India is a land of diverse culture and religion, and it is well-known for its magnificent temples that are spread across the country.
These temples are not only places of worship but also showcase exquisite architecture and artistic brilliance. Here is a brief description of the top 15 famous temples in India.
Here a list of Top 15 Temples in India:-
Top 15 Famous Temples in India Historical & Spiritual Journeys (Updated 2023)
Table of content
1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most revered Hindu temples in India, located in the ancient city of Varanasi in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is known as Kashi Vishwanath or Vishveshwara, meaning “Ruler of the Universe”.
The temple’s history dates back to ancient times, and it has undergone several demolitions and reconstructions over the centuries.
The current structure was built in the 18th century by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore.
The temple’s architecture is a blend of Hindu and Islamic styles, with the main deity housed in a gold-plated dome.
The temple is situated in the heart of Varanasi’s old city, near the banks of the holy River Ganges.
It is believed that visiting the temple and taking a dip in the Ganges will cleanse one’s sins and bring salvation.
The temple attracts a large number of devotees from all over India and the world, especially during festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and Navratri. It is also a popular destination for pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and enlightenment.
In recent years, the temple has undergone significant renovations, including the construction of a new corridor and plaza to ease the flow of devotees.
The temple complex also includes several smaller shrines and a museum showcasing ancient artifacts and photographs.
2. Tirupati Balaji Temple, Tirumala
Tirupati Balaji Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the town of Tirumala in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The temple is one of the richest temples in the world and attracts millions of devotees every year.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture, intricate carvings, and the annual Brahmotsavam festival, which is celebrated with great fervor.
The temple also has a strong cultural and spiritual significance for the people of the region and is considered one of the holiest places in India.
3. Golden Temple, Amritsar
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is a prominent Sikh gurdwara located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India. It is the holiest site in Sikhism and attracts millions of visitors every year.
The temple is known for its stunning architecture and the gilded exterior that gives it its nickname.
The complex also features a large pool of holy water known as the Amrit Sarovar, which is said to have healing properties.
Visitors to the temple can participate in the community kitchen, where volunteers prepare and serve free meals to all visitors regardless of religion, caste or creed.
4. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu, India. It is dedicated to Meenakshi, a form of the goddess Parvati, and her consort Sundareswarar, a form of the god Shiva.
The temple is famous for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, as well as its significant religious and cultural significance.
The temple complex covers an area of over 14 acres and includes several mandapams, shrines, and gopurams, the tallest of which is over 170 feet high.
Meenakshi Temple attracts thousands of visitors and devotees each year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in India.
5. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur
Brihadeeswarar Temple, also known as the Peruvudaiyar Kovil, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India.
The temple was built in the 11th century by Raja Raja Chola I and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temple is famous for its magnificent architecture, particularly its towering vimana, or temple tower, which is over 200 feet tall and is believed to be one of the tallest temple towers in the world.
The temple also houses a massive statue of Nandi, the sacred bull, which is carved out of a single rock and measures over 16 feet in length and 13 feet in height.
6. Konark Sun Temple, Konark
Konark Sun Temple, located in the town of Konark in the Indian state of Odisha, is a 13th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya.
It was built during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century.
The temple is famous for its architectural marvel, with intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from the Hindu mythology.
The temple is designed in the shape of a chariot, with 12 pairs of wheels and is drawn by seven horses. It is also known as the Black Pagoda due to the dark color of the stone used in its construction.
7. Khajuraho Temple, Khajuraho
Khajuraho Temple is a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in Khajuraho, a town in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India.
These temples are famous for their exquisite and intricate carvings, which depict various scenes from the Hindu epics, as well as erotic sculptures.
The temple complex consists of 22 temples, out of which only a few are well-preserved and attract visitors from all over the world.
The Khajuraho Temples were built during the Chandela Dynasty between 950 and 1050 CE, and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The temples are known for their unique architecture, which combines elements of the Nagara and Dravidian styles.
8. Jagannath Temple, Puri
Jagannath Temple is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, located in the city of Puri in Odisha state, India.
It is one of the four most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites, collectively known as Char Dham, and is considered a part of the sacred “Sri Jagannath Dham” along with the Gundicha Temple, Lokanath Temple, and Sun Temple.
The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra festival, where the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on chariots.
The temple has a unique architecture with its towering spire and intricate stone carvings. The temple’s history dates back to the 12th century and has been a significant center of worship for Hindus since then.
9. Somnath Temple, Gujara
The Somnath Temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva and is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea.
The temple is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
10. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya
The Mahabodhi Temple is located in the holy city of Bodh Gaya and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and is believed to be the place where he attained enlightenment.
11. Lotus Temple, Delhi
The Lotus Temple is a modern architectural marvel and is known for its unique lotus-shaped structure.
The temple is open to people of all religions and is a symbol of unity and harmony.
12. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
The Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most visited temples in India, located in the scenic hills of Jammu and Kashmir.
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Vaishno Devi and is believed to grant the wishes of the devotees.
13. Akshardham Temple, Delhi
The Akshardham Temple is a modern temple complex that showcases Indian culture, heritage, and spirituality.
The temple is known for its stunning architecture, intricate carvings, and light and sound show.
14. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Karnataka
The Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ranganatha, a form of Lord Vishnu, located in the town of Srirangam in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.
It is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in India and is a major center of Vaishnavism.
The temple complex covers an area of 156 acres and has a total of 21 gopurams (towers), the tallest of which is 236 feet.
The main sanctum of the temple houses a reclining form of Lord Vishnu, which is over 13 feet long and covered with gold. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.
15. Laxminarayan Temple, Delhi
The Laxminarayan Temple, also known as the Birla Mandir, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Laxmi.
Located in the heart of the Indian capital city of Delhi, the temple is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings.
The temple was built in 1939 by the industrialist family of Birlas, and it took six years to complete the construction.
The temple is made of white marble and is adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures.
The main shrine of the temple houses a 3.5-meter-tall idol of Lord Vishnu, while the other shrines are dedicated to other deities of the Hindu pantheon.
Conclusion
India is a land of diverse cultures, religions and beliefs. Temples in India are not just places of worship, but also a symbol of the rich heritage and traditions of the country.
The top 15 famous temples in India listed above are not just significant from a religious perspective, but also from an architectural and historical point of view.
These temples attract millions of visitors every year from India and around the world, and have a significant impact on the tourism industry of the country.
The intricate carvings, impressive structures and peaceful ambience of these temples are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the people who built them.
A visit to these temples is an enriching experience that allows one to appreciate the beauty and diversity of India’s culture and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the most visited temple in India?
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, is considered the most visited temple in India.
Q2. Are non-Hindus allowed inside Indian temples?
In general, non-Hindus are allowed to visit most Indian temples, but there are some exceptions where non-Hindus are not allowed inside the main sanctum or certain parts of the temple.
Q3. What is the significance of the Golden Temple in Amritsar?
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest shrine of the Sikh religion. It is a symbol of peace, unity, and equality and is known for its stunning architecture, including the famous golden dome.
Q4. How old is the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai?
The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is believed to be over 2,500 years old, with the current structure dating back to the 16th century.
Q5. What is the special feature of the Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur?
The Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur is known for its massive lingam, which is made of a single stone and stands over 12 feet tall. The temple is also known for its intricate carvings and impressive architecture.
Here a list of Hindu temples in India:-