

Amarnath cave shrine, one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in the world, is magnificent and enchanting. The Shivalinga is naturally constructed here from ice. Additionally, there are two smaller lingams that are thought to be representations of the gods Parvati and Ganesh. At 3,888 metres in height, the cave is encircled by snow-capped mountains. It is around 141 miles from Srinagar, the state capital, and is located in a small ravine in the Lidder valley. Only June through August are the only months the temple is open. Reaching the cave requires a difficult journey that involves enduring a harsh environment and a long hike. The walk requires at least five days. Millions of pilgrims travel each year to the Amarnath cave shrine, which is thought to be over 5000 years old. In ancient works like the Rajatharangini and the Nilamata Purana, the temple is mentioned.

8. The temple of Tirupati Balaji in 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 held 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 own hair. Laddoos, a sweet, are also well-known as prasadam, or temple offerings.

9. Gujarat’s Somnath Temple

As one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, the Somnath temple is a significant temple in India. It is one of the oldest temples in the nation and is located in Saurashtra, Gujarat. Ancient Hindu literature mention the Somnath temple. Due to the fact that it was repeatedly rebuilt after being damaged during attacks at various points in time, it is also known as the “Shrine Eternal.”

10. The Uttar Pradesh temple of Kashi Vishwanath

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 thought that followers who take a bath 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 wide.

11. Uttarakhand’s Gangotri Temple

The Gangotri temple is the location from which Ganga originates and is thought to have been constructed in the 18th century. It is thought that Lord Shiva received Ganga in his hair at the Gangotri temple, which is situated in the Uttarkashi district. One of India’s holiest pilgrimage sites, the temple is made of white granite. The idol is transferred to the Gangotri temple from the Mukkyamath temple, where it is kept for the remainder of the time, during the month of April or May, when the temple is only open once a year.

12. Kerala’s Sabarimala Temple

The Sabarimala temple in Kerala, which is situated on the Western Ghat, is perched atop a peak and encircled by 18 hills and thick woods. It is also one of the busiest locations for annual pilgrimages in India, drawing an estimated 50 million or more visitors each year from all walks of life, faiths, castes, and creeds. Lord Ayyappa, the son of Lord Shiva and Mohini, the female embodiment of Lord Vishnu, is the subject of the Sabarimala shrine. It is thought that Lord Ayyappa meditated on these hills after slaying Mahishi, a demon who had been pestering the locals. The temple was erected there at the request of Lord Ayyappa, whose foster father was the local king. Women can visit the temple after age 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 honour 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.

13. Odisha’s Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple is one of the few temples in the world that is devoted to Lord Sun, making it special in many respects. Due to its exquisite architecture, it is known as a major tourist destination. It is constructed in the form of a chariot, complete with enormous wheels that are exquisitely etched. It is one of the oldest temples in India and is situated in the Puri district of Odisha. It is thought to have been constructed around 1250 AD. The fact that the temple’s entrance receives the sun’s first rays is another distinctive aspect of the way it was constructed. The distinctive sculptures in the temple are another draw. The UNESCO World Heritage List includes the Konark Sun Temple as well.

14. Odisha’s Shri Jagannatha Temple

Another well-known temple, not just in Odisha but throughout the nation and the globe, is the Shri Jagannatha Temple. It is located in Odisha’s Puri district. Given that it is one of the four temples that make up the Char Dham, or sacred pilgrimage, it is one of the most respected Hindu religious sites. Lord Balabhadra and Subhadra are also housed at the temple, which is devoted to Lord Jagannath or Lord Krishna. The most significant festival of the temple, which is visited by thousands of devotees from all over the world, is the yearly Rath Yatra, during which the three deities are said to ride the chariot. Inside the temple, only Hindus are permitted.

15. Maharashtra’s Shirdi Sai Baba Temple

The Shirdi Sai Baba temple, which was built in the saint’s honour, contains his Samadhi as well. It is one of the few temples in India that allows visitors of all faiths, and it is situated in the little Maharashtrian town of Shirdi. Sai Baba advocated harmony and peace, and followers continue to read and listen to his teachings. One of Sai Baba’s most well-known sayings is “Shraddha-saburi,” which translates to “faith and compassion.” To honour one of the most straightforward and revered saints in the nation, thousands of followers come to the temple every day.

16. Amunotri Temple in Uttarakhand

Yamunotri is another temple that should be visited, along with Gangotri. As its name suggests, 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 experienced natural disaster damage throughout time, yet it was always repaired. The temple contains a black marble idol of the goddess Yamuna and is situated at an elevation of 3291 metres. The numerous hot springs beside the shrine are another draw. Devotees must also make a long trip to the temple because there is no other way to get there.

17. The Madhya Pradesh temple of Khajuraho

Since there are numerous temples in this area, they are all referred to as temples, just like in Khajuraho. Both Jain and Hindu temples can be found here. The temple is notable for a number of things, including the fact that it is one of the seven wonders of the world and is on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. One of its other distinctive qualities is its magnificent architecture, which includes tasteful carvings and sculptures. Built of sandstone, it is constructed in such a way that the temple is supported by gravity, a wonderful feature that demonstrates how advanced ancient construction was. It is also a centre for pilgrimage and one of the most visited tourist destinations in the nation. The numerous engravings of sexual sculptures are another noteworthy feature.

18. Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh

It is a temple dedicated to Buddhism and one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Emperor Ashoka erected the Sanchi Stupa, one of the country’s oldest Buddhist temples, in the third century. It is also known as the Great Stupa and is situated in the Madhya Pradesh village of Sanchi in the Raisen district. The four gateways, which are distinguished by their magnificent forms of architecture and exquisite designs, are a distinctive feature of the temple. Each doorway is supposed to stand for peace, love, trust, and courage. It is around 37 m wide and 16 m tall, and it contains the Buddha’s relics.

19. Maharashtra’s Siddhivinayak Temple

One of the most well-known and revered temples in India is the Siddhivinayak Temple, which is devoted to Lord Ganesha. Devotees from all over the nation travel to its location in Mumbai, the state’s capital, in the Prabhadevi neighbourhood. The temple is conveniently located on a prominent thoroughfare. There is a long line of worshippers waiting to see Lord Ganesha on Tuesdays, which is regarded as an auspicious day for the deity. The eight aspects of Lord Ganesha, known as Ashtavinayak, are inscribed on the wooden door of the sanctum.

20. Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathaswamy Temple

One of the sacred Char Dham temples is the Ramanathaswamy Temple, which is situated in Rameshwaram, a little island in Tamil Nadu. It is revered because it is thought that Lord Rama and Sita arrived here first after vanquishing Ravana, who had kidnapped Sita. The Ramaligam and the Vishwalingam are the two Shiva Lingams present here. The Ramalingam was created by Sita, and Lord Hanuman transported the other lingam to this location. It boasts the longest corridor and magnificent architecture. Since it is also one of the nation’s 12 Jyotirlingas, the temple has unique significance and receives thousands of pilgrims each day.

21. Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan

The Karni Mata Temple in Deshnoke, Rajasthan, is one of the most revered temples in the state and is frequented all year round by thousands of devotees. The temple has a special meaning that cannot be found in any other temples. It is devoted to a guru by the name of Karni Mata, who is thought to be a manifestation of the goddess Durga. Numerous rats can be found both outside and within the shrine. Due to a tale around them, these rats are safeguarded and revered. It is thought 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 because they are also worshipped there.

22. Uttar Pradesh’s Banke Bihari Temple

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 the most of his formative years. The Banke Bihari Temple is one of the town’s more 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 founded the temple. It is believed that as Swami Haridas was performing a lovely devotional hymn, Lord Krishna and his consort allegedly appeared before him. When they agreed to stay, the couple transformed into a stunning black idol at Swamy Haridas’ request. Even today, people continue to worship this same idol. People from all over India visit the temple during the fervour with which Janmashtami and Holi are celebrated. The temple deity’s unique quality is that it is revered while still a youngster.

23. Uttar Pradesh’s Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple

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 thought that this temple was constructed exactly where Lord Krishna was born. The jail cell where the Lord was born is known as the sanctum sanctorum. Numerous Lord Krishna-related artefacts 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.

Numerous temples in Mathura and Vrindavan alone are worth visiting. In addition, India has a large number of temples that date back many centuries. Aside from the customary ceremonies and temple celebrations, India’s temple architecture also provides a window into the workmanship of earlier times. Because of this, everybody who is interested in the history of humanity must visit these Indian temples.

24. Kerala’s Guruvayoor Temple

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 temple 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.

25. Tamil Nadu’s Meenakshi Temple

One of the most well-known temples in south India is the Meenakshi temple, which is situated in the Tamil Nadu town of Madurai. It is devoted to the goddess Parvati, also known as Meenakshi, and her husband, Lord Shiva. The temple’s 14 gopurams, 1,000 pillars, gilded vimana over the shrine, and approximately 33,000 sculptures are among its distinctive features. With a total area of over 45 acres, the temple is also one of the biggest.