Ever since the first specs of civilization were unearthed in the Indus valley civilization, the presence of temples in India have been defined. Home to millions of massive and small temples or Mandirs, India is the perfect place for going temple hopping. Dedicated to various gods, goddesses and their avatars, almost every inch of the subcontinent is covered in temples. Temples in India are not merely places of worship but they are a source of immense strength and hope for everyone. Temples have not only managed to preserve the age-old culture and rich heritage but it has also helped in continually reminding us of our wonderful history that we should be proud of.
With the sound of devotional chanting in every corner and the fragrance of incense in the air while displaying traditional temple architecture, here are the top 20 Hindu temples in India:
Located on the banks of the Arabian Sea in the holy Veraval region of the western most state of Gujarat, Somnath Mahadev is one of the most important temples of not just Gujarat but of India as well. According to historical accounts and various literary sources, the temple has been ransacked 17 times in the past by invaders and robbers who plundered and stole the temple’s precious stones, gems and gold. The current temple complex structure was completed in 1951 using the traditional Chalukya Style of architecture. With the presiding deity of Lord Shiva the temple is a major pilgrimage centre for devotees from all over the world.
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Dedicated to Lord Badri who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Badrinath Dham is an important pillar of spirituality among the temples of India. Situated just next to the holy Alaknanda River, the temple is a part of all India as well as the Chota Char Dham Yatra that takes place in Devbhumi, Uttarakhand. Established by Adi Shankaracharya during the 8th century, the temple is a stark contrast to the lush green surroundings. According to mythological accounts, it is here that Lord Vishnu had spent ages, just meditating while also braving the harsh weather conditions without a flinch. The temple is very close to the hearts of every Vishnu devotee as well as every Hindu devotee who wishes to go for the Char Dham Yatra and attain moksha.
Situated in the eastern coastal state of Odisha, Jagannath temple is another important part of the All India Char Dham Yatra. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu who is worshipped here as the lord of the universe, the temple of Jagannath was built in the 12th Century. The presiding deity inside the temple is that of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and her sister goddess Subhadra. The temple has found its mention in the holy Skanda Puran and Brahma Puran. The wooden idols of the presiding deity have been blessed by Lord Brahma himself and hold a lot of importance in the life of Hindu devotees. The temple is stunningly built on platforms with the mian temple dome being 45 stories high.
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Kashi Vishwanath or the golden-roofed temple in the heart of Varanasi is a major place of Shiva pilgrimage in India. Ranking among one of the most visited temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is truly a culmination of deep religious beliefs and spirituality in one. The temple has found its mention in the ancient holy writings of the puranas and has been visited by several important historical people such as Adi Shankara, Ramakrishna Paramhansa, Swami Vivekananda, Goswami Tulsidas and many more. The temple is built on the spot where the divine Jyotirlinga had appeared on its own. Just like several Hindu temples in India, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple had been demolished and reconstructed several times from the hands of various rulers. Gracing the holy banks of the river Ganga, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex consists of several smaller temple shrines and a major pilgrimage destination in India.
Also known as Ramanathaswamy temple and located in the island of Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. This Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 important pilgrimage sites for Jyotirlinga Darshan while also being an important part of the All India Char Dham Yatra. As per the historical accounts, Rameswaram temple was constructed following the instructions of Lord Ram himself. He got the temple built with the intention of worshipping Lord Shiva prior to his journey to Sri Lanka. Even the main lingam of the temple was established and worshipped by Lord Rama before crossing the bridge to Sri Lanka. This temple was later on expanded and decorated immaculately using massive gopurams and corridors by the Pandya Dynasty and the monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom.
Also known as the Shri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is located on the banks of the holy Vaigai Temple in the holy temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to goddess Meenakshi who is an avatar of goddess Parvati the temple has found its mention in the holy Tamil Sangam literature that was built between 6th to 9th century. The temple represents the matrilineal society and the fact that the women held an important position during the bygone era as opposed to what people may think. The temple is primarily known for its architecture and design style with over 33,000 colourful structures decorating it. Displaying 12 massive gopurams, a hall of thousand pillars and a massive gold lotus pond in the centre, every aspect of this temple is captivating to say the least.
Situated on an elevation of over 3,500 metres above sea level in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, Kedarnath is an important temple of Shiva pilgrimage. Placed just next to Mandakini River, this powerful Shiva temple is also a part of the Char Dham Yatra. As per historical texts the foundation for the temple was laid by the Pandava brothers while they had visited Kedarnath on a quest for forgiveness by Lord Shiva. Later on the temple’s importance was revived by the great sage and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya who is also credited with the establishment of the holy Char Dham Yatra. The temple houses the unique triangular-shaped lingam inside a traditionally built temple structure. Although the 18 km long route to Kedarnath is an extremely challenging one, reaching the powerful divine feeling can be overwhelming for many devotees.
Currently under construction, Ram Mandir is situated in the holy land of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The temple is being built under the supervision of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, it is set to become the largest temple in India. The temple holds immense importance in the life of every Hindu devotee since according to the holy book of Ramayan, it is here that Lord Ram is said to have been born. The temple structure will be built in the traditional style with nagaras and domes supported by intricately carved-out pillars. Each brick used in the making of this temple will say RAM. After decades of trials, tribulations, riots and destruction, it was in 2020 that the ground ceremony took place by the honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
Situated in the hill state of Devbhumi Uttarakhand on an elevation of 3,690 metres above sea level, Tungnath Mahadev is the highest Shiva temple in the world. Reaching the temple involves a brief hike of a few kms through a diverse natural biodiversity of the Himalayas. The temple’s origin can be traced to the time of the Pandavas. They are said to have established this temple as a part of their Panch Kedar Yatra while they were looking for Lord Shiva. Hindu legends also tell us that both Lord Rama and Ravana had performed penance and meditated here. As the snow covers the region during the peak winter season, the idol of the presiding deity is shifted to the Markandeshwar Temple in the nearby village of Makkumath.
Situated in the capital city of New Delhi, Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple is a massive temple complex. This temple complex represents the combination of traditional and modern Hindu culture, spirituality and architectural style at its best. Established in 2005 and constructed by the BAPS, the temple complex is over 2 acres and consists of several fascinating and engaging elements. It is built in such a way that truly reflects the 1,000-year-long well preserved culture of Indian temples and traditions. It is truly a spectacle to behold as it is adorned with 200 intricately sculptured stone figures of not only gods and goddesses but of sages, monks, Acharyas and other such divine figures. Each of the 234 pillars in the temple are carved out ornately along with the 9 domes.
Famous for being the richest temple in the world and located in the city of Lord Vishnu, Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, the temple is a wonder in itself. The treasures contained inside the temple vaults are divided into 5 vaults where each vault contains billions worth of gold and treasures. The temple has been mentioned in various religious Hindu texts like the Vishnu Puran, Brahma Puran, Matsya Puran, Bhagwat Puran and more. It is also one of the holy 108 Divya Desams in India which are considered as the holy abodes of Lord Vishnu. Built during the 8th century with the current structure dating back to the 18th century, there are numerous traditions surrounding the origins of the temple.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva and situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi group of temples, the Virupaksha Temple is a must visit. Situated next to the holy river of Tungabhadra, the temple was built under the patronage of king Deva Raya the 2nd during the 7th century. The temple in itself is decorated with interesting artefacts, crafts, statutes and engravings that represent a bygone era. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva who is worshipped in the form of Virupaksha inside the temple. The temple is said to have been built on the place where Lord Shiva and goddess Parvati were married making it even more holy. Built in a traditional manner, and although a small shrine, the temple is complete with several pillars, shrines, gateways and gopurams.
Situated in the eastern coastal state of Odisha, the Lingaraja temple is one of the oldest and the largest temples in the state. This landmark temple receives a massive devotee footfall throughout the year. Although built during the 11th century by the Kalinga rulers, the temple is believed to date further back to the 6th century. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here as the king of linga or the Lingaraja, it is said that lord Shiva had stayed here for some time while also having carved out the lake here that has healing properties. It is also one of the finest examples of Kalinga architecture at its best with one large shrine and over 150 smaller shrines dotting the entire temple complex.
Also known as Jagat Mandir and situated in the heart of the city of Dwarka in Gujarat, Dwarkadhish temple needs no introduction. It is a part of the holy Char Dham pilgrimage centres of India and is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is worshipped here as the king of Dwarka. The origin of the temple dates back to over 2,000 years ago and still stands as one of the major religious centres of India. It is said that the temple is built right on the place of lord Krishna’s residence by his nephew Vajranabha. Just like in case of other Hindu temples in the past, the temple has been destroyed and reconstructed several times with the current structure being built during the 16th century.
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Situated in the immaculate and deeply spiritual Andhra’s temple town, Tirupati is mainly known for its Lord Venkateswara Temple which is also one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in India. Tirumala is located on top of one of the 7 holy hills in Tirupati, the location of the main temple. What makes this temple even more pious is the fact that it is here that Lord Venkateswara had taken the form of the idol that is worshipped here by thousands of devotees on a daily basis. Tirupati is an ancient place of holy Hindu worship that has been mentioned in holy Hindu texts like Vedas and Puranas. The entire complex is spread out for 26 kms where pilgrims come to worship the 8 feet tall idol of the presiding deity.
Situated in the Nilachal Hills of Assam, Kamakhya Devi Temple is a highly revered Devi Shakti Temple in India. This Shakti Peeth Temple is built on the place where the goddess’s womb or yoni had fallen and is worshipped by throngs of devotees all year long. Every year the temple thrives to life during the Ambubachi Mela Festival that is celebrated annually to honour the menstruation of the goddess. The construction of the main temple can be traced back to the 8th or the 9th century that was later on further developed and enlarged by the following rulers. The temple is so important to the region that it has also been mentioned in the travelogues of ancient Chinese travellers.
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Baidyanath Temple or Vaidyanath Jyotirlinga is a powerful place of Shiva worship, one of the 12 holy Jyotirlingas in India and a major Char Dham Temple complex. Located in Deoghar in the state of Jharkhand, the temple holds a lot of importance in the life of every Hindu devotee. Along with the main temple the complex also holds 21 other shrines dedicated to various gods and goddesses. It is believed that Ravan had worshipped Lord Shiva at this very spot where his wishes were granted by Baba Bholenath that resulted in him wreaking havoc in the world. It was also here that Ravan had offered his 10 heads as sacrifice for the lord to grant his wishes. Seeing this the lord himself descended from heaven to cure Ravan from his injuries.
Situated in the holy town next to the gushing Ganga River, Haridwar, the Chandi Devi Temple is one of the most famous places of worship in Uttarakhand. Gracing the top of the holy Neel Parvat on the eastern side of the Shivalik Hills, the current temple structure was built in 1929 by suchat king during his reign as the king in Kashmir. Although the temple structure is pretty recent, the main idol of the presiding deity was installed during the 8th century by the great sage and philosopher Adi Shankaracharya. The temple is highly revered as a Siddh Peeth and is believed to be the place where all the people’s wishes tend to come true. A visit to Chandi Devi Temple along with Mansa Devi Temple and Maya Devi Temple is a famous Teerth Yatra.
Situated in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, the Krishna Janmasthan Temple complex is a group of Hindu temples with the main temple being the place where Lord Kishna was born. Situated just adjacent to the Shahi Eidgah Mosque that was built by Aurangzeb, a visit to this place will show you the level of secularism in India. The temple houses the jail where Lord Krishna was born to his mother and later on carried in a basket through Yamuna River to keep him safe from the tyrant uncle who was intending on killing him at birth. The complex contains Keshavdev Temple, Garbha Griha shrine and a Bhagavata Bhavan. It is currently one of the most visited temples in India and visiting it during the festivals of Holi and Diwali is an experience in itself.
Situated in the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, the Brahma temple is the only temple dedicated to Lord Brahma in India. Situated very close to the sacred lake of Pushkar and overlooking the surrounding, this temple is a rare one. The current temple structure can be traced back to the 14th century and is made using marbles and stone slabs. The Garbha Griha of the temple holds a 4 headed Brahma statue along with his consort Gayatri or the goddess of the Vedas. Every year, especially during the holy eve of Kartik Purnima, the temple receives a large gathering of pilgrims who not only offer their Darshan but also make it a point to take holy dip in the lake of Pushkar.
Q. Which Is The Largest Temple In India?
Ans. The Srirangam Temple is the largest functioning temple in the world.
Q. Which Is The Oldest Temple In India?
Ans. Mata Mundeshwari Temple is the oldest temple in India and is located in Bihar.
Q. How Many Temples Are There In India?
Ans. There are over 2 million temples in India.
Q. Which City Is Known As The Temple City In India?
Ans. Bhubaneswar is known as the temple city in India.
Q. Which Ruler Is Known As The Temple Builder?
Ans. Rajaraja Chola the first is known as the temple builder of India.
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