Ajanta Cave Temples
In the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are located the rock-cut cave monuments which are called as the Ajanta caves. These caves house paintings and sculpture which are considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art. The Ajanta Caves have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1983. These caves date back to the second century BC and were built under the patronage of Hindu Kings at that time.
The official number of caves as numbered by the Archaeological Survey of India is 29 and are located in a horse-shoe shaped ravine which is located around 3.5 km from the village of Ajintha. Paintings and sculptures are present all over the caves except the floors and they depict the teachings of Buddhism and also depictions of Jataka Tales is done in these paintings which are murals of a different style.
Akshardham Temple Delhi
A temple complex which is located in Delhi, the capital of India was consecrated in November 2005 is a Hindu temple complex which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple complex has been made by the organisation BAPS which is headed by the spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The temple is located on the banks of River Yamuna and is constructed using pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian Carrara marble. The complex has a large monument which is the statue of the Lord which is 141 foot long. Also, there are permanent exhibitions, an IMAX cinema, a musical fountain, and large landscaped gardens.
The temple complex has been designed with a blend of architectural styles from all across India. The monument has an 11 foot gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and no concrete or steel has been used to make the image. The carvings that have been made inside the temple’s interiors leave the visitors in complete awe.
Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar
Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest temples in Gujarat of India. Built by the religious organisation called Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, this temple combines many complex fields like devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research etc.
The main focus of the complex is a seven-foot high, gold leafed statue or Murti of Lord Swaminarayan which is enshrined in this temple. The temple is made of pink sandstone is called to be an architectural masterpiece. The Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is the predecessor of the temple with the same name in Delhi that is built by the same organisation. The Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar came to international notice when it was attacked by two heavily armed terrorists in September 2002.
Amarnath Temple
The Amarnath temple is located in caves in Jammu Kashmir and it is one of the most famous of the Hindu temples. The pilgrimage to the Amarnath Caves opens up for 2 months from May to August in the summers according Hindu calendar and a manifestation of Lord Shiva is worshipped in these caves.
An ice Lingam forms in these caves every year and it is actually a stalagmite which resembles the Shiva-Linga that is worshipped here. The place is considered to be around 5000 years old and every year in the summer festival time that takes place in the area, around 400,000 pilgrims come and visit these caves. The pilgrimage entails a 45 km journey on foot or horse back from town of Pahalgam which is located about 96 km from Srinagar. However, to take up the pilgrimage prior permission has to be sought from Indian government as this place is under threat of terrorism and is in control of the Indian Army.
Badrinath Temple
The very famous and important temple that is located in Uttarakhand in India along the river Alkananda, the Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest temples of the Hindu religion. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Along with the statue of Lord Vishnu as Lord Badrinarayan which is one metre tall, fifteen other gods and their statues are worshipped in the Badrinath Temple. Adi Shankara is said to have found this metre tall statue of Badrinarayan made out of Saligram stone in Alaknanda River and Adi Shankara was the one to enshrine the statue near Tapt Kund which are hot springs and made this place as a pilgrimage. The Badrinath Temple opens for six months in a year from end of April to beginning of November and after the temple closes, the statue is moved to nearby Jyotirmath.
Baijnath Temple
On the banks of the Gomti River in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand is located a Shiv temple which is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of the deity and this temple is called the Baijnath temple. This temple was constructed in 1204 AD by two local merchants Ahuka and Manyuka. Before the construction of this temple, there was already a temple at the same place and this is said by the inscriptions that are made in the porch of the temple.
In this temple is enshrined a Svayambhu form of Sivalinga which means that it had arisen from itself. The temple is made in the Nagara style of temple architecture which is seen the early medieval north Indian temples. Special occasions are celebrated here with great zeal and splendour like Mahashivratri, Makar Sakranti, Vaisakha Sankranti etc.
Birla Temple Delhi
One of the most famous temples for Vaishnavites in India, the Birla temple or the Laxminarayan temple in Delhi is built in the honour of Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi and her consort, Lord Vishnu who is the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple has many shrines, fountains and a large garden in the temple complex.
The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who throng the place on the birthday of Lord Krishna that is on Janamashtmi. Vir Singh Deo built the temple in 1622. Prithvi Singh renovated in 1793 and since 1938, the funds and supports have been coming in from the Birla family. The temple has an architectural style of northern India and enchants visitors who come to visit the place.
Birla Temple, Jaipur
Loacted in the South of Jaipur, the Laxminarayan temple or commonly called as the Birla Temple was built by the major industrialist family in India, the Birla family. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Goddess Laxmi and her consort Lord Vishnu who is the preserver of the Hindu Trinity.
The temple is loacted near the Moti Doongri fort which is converted to a small palace. The temple, in order to give respect to the secular nature of the nation, has three different types of domes on the roof to show respect to all religions. The temple building is made of white shining marble which seems to glow at night. Many people come to this place to worship their gods on the day of festivals when celebrations take place in the temple.
Bodhgaya Temples
Bodhgaya was the place where Sidhartha Gautam attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. The place is located about 96 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar. The most valued place here is the Mahabodhi temple where Buddha sat down to meditate to get enlightenment. Also, alongside the temple is the holy Bodhi tree on the western side.
The Mahabodhi temple is made of bricks. In fact it is the oldest brick structure in eastern India. The temple was renovated in the 19th century and currently has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also is nominated for the international World Heritage program. Also, there is the Jewel Walk which leads to Animeshlocha Stupa from the north-east of the Mahabodhi temple. It is said that after attaining enlightenment, Gautam Buddha walked too and fro on this path.
Brahma Temple, Pushkar
The Brahma Temple is located beyond the Nagaparvat and Anasagar Lake in Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the famous pilgrimages of the Hindus. It is the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. It is believed that Lord Brahma used to perform Yagna in this place along with all other gods and goddesses.
The Brahma temple is built with marbles and is decorated with silver coins. The temple houses a statue of Lord Brahma in seated position. The temple also comprises of a life sized image of Lord Vishnu, life sized door men and a mythical bird, in gold.
Bahai Temple
The Bahai Temple is also known as the Lotus Temple. It is a Bahai House of Worship and one of the prominent attractions in Delhi. The Bahai Faith is the youngest independent religion which was founded by Bahaullah. The central theme of this religion was that humanity is one single race.
The construction of the Lotus Temple was completed in 1986. It has won a number of architectural awards and has been featured in numerous magazine article and newspapers. The temple is shaped life a half open lotus and is made of marbles, dolomite, cement and sand. It is open to all faith, races, religious background and culture. It is considered as an ideal place for meditation.
Chattarpur Temple
The Chattarpur temple is loacted in Mehrauli in Delhi and is just 4 km away from the Qutub Minar. The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga although there are temples in the same complex which are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Ganesha. The temple complex is vast and has temples which are huge and are examples of south Indian architecture in northern India.
The temples are built in marble and have Vimanas and Gopurams which are typical to the South Indian style of architecture. Devotees throng the place at the time of Durga Puja and also the Navratras when prayers are offered to goddess Durga. Also, it is considered that tying a thread here will fulfil all your wishes.
Dilwara Jain Temples
Located just 2.5 km from the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu are the Dilwara Jain Temples which are considered to be a pilgrimage place for the Jains. In fact this is one of most beautiful places of pilgrimage for the followers of Jainism. These temples were built between the 11th and the 13th centuries. These temples are famous world over for the marvellous use of marble that has been made here.
There are five temples in the Dilwara Jain temple complex. These temples are the Vimal Vasahi temple, Luna Vasahi temple, Pittalhar temple, Parshvanatha temple and the Mahavir Swami Temple. These temples are loacted in the middle of a range of forested hills and a high wall is surrounding the temple complex.
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple, built in 1814, is one of the most important temples of Mathura. It is one of the most visited temples situated in the heart of the city of Mathura, in Gujarat. The architecture of the temple is quite fascinating. It is one among the four major pilgrimages of the Hindus. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Aboti Brahmins are the one who has been conducting worships in this temple for centuries.
Excellent art works can be found inside the Dwarkadhish Temple including images of Lord Krishna, Radha and several other Hindu deities. The carving and paintings are some of the major attractions of this temple.
Ellora Cave Temples
The Ellora Cave temples are located in Maharashtra in the Deccan Plateau. It is an excellent example of rock cut architecture. The temples were excavated between 600 AD and 900 AD and house some of the most exclusive paintings of that era. These cave temples are famous throughout the world for their excellent artworks. All the shrines and temples inside the cave are cut out of rock.
The temples inside the Ellora caves are divided into three groups- Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. There are 34 caves temples, out of which 17 temples belong to Hindu period, 12 temples to the Buddhist period and 5 belong to the Jain period.
Eklingji Temple
The Eklingji Temple is considered to have been founded by Acharya Viswaroopa a contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya. It is situated in the town of Eklingji, twelve miles north of Udaipur in Rajasthan. The temple dates back to 15 century CE. Lord Shiva is worshiped here and is believed to be the guardian deity of Mewar. The Maharajas of Mewar considered Shiva as their virtual leader.
This temple is linked with the Sharada Math located at Dwaraka, founded by Adi Sankaracharya. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as the ultimate reality, the supreme power, and the wholesome one. The beautiful valley of the Eklingji Temple attract number of visitors every year.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple is the most prominent shrine of Sikhism. It is also known as 'Harmandir Sahib' or 'Darbar Sahib' and is located in Amritsar. This temple is built on a platform located in the centre of the Sarovar (tank). The 11th guru of Sikhism, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside the temple. Countless number of visitors from all walks of life and all religion can come here and worship God equally.
The first foundation stone of the temple was laid on 1588, by Hazrat Mian Mir, the great Muslim Sufi Saint of Lahore. The construction of the temple was completed in 1604, during the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606).
Ganapatipule Temple
Ganapatipule Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is set along the western coast of Maharashtra. It is located at the foothill of the lush green Konkan hills and is adjacent to the beautiful Arabian Sea. The temple is an ancient pilgrim centre bearing a naturally formed idol of Ganapati that was first discovered during 16th Century AD. The Temple becomes the hub of activity during the five days celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
The unique idol of Ganapati in the Swayambhu Ganapati Temple is made of white sand. Thousands of pilgrims flock here every year to pay homage to Lord Ganesha and perform Pradhikshina - a sacred ritual where pilgrims encircle the hill.
Guruvayoor Temple
The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple is among the sacred temples located in Thrissur district in Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is worshiped as Lord Krishna. The idol of the God inside the temple is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjanam.
This famous pilgrimage follow a strict decorum and only Hindus are allowed inside. Several paintings, depicting the life of Lord Krishna can be found in the walls of the main temple. Most of these paintings date back to the 17th century. The roof inside the temple is decorated with gold. Apart from the idol of Lord Vishnu, the temple also has the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Durga.
Iskcon Temple, Bangalore
The ISKCON temple in Bangalore was constructed on a 7 acre hillock wasteland and was started in 1990. The construction finished in 1997 and was inaugurated by President S.D. Sharma on 31st May, 1997. This Hare Krishna Temple is a stand apart from other temples in the city with the unique blend of glass and gopurams that were used in the construction of the temples.
The ISKCON temple in Bangalore draws 6000-8000 devotees every single day. People from all over India come to visit the temple. The temple has nine kitchens to fulfil the enormous requirement of offering that is given in the temple. The construction of the temple has been done in a very hi-tech manner and engineering feats have been completed with the construction of this temple. The main sanctum has been made in such a manner that it will last for thousands of years.
Iskcon Temple, Delhi
The ISKCON temple which has been made by the “Hare Krishna Movement” is one of the most lavish temples in the city of Delhi. The temple is located at Hari Krishna Hill in the East of Kailash area in New Delhi. The temple was built in 1998 and a great example of very fine architecture. The evidence of this is given by the Shikharas that rise to almost 90 ft above the ground level.
This temple and the society are dedicated to the preaching and ideals of Lord Krishna who is considered to be non-different to god. The temple in Delhi has a very big hall which can accommodate almost 1500 people at once. This is a facility that is available for the meetings and sermons that take place every Sunday in the temple. The temple also has a museum where multimedia shows are organised for the knowledge of the people. The occasion of Janamashtmi is celebrated with great pomp and show in the temple.
Iskcon Temple, Vrindavan
The ISKCON temple that is situated in Vrindavan was established I 1975 and was inaugurated by the founder of ISKCON, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on the Ram Navmi of the same year. The temple is loacted in Raman Reti in Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
This is the place where Lord Krishna is said to have enjoyed his childhood and pastimes along with Balaram near Yamuna River. The ISKCON temple in Vrindavan is said to be one of the most inspiring spiritual centres in the world. The deity here is himself Lord Krishna whose statue has been carved out of marble so that he can be worshipped. There are three altars in the temple where there are different reincarnations established in the same premises.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The Jwalamukhi Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage. It is located 35 km away from Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Every year colourful fairs are held during the celebrations of Navratra. Inside the temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out, which is lighted by the priest of the temple. The flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi.
It is believed that the temple belongs to the golden period. The great Mughal Emperor, Akbar also visited this temple. The water course within the premises of the temple is said to have been constructed by Akbar. The temple has a gilt dome and silver plated folding doors.
Kalighat Kali Temple
The Kalighat Kali Temple which is Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Maa Kali is located on the banks of the Adi Ganga River in Calcutta. This temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the various parts of Sati’s body fell as mentioned in religious legends.
People from all over India irrespective of their sectarian differences come to this temple to worship Maa Kali who is considered to be a mother for humans. The temple is 200 years old in its present form. The original temple was a small hut which after that was replaced by a small temple by King Mansingha in early sixteenth century. The present temple was built under the patronage of Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Banisha and was completed in 1809. Also, the image of Kali that is placed here is unique and different from any other images of the goddess.
Kalka Devi Temple
The Kalka Devi temple or the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is located alongside the Vivekananda Bridge in Calcutta around 20 km from the BBD Bagh. The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847 and is dedicated to goddess Kali. It was here that Rama Krishna Paramhansa achieved his spiritual awakening.
The temple has 12 spires and is placed in the centre of an enormous courtyard which is further surrounded by 12 temples where Lord Shiva is the deity. This temple is a world famous place of pilgrimage where thousands come from all over the world to worship the goddess.
Kalkaji Temple
Located in the city of Delhi, the famous Hindu temple of goddess Kali is the Kalkaji temple. This is a very famous temple where devotees come all year round and also at special occasions. This place is marked by red flags at those times and is loacted on a hill. This temple lies just behind the commercial centre of Nehru Place.
This temple is devoted to Kalka Devi and boasts of an existence of 3000 years. It is believed that the oldest parts of the temple date back to the time of Marathas. Also, the Pandavas and Kauravas are believed to have worshipped there during Yudhishthira’s reign. Devotees throng the place at around 7 PM when the aarti or prayer takes place which is simply spectacular. Women outnumber the men in the devotees that come here.
Kanyakumari Temple
Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland and often referred to as Cape Comorin for trade purposes. It is here that the Kanyakumari Temple is located which is dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Devi who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati who was the wife of Lord Shiva.
It is a legend that Kanya Devi was to wed Lord Shiva but the Lord did not turn up for the wedding. So the marriage did not solemnise and the rice and cereals which were meant for the wedding were not cooked and they are still sold in the market in the form of stones that look exactly like rice and cereals. The males who want to visit the temple are required to remove their shirts before entering. The deity of the temple is seated facing east but the northern gates are used for entering the temple.
Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is located atop the Garhwal Himayan Range near the origin of River Mangadkini in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the holiest places for Hindus. This is one of the four major pilgrimages called as Char Dham and is also one of the twelve Jyothirlingas which are the holiest Hindu shrines of Lord Shiva.
The temple is not accessible by road. It can be reached by a 14 km long uphill trek from Gaurikund. The temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya and it is basically a stone edifice of Lord Shiva called the Lingam which is worshipped here in the temple. The temple opens for six months starting from April to November due to adverse weather conditions in winters when the temple is buried under packs of snow.
Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho is a village located in Chhatarpur District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that have the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples. The temples were built during the reign of Chandel Empire from 950 to 1050 A.D. There were around 85 temples in Khajuraho, however, with due time only 22 are left and rest of all withered away.
The temples of the Khajuraho attract number of visitors every year with their intricate and exquisite sculptural art. One major attraction of this temple is the dance festival celebrated annually in the month of March. In this spectacular event, the tourists enjoy the rich classical dance traditions of India.
Konark Temple
One of the most well known temples in India, the Konark Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda is located at Konark in Orissa. This temple is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple was built by King Narsimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century. The temple is dedicated to the Arka or Surya who is the Sun god.
The temple has been built in the form of a chariot of the sun god and is embellished with heavy decorations. The chariot is shown to be drawn by seven horses and running on twelve exquisitely decorated wheels. Each and every inch of the temple is decorated with myriad depictions of birds, animals, dancers, lovers, hunts, court lives etc. the traceries and scrollwork in the temple are very fine and make the temple very exquisite and superior.
Kailash Temple
Kailash Temple is known to be the largest monolithic structure. It is located at Ellora and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is considered as one of the most amazing architecture of the history which is exquisitely sculpted. The temple is divided into four main parts- the body of the temple, the entrance, the shrine and the courtyard.
The architecture of the temple exhibits Dravidian features and was carved out of single rock. It was built in the 8th century and is notable for its vertical excavation. The temple has number of images of animals, deities and scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Ellora festival of dance and music is held every year in the month of December at the Kailash temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is situated amidst the holy city of Varanasi and is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganges. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The main deity of this temple is known as Vishwanatha.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The present structure of the temple is believed to have been built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. The temple is being managed by the government of Uttar Pradesh since 1983. Religious occasion such as Shivratri and Kashi Naresh is celebrated here with great zeal and vigor.
Lotus Temple
The Bahá'à House of Worship in Delhi is also commonly called as the Lotus temple. This is a prominent attraction in Delhi and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. The temple is as reported by many channels and magazines, one of the most visited places in the world.
The temple was completed in the year 1986 and is built in the shape inspired by the lotus flower. The “petals” of the lotus are 27 free-standing marble structures which are arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The temple is 40 meters tall and has nine ponds surrounding the main building. The temple is visited by around 13000 people every single day. The capacity of the temple is to hold around 2500 people all at once.
Lepakshi Temple
Lepakshi Temple lies nine miles east of Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh. The temple dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its fine architectural beauty. This temple is renowned for the mural painting of the Vijayanagar kings. There are three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Virabhadra inside the huge complex.
Impressive sculptures representing dancers, drummers and musicians can be found in the interior of the temples. Another highlight of this temple is the 6 ft. height and 8 m length monolithic "Nandi" (the bull) sculpture. During the month of February, a 10 day long celebration is conducted in the temple. Pilgrims from all over the country flocks here during this festival.
Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraja Temple is one of the largest and an outstanding specimen of the temple building style of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Bhuvneshwar, the capital city of Orissa. The temple is more than thousand years old and exhibits the excellent skill of temple architecture. It is believed that this temple was first built in the 7th century, by the ruler Yayati Kesari.
The Lingaraja temple exhibits the architectural marvel of that period. It consists of the Hall of Dance, the Hall of Offering, the Porch and a 55 m high tower. Around the temple, there are more than 150 other shrines. The Lingaraja temple is also known as the Bhuvneshwar temple.
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Located in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, the Mahakaleshwar Jyothirlinga temple is one of the twelve sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is a three-storey complex which lies by the side of a lake called Rudra Sagar.
It is believed that the lingam form of Lord Shiva that is worshipped here was born of itself unlike other lingams which were enshrined or established. Also, another unusual thing about the Lingam is that it is south facing. Also there are other deities who are enshrined in the temple complex. The temple has five levels which includes the basement level too. The day of Mahashivaratri sees a huge fair that is held here near the temple and worshipping of the deity Lord Shiva goes for the night.
Mansa Devi Temple
Mata Mansa Devi temple is located in the foothills of Shivalik range in the Panchkula district. The present main temple of Sri Mansa Devi was constructed by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra around the period 1811-1815. The temple is dedicated to the worship of goddess Shakti and is an evidence of the age old survival of Shaktism in India.
There are two temples in the complex of Mata Mansa Devi temple. Originally the deity, Mansa along with Devi Saraswati and Lakshmi were worshipped in the form of stone pebbles called as Pindi. But now for giving the goddess an attractive look, form has been given to a marble and the marble bust is also worshipped in modern times. Also, the architecture of the temple is a typical mogul style rather than the “Nagara” style which was prevalent in the Shivaliks.
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is situated in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The complex area of the temple is the largest in India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. It is believed that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi took place in this site. The temple is built in Dravidian architectural style.
The architecture of this temple is stunning and the complex houses 12 magnificent gateways that are painted and sculpted. It seems that the temple was built between twelfth to the eighteenth century. It consists of two shires, a tank and several Mandapas. For the Tamil people, this temple is of great significance.
Mukteswara Temple
Mukteswara Temple is situated at Bhuvneshwar in Orissa. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main highlight of this temple is its magnificent decorative gateway, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa. The temple dates back to 10th century and reflects the perfect harmony of sculpture and architecture. Every inch of the temple is curved in sandstone.
Although, the Mukteswara Temple is a small monument, the sculpture decorated is exquisitely executed. New architectural designs, art motifs and new conceptions about the iconography of the cult images are introduced by the builders of this temple. There is a tank with sacred water towards the eastern side of the complex. Several other shrines can also be sited inside the temple complex.
Rameshwaram Temple
Rameswaram, a small town which is located in the Ramanathapuram in state of Tamil Nadu is located a very important temple for the Hindus. This is the Rameshwaram temple without the journey to which the pilgrimage Kashi is left incomplete. The deity which is presiding here is a Linga with the name of Sri Ramanatha Swamy. This place is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas.
Together with Kashi, the Rameshwaram temple is considered to be one of the holiest places in India and is therefore is a very busy pilgrim centre. This place is also considered to be the one from where Lord Rama started to build the bridge to Lanka to rescue Sita. This temple is made with Dravidian architecture and boasts of the largest temple corridor in India.
Ranakpur Jain Temples
Ranakpur Jain temples were built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. It is located in the mountain rages of the Pali district, in Rajasthan. Chaumukha Temple or Four-Faced Temple is the main temple. It was built in 1439 and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Teacher. Besides, there are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared-halls and 8 domes supported by more than 400 columns. The most fascinating feature of this temple is its 1,444 intricately carved columns.
Inside the Ranakpur Jain temple images of Adinath, Parshvanath, Ajitnath and Lord Mahavir Swami can be found. Two big bells weighing around 108kg can be sited in the assembly hall.
Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi
Located at Shirdi in Maharashtra is the temple which was the final resting place of Sai Baba and is thus called the Sai Baba Temple. This temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year who belong to all religions and castes who come here to pay homage. On the final resting place or the Samadhi, there is now a huge statue of Sai Baba who people come to visit.
Sai Baba was an Indian Guru, Yogi and Fakir who wanted to reconcile the differences between the Hindus and Muslims. He practised and taught using both traditions, lived in a mosque and was buried in a Hindu temple. He was a saint who taught the moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, devotion to God and guru. Prayers take place every morning and evening so as to devote offerings to the guru.
Sanchi Stupas
Sanchi Stupas is the most magnificent structures built by Emperor Asoka in the honour of Lord Buddha. It is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the finest and oldest specimens of Buddhist architecture. The Stupas are large hemispherical domes that contain a central chamber where the relics of the Buddha were placed. In the Sanchi stupas, one can trace the development of the Buddhist architecture and sculpture that begun from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.
The Sanchi stupas are famous for the ornamented depiction of incidents from the life of the Buddha. It also consists of the prior incarnations as Bodhisattvas described in Jataka tales.
Sarnath Temple
Just 10 km from the pilgrimage of Varanasi is located probably the most naturally beautiful Buddhist pilgrimage called as Sarnath. The temple complex has many architectural monuments which are also a very important part of Buddhist and Indian history.
Lord Buddha came to Sarnath to look for his five companions who had abandoned him. This place has a very cool and calm atmosphere to it and many great teachers have given their valuable sermons here. Dhamekha Stupa is the most impressive structure in the complex which was built around 500AD. Then there is the Chaukhandi which was built to mark the meet of Buddha with his companions. The national emblem of India, the Asokan Pillar is also located in this temple complex. The Monasteries and the Digambar Jain Temple are also present in the complex and the former is also said to have original relics of Buddha.
Siddhivinayak Temple
The Shree Sidhivinayak temple that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha is a Hindu temple that is considered to be the richest in Mumbai. The temple is loacted in a place called Prabhadevi, Dadar in Mumbai. The temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in 1801.
The original temple that was built in this place was a very small and tiny place of worship which has now grown in faith and now stands as a Grand Temple in the city. There is a small hall called Mandapam which has the shrine for Lord Ganesha. The eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha called as the Ashtavinayak are carved in the wooden doors which lead to the sanctum. Politicians and Bollywood stars visit the temple very often.
Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple is located on the western coast of Gujarat, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlings symbols of Lord Shiva. This legendary temple was destroyed seven times and rebuilt as many times. It is built in the Chalukya style architecture and reflects the skill of the Sompuras, Gujarat's master masons. Somnath is considered to be the oldest creation built by the Moon God.
The Somnath temple has magnificent architecture and is faces the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. The construction of the present temple in Junagadh district began in 1980. It is the seventh temple built to commemorate the glory of Lord Somnath.
Sravanbelagola Temple
Situated at a distance of around 100 km from Mysore in Karnataka, Sravanabelagola Temple is a great centre for the Jain culture. This is a Jain pilgrimage place which is famous for its colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwara also known as Lord Bahubali. The statue is 17 metres high and is visible from even a distance of 20 km. the statue of the Lord is placed on a hill called Vindhyagiri which gives it the name Sravanabelagola which means “monk on top of the hill”.
The chief festival of the place is called the Maha Mashaka Abhisheka when the head of the statue is anointed with thousands of gallons of milk, honey and precious herbs which are then collected at the base as they are considered to acquire powerful blessings. This festival takes place every 12-14 years according to astrological positions.
Sri Mahavirji
One of the holiest temples in Rajasthan, Sri Mahavirji temple was built in the honour of Mahavira and is located on the banks of river Gambhir. This temple is one of the holiest Jain temples in Rajasthan. The temple is a vast complex which is constructed with white sandstone and has cupolas of red sandstones along with spires that are visible from all around the temple.
Also like other Jain temples, the complex also has smaller temples which have idols of Jain saints. Also, the architecture of the temple is contemporary rather than belonging to the ancient designs of architecture. Also, there is a 32 feet huge statue of Shantinath who is a Jain fordmaker is also established in the temple and also a tower where the feet of Mahavira have been consecrated.
Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala Temple is the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala. It is situated in the Sahyadri Mountains and is prominent among all the Sastha Temples. Maximum number of pilgrims visits the Sabarimala temple on the first day of 'Makharam' month, when a celestial light appears on top of a nearby hill. The light is considered to be sacred and thousands of people arrive just to see it.
Before beginning the journey to the temple, the pilgrims prepare with 41 days of rigorous fasting, meditation, celibacy and prayer. The devotees take dip in the river and start trekking to the hilltop Sabarimala temple. The items that are carried to the temple include a coconut filled with ghee along with other two coconuts that are broken in front of the temple.
Sun Temple - Modhera
The Sun Temple at Modhera was built during the reign of King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in 1026 A.D. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God. At present, the ambiance of the temple provides a marvellous backdrop for several dance, cultural festivals and exhibition of performing arts. The temple appears magnificent even in its ruin state with the pillared portico reflected in the massive tank.
There is no worship offered now in this temple. The temple has a sanctum where carved images of the Sun God wearing a belt and long shoes are portrayed. The temple was designed in such a way that the rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum at dawn.
Thanjavur Temple
The Brihadishwara Temple, at Thanjavur is a brilliant example of the temple architecture achieved by Cholas. This temple is enlisted in the World Heritage List and is one of the most prized architectural sites in India. The temple is surrounded by fortified walls and the temple tower is 216 ft high, one of the tallest in the world. The entire structure of the temple is made out of hard granite stones.
The temple of Thanjavur is an outstanding example of the architectural conception of the Dravidian type of temple architecture and Chola Empire ideology and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India. The temple is a brilliant achievement of the Chola in architecture, painting, sculpture and bronze casting.
Tirupati Temples
Tirupati is said to be the Temple City which is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The existence of the city is owed to the sacred temple of Lord Venkateshwara or Lord Vishnu which is located at the foot of Tirumala Hills. This temple is said to be the most visited religious place in the world and is visited by 60,000 pilgrims every day and up to 200,000 on special occasions.
This temple has a self-manifested idol of Vishnu and attracts tourists from world over. Also, this temple is richest in terms of offerings that are made to the temple by the pilgrims. The other names for the deity are Balaji, Srinivasa, Venkateswara and Venkatachalapathy and are considered to be a boon-granting lord of the “Kali Yuga” which is the last age of Hindu cycle of ages. The temple complex has more traditional temples located in it.
Thousand Pillar Temple
Thousand Pillar Temple is located in the Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This temple was built in 1163 AD by the Kakatiya ruler, Rudradeva. The temple is designed in the shape of a star and has no less than thousand pillars. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Kakatiya style of architecture and its pillars are intricately carved.
Inside the majestic Thousand Pillar Temple, there are three shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Surya respectively. The temple is built on a raised platform that is about one meter above the ground level. The complex of the temple has lush green gardens and the ambiance is full of quietude and tranquillity.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple is a sacred place and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located about 30 km from Nasik in Maharashtra near the mountain Brahmagiri, from where the river Godavari flows. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and serves as the venue for several major worship rituals. It is believed that all the heavenly Gods come down to Nasik once in a twelve year when the Jupiter resides in the Zodiac sign of Leo. A grad fair is organised here during this occasion.
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is considered as the holiest place to perform Shraddha, ceremony of the deceased soul. It is also believed that anyone who visits the temple can attain salvation from the world
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi temple is situated in Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most important Shakti Peeths of India. This temple was constructed in the 8th century by Raja Bir Chand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi and is a major pilgrimage, where thousands of devotees flock every year to pay homage to the Goddess.
Within the complex there is a large Peepal tree that is believed to be present from past many centuries. The idol of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha is placed on the right side of the entrance to the main shrine. The temple is surrounded by natural sceneries. A big fair is held on Shravan Ashtami annually at this temple.
Omkareshwar Temple
The Omkareshwar Temple is situated on the banks of the river Narmada, 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. This temple dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its extravagant style. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshiped Shiva here. The Omkareshwar temple is built with high spires in the North Indian style of architecture.
The dome of the Omkareshwar temple is made of soft soap stone and is surrounded by verandas with columns. The columns are carved in circles, polygons and squares. The tower of the Omkareshwar temple is built in Nagara style and has 5 distinct layers, each layers represents the image of a different Hindu God.
Orcha Temple
Orcha is an ancient city situated on the bank of the river Betwa. This place was founded in 16th century and is famous for its various temples and historical monuments. Some of the major temples of this place are Laxmi Narayan Temple, Raja Ram Mandir and the Chaturbhuj Temple. These temples built by the Bundela rulers.
The Laxminarayan Temple is a mixture of fort and temple architecture. Some of the most exquisite Orcha's wall painting and murals can be found in the interior of this temple. The Ram Raja Mandir is the only temple in India where Ram is worshiped as a king. The Chaturbhuj Temple is built upon a stone platform and was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Ram.
In the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra are located the rock-cut cave monuments which are called as the Ajanta caves. These caves house paintings and sculpture which are considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art. The Ajanta Caves have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1983. These caves date back to the second century BC and were built under the patronage of Hindu Kings at that time.
The official number of caves as numbered by the Archaeological Survey of India is 29 and are located in a horse-shoe shaped ravine which is located around 3.5 km from the village of Ajintha. Paintings and sculptures are present all over the caves except the floors and they depict the teachings of Buddhism and also depictions of Jataka Tales is done in these paintings which are murals of a different style.
Akshardham Temple Delhi
A temple complex which is located in Delhi, the capital of India was consecrated in November 2005 is a Hindu temple complex which is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan. The temple complex has been made by the organisation BAPS which is headed by the spiritual leader Pramukh Swami Maharaj.
The temple is located on the banks of River Yamuna and is constructed using pink sandstone from Rajasthan and Italian Carrara marble. The complex has a large monument which is the statue of the Lord which is 141 foot long. Also, there are permanent exhibitions, an IMAX cinema, a musical fountain, and large landscaped gardens.
The temple complex has been designed with a blend of architectural styles from all across India. The monument has an 11 foot gilded image of Bhagwan Swaminarayan and no concrete or steel has been used to make the image. The carvings that have been made inside the temple’s interiors leave the visitors in complete awe.
Akshardham Temple Gandhinagar
Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar is one of the largest temples in Gujarat of India. Built by the religious organisation called Bochasanwasi Akshar-Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) led by Pramukh Swami Maharaj, this temple combines many complex fields like devotions, art, architecture, education, exhibitions and research etc.
The main focus of the complex is a seven-foot high, gold leafed statue or Murti of Lord Swaminarayan which is enshrined in this temple. The temple is made of pink sandstone is called to be an architectural masterpiece. The Akshardham temple in Gandhinagar is the predecessor of the temple with the same name in Delhi that is built by the same organisation. The Akshardham Temple in Gandhinagar came to international notice when it was attacked by two heavily armed terrorists in September 2002.
Amarnath Temple
The Amarnath temple is located in caves in Jammu Kashmir and it is one of the most famous of the Hindu temples. The pilgrimage to the Amarnath Caves opens up for 2 months from May to August in the summers according Hindu calendar and a manifestation of Lord Shiva is worshipped in these caves.
An ice Lingam forms in these caves every year and it is actually a stalagmite which resembles the Shiva-Linga that is worshipped here. The place is considered to be around 5000 years old and every year in the summer festival time that takes place in the area, around 400,000 pilgrims come and visit these caves. The pilgrimage entails a 45 km journey on foot or horse back from town of Pahalgam which is located about 96 km from Srinagar. However, to take up the pilgrimage prior permission has to be sought from Indian government as this place is under threat of terrorism and is in control of the Indian Army.
Badrinath Temple
The very famous and important temple that is located in Uttarakhand in India along the river Alkananda, the Badrinath Temple is one of the holiest temples of the Hindu religion. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites.
Along with the statue of Lord Vishnu as Lord Badrinarayan which is one metre tall, fifteen other gods and their statues are worshipped in the Badrinath Temple. Adi Shankara is said to have found this metre tall statue of Badrinarayan made out of Saligram stone in Alaknanda River and Adi Shankara was the one to enshrine the statue near Tapt Kund which are hot springs and made this place as a pilgrimage. The Badrinath Temple opens for six months in a year from end of April to beginning of November and after the temple closes, the statue is moved to nearby Jyotirmath.
Baijnath Temple
On the banks of the Gomti River in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand is located a Shiv temple which is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas of the deity and this temple is called the Baijnath temple. This temple was constructed in 1204 AD by two local merchants Ahuka and Manyuka. Before the construction of this temple, there was already a temple at the same place and this is said by the inscriptions that are made in the porch of the temple.
In this temple is enshrined a Svayambhu form of Sivalinga which means that it had arisen from itself. The temple is made in the Nagara style of temple architecture which is seen the early medieval north Indian temples. Special occasions are celebrated here with great zeal and splendour like Mahashivratri, Makar Sakranti, Vaisakha Sankranti etc.
Birla Temple Delhi
One of the most famous temples for Vaishnavites in India, the Birla temple or the Laxminarayan temple in Delhi is built in the honour of Hindu goddess of wealth, Laxmi and her consort, Lord Vishnu who is the preserver of the Hindu Trinity. The temple has many shrines, fountains and a large garden in the temple complex.
The temple is visited by thousands of devotees who throng the place on the birthday of Lord Krishna that is on Janamashtmi. Vir Singh Deo built the temple in 1622. Prithvi Singh renovated in 1793 and since 1938, the funds and supports have been coming in from the Birla family. The temple has an architectural style of northern India and enchants visitors who come to visit the place.
Birla Temple, Jaipur
Loacted in the South of Jaipur, the Laxminarayan temple or commonly called as the Birla Temple was built by the major industrialist family in India, the Birla family. The temple is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Goddess Laxmi and her consort Lord Vishnu who is the preserver of the Hindu Trinity.
The temple is loacted near the Moti Doongri fort which is converted to a small palace. The temple, in order to give respect to the secular nature of the nation, has three different types of domes on the roof to show respect to all religions. The temple building is made of white shining marble which seems to glow at night. Many people come to this place to worship their gods on the day of festivals when celebrations take place in the temple.
Bodhgaya Temples
Bodhgaya was the place where Sidhartha Gautam attained enlightenment and became the Buddha. The place is located about 96 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar. The most valued place here is the Mahabodhi temple where Buddha sat down to meditate to get enlightenment. Also, alongside the temple is the holy Bodhi tree on the western side.
The Mahabodhi temple is made of bricks. In fact it is the oldest brick structure in eastern India. The temple was renovated in the 19th century and currently has been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also is nominated for the international World Heritage program. Also, there is the Jewel Walk which leads to Animeshlocha Stupa from the north-east of the Mahabodhi temple. It is said that after attaining enlightenment, Gautam Buddha walked too and fro on this path.
Brahma Temple, Pushkar
The Brahma Temple is located beyond the Nagaparvat and Anasagar Lake in Pushkar in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the famous pilgrimages of the Hindus. It is the only temple of Lord Brahma in India. It is believed that Lord Brahma used to perform Yagna in this place along with all other gods and goddesses.
The Brahma temple is built with marbles and is decorated with silver coins. The temple houses a statue of Lord Brahma in seated position. The temple also comprises of a life sized image of Lord Vishnu, life sized door men and a mythical bird, in gold.
Bahai Temple
The Bahai Temple is also known as the Lotus Temple. It is a Bahai House of Worship and one of the prominent attractions in Delhi. The Bahai Faith is the youngest independent religion which was founded by Bahaullah. The central theme of this religion was that humanity is one single race.
The construction of the Lotus Temple was completed in 1986. It has won a number of architectural awards and has been featured in numerous magazine article and newspapers. The temple is shaped life a half open lotus and is made of marbles, dolomite, cement and sand. It is open to all faith, races, religious background and culture. It is considered as an ideal place for meditation.
Chattarpur Temple
The Chattarpur temple is loacted in Mehrauli in Delhi and is just 4 km away from the Qutub Minar. The temple is dedicated to goddess Durga although there are temples in the same complex which are dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, Lakshmi and Ganesha. The temple complex is vast and has temples which are huge and are examples of south Indian architecture in northern India.
The temples are built in marble and have Vimanas and Gopurams which are typical to the South Indian style of architecture. Devotees throng the place at the time of Durga Puja and also the Navratras when prayers are offered to goddess Durga. Also, it is considered that tying a thread here will fulfil all your wishes.
Dilwara Jain Temples
Located just 2.5 km from the only hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu are the Dilwara Jain Temples which are considered to be a pilgrimage place for the Jains. In fact this is one of most beautiful places of pilgrimage for the followers of Jainism. These temples were built between the 11th and the 13th centuries. These temples are famous world over for the marvellous use of marble that has been made here.
There are five temples in the Dilwara Jain temple complex. These temples are the Vimal Vasahi temple, Luna Vasahi temple, Pittalhar temple, Parshvanatha temple and the Mahavir Swami Temple. These temples are loacted in the middle of a range of forested hills and a high wall is surrounding the temple complex.
Dwarkadheesh Temple
Dwarkadhish Temple, built in 1814, is one of the most important temples of Mathura. It is one of the most visited temples situated in the heart of the city of Mathura, in Gujarat. The architecture of the temple is quite fascinating. It is one among the four major pilgrimages of the Hindus. The temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Aboti Brahmins are the one who has been conducting worships in this temple for centuries.
Excellent art works can be found inside the Dwarkadhish Temple including images of Lord Krishna, Radha and several other Hindu deities. The carving and paintings are some of the major attractions of this temple.
Ellora Cave Temples
The Ellora Cave temples are located in Maharashtra in the Deccan Plateau. It is an excellent example of rock cut architecture. The temples were excavated between 600 AD and 900 AD and house some of the most exclusive paintings of that era. These cave temples are famous throughout the world for their excellent artworks. All the shrines and temples inside the cave are cut out of rock.
The temples inside the Ellora caves are divided into three groups- Buddhist, Hindu and Jain. There are 34 caves temples, out of which 17 temples belong to Hindu period, 12 temples to the Buddhist period and 5 belong to the Jain period.
Eklingji Temple
The Eklingji Temple is considered to have been founded by Acharya Viswaroopa a contemporary of Adi Sankaracharya. It is situated in the town of Eklingji, twelve miles north of Udaipur in Rajasthan. The temple dates back to 15 century CE. Lord Shiva is worshiped here and is believed to be the guardian deity of Mewar. The Maharajas of Mewar considered Shiva as their virtual leader.
This temple is linked with the Sharada Math located at Dwaraka, founded by Adi Sankaracharya. Lord Shiva is worshiped here as the ultimate reality, the supreme power, and the wholesome one. The beautiful valley of the Eklingji Temple attract number of visitors every year.
Golden Temple
Golden Temple is the most prominent shrine of Sikhism. It is also known as 'Harmandir Sahib' or 'Darbar Sahib' and is located in Amritsar. This temple is built on a platform located in the centre of the Sarovar (tank). The 11th guru of Sikhism, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, is always present inside the temple. Countless number of visitors from all walks of life and all religion can come here and worship God equally.
The first foundation stone of the temple was laid on 1588, by Hazrat Mian Mir, the great Muslim Sufi Saint of Lahore. The construction of the temple was completed in 1604, during the leadership of the fifth Guru, Guru Arjan Dev (1581-1606).
Ganapatipule Temple
Ganapatipule Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is set along the western coast of Maharashtra. It is located at the foothill of the lush green Konkan hills and is adjacent to the beautiful Arabian Sea. The temple is an ancient pilgrim centre bearing a naturally formed idol of Ganapati that was first discovered during 16th Century AD. The Temple becomes the hub of activity during the five days celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi.
The unique idol of Ganapati in the Swayambhu Ganapati Temple is made of white sand. Thousands of pilgrims flock here every year to pay homage to Lord Ganesha and perform Pradhikshina - a sacred ritual where pilgrims encircle the hill.
Guruvayoor Temple
The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple is among the sacred temples located in Thrissur district in Kerala. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is worshiped as Lord Krishna. The idol of the God inside the temple is made of a rare stone known as Patala Anjanam.
This famous pilgrimage follow a strict decorum and only Hindus are allowed inside. Several paintings, depicting the life of Lord Krishna can be found in the walls of the main temple. Most of these paintings date back to the 17th century. The roof inside the temple is decorated with gold. Apart from the idol of Lord Vishnu, the temple also has the idols of Lord Ganesha, Lord Ayyappa and Goddess Durga.
Iskcon Temple, Bangalore
The ISKCON temple in Bangalore was constructed on a 7 acre hillock wasteland and was started in 1990. The construction finished in 1997 and was inaugurated by President S.D. Sharma on 31st May, 1997. This Hare Krishna Temple is a stand apart from other temples in the city with the unique blend of glass and gopurams that were used in the construction of the temples.
The ISKCON temple in Bangalore draws 6000-8000 devotees every single day. People from all over India come to visit the temple. The temple has nine kitchens to fulfil the enormous requirement of offering that is given in the temple. The construction of the temple has been done in a very hi-tech manner and engineering feats have been completed with the construction of this temple. The main sanctum has been made in such a manner that it will last for thousands of years.
Iskcon Temple, Delhi
The ISKCON temple which has been made by the “Hare Krishna Movement” is one of the most lavish temples in the city of Delhi. The temple is located at Hari Krishna Hill in the East of Kailash area in New Delhi. The temple was built in 1998 and a great example of very fine architecture. The evidence of this is given by the Shikharas that rise to almost 90 ft above the ground level.
This temple and the society are dedicated to the preaching and ideals of Lord Krishna who is considered to be non-different to god. The temple in Delhi has a very big hall which can accommodate almost 1500 people at once. This is a facility that is available for the meetings and sermons that take place every Sunday in the temple. The temple also has a museum where multimedia shows are organised for the knowledge of the people. The occasion of Janamashtmi is celebrated with great pomp and show in the temple.
Iskcon Temple, Vrindavan
The ISKCON temple that is situated in Vrindavan was established I 1975 and was inaugurated by the founder of ISKCON, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada on the Ram Navmi of the same year. The temple is loacted in Raman Reti in Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh.
This is the place where Lord Krishna is said to have enjoyed his childhood and pastimes along with Balaram near Yamuna River. The ISKCON temple in Vrindavan is said to be one of the most inspiring spiritual centres in the world. The deity here is himself Lord Krishna whose statue has been carved out of marble so that he can be worshipped. There are three altars in the temple where there are different reincarnations established in the same premises.
Jwalamukhi Temple
The Jwalamukhi Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage. It is located 35 km away from Kangra valley in Himachal Pradesh. Every year colourful fairs are held during the celebrations of Navratra. Inside the temple there is a copper pipe through which natural gas comes out, which is lighted by the priest of the temple. The flame is worshiped as a manifestation of the goddess Jwalamukhi.
It is believed that the temple belongs to the golden period. The great Mughal Emperor, Akbar also visited this temple. The water course within the premises of the temple is said to have been constructed by Akbar. The temple has a gilt dome and silver plated folding doors.
Kalighat Kali Temple
The Kalighat Kali Temple which is Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Maa Kali is located on the banks of the Adi Ganga River in Calcutta. This temple is considered to be one of the 51 Shakti Peethas where the various parts of Sati’s body fell as mentioned in religious legends.
People from all over India irrespective of their sectarian differences come to this temple to worship Maa Kali who is considered to be a mother for humans. The temple is 200 years old in its present form. The original temple was a small hut which after that was replaced by a small temple by King Mansingha in early sixteenth century. The present temple was built under the patronage of Sabarna Roy Chowdhury family of Banisha and was completed in 1809. Also, the image of Kali that is placed here is unique and different from any other images of the goddess.
Kalka Devi Temple
The Kalka Devi temple or the Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is located alongside the Vivekananda Bridge in Calcutta around 20 km from the BBD Bagh. The temple was built by Rani Rashmoni in 1847 and is dedicated to goddess Kali. It was here that Rama Krishna Paramhansa achieved his spiritual awakening.
The temple has 12 spires and is placed in the centre of an enormous courtyard which is further surrounded by 12 temples where Lord Shiva is the deity. This temple is a world famous place of pilgrimage where thousands come from all over the world to worship the goddess.
Kalkaji Temple
Located in the city of Delhi, the famous Hindu temple of goddess Kali is the Kalkaji temple. This is a very famous temple where devotees come all year round and also at special occasions. This place is marked by red flags at those times and is loacted on a hill. This temple lies just behind the commercial centre of Nehru Place.
This temple is devoted to Kalka Devi and boasts of an existence of 3000 years. It is believed that the oldest parts of the temple date back to the time of Marathas. Also, the Pandavas and Kauravas are believed to have worshipped there during Yudhishthira’s reign. Devotees throng the place at around 7 PM when the aarti or prayer takes place which is simply spectacular. Women outnumber the men in the devotees that come here.
Kanyakumari Temple
Kanyakumari is the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland and often referred to as Cape Comorin for trade purposes. It is here that the Kanyakumari Temple is located which is dedicated to the virgin goddess Kanya Devi who is considered to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati who was the wife of Lord Shiva.
It is a legend that Kanya Devi was to wed Lord Shiva but the Lord did not turn up for the wedding. So the marriage did not solemnise and the rice and cereals which were meant for the wedding were not cooked and they are still sold in the market in the form of stones that look exactly like rice and cereals. The males who want to visit the temple are required to remove their shirts before entering. The deity of the temple is seated facing east but the northern gates are used for entering the temple.
Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is located atop the Garhwal Himayan Range near the origin of River Mangadkini in Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the holiest places for Hindus. This is one of the four major pilgrimages called as Char Dham and is also one of the twelve Jyothirlingas which are the holiest Hindu shrines of Lord Shiva.
The temple is not accessible by road. It can be reached by a 14 km long uphill trek from Gaurikund. The temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya and it is basically a stone edifice of Lord Shiva called the Lingam which is worshipped here in the temple. The temple opens for six months starting from April to November due to adverse weather conditions in winters when the temple is buried under packs of snow.
Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho is a village located in Chhatarpur District in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations that have the largest group of medieval Hindu and Jain temples. The temples were built during the reign of Chandel Empire from 950 to 1050 A.D. There were around 85 temples in Khajuraho, however, with due time only 22 are left and rest of all withered away.
The temples of the Khajuraho attract number of visitors every year with their intricate and exquisite sculptural art. One major attraction of this temple is the dance festival celebrated annually in the month of March. In this spectacular event, the tourists enjoy the rich classical dance traditions of India.
Konark Temple
One of the most well known temples in India, the Konark Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda is located at Konark in Orissa. This temple is also included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple was built by King Narsimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century. The temple is dedicated to the Arka or Surya who is the Sun god.
The temple has been built in the form of a chariot of the sun god and is embellished with heavy decorations. The chariot is shown to be drawn by seven horses and running on twelve exquisitely decorated wheels. Each and every inch of the temple is decorated with myriad depictions of birds, animals, dancers, lovers, hunts, court lives etc. the traceries and scrollwork in the temple are very fine and make the temple very exquisite and superior.
Kailash Temple
Kailash Temple is known to be the largest monolithic structure. It is located at Ellora and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is considered as one of the most amazing architecture of the history which is exquisitely sculpted. The temple is divided into four main parts- the body of the temple, the entrance, the shrine and the courtyard.
The architecture of the temple exhibits Dravidian features and was carved out of single rock. It was built in the 8th century and is notable for its vertical excavation. The temple has number of images of animals, deities and scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Ellora festival of dance and music is held every year in the month of December at the Kailash temple.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath temple is situated amidst the holy city of Varanasi and is one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple stands on the western bank of the holy river Ganges. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The main deity of this temple is known as Vishwanatha.
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The present structure of the temple is believed to have been built by Maharani Ahilya Bai Holkar of Indore in 1780. The temple is being managed by the government of Uttar Pradesh since 1983. Religious occasion such as Shivratri and Kashi Naresh is celebrated here with great zeal and vigor.
Lotus Temple
The Bahá'à House of Worship in Delhi is also commonly called as the Lotus temple. This is a prominent attraction in Delhi and serves as the Mother Temple of the Indian subcontinent. The temple is as reported by many channels and magazines, one of the most visited places in the world.
The temple was completed in the year 1986 and is built in the shape inspired by the lotus flower. The “petals” of the lotus are 27 free-standing marble structures which are arranged in clusters of three to form nine sides. The temple is 40 meters tall and has nine ponds surrounding the main building. The temple is visited by around 13000 people every single day. The capacity of the temple is to hold around 2500 people all at once.
Lepakshi Temple
Lepakshi Temple lies nine miles east of Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh. The temple dates back to the 16th century and is famous for its fine architectural beauty. This temple is renowned for the mural painting of the Vijayanagar kings. There are three shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Lord Virabhadra inside the huge complex.
Impressive sculptures representing dancers, drummers and musicians can be found in the interior of the temples. Another highlight of this temple is the 6 ft. height and 8 m length monolithic "Nandi" (the bull) sculpture. During the month of February, a 10 day long celebration is conducted in the temple. Pilgrims from all over the country flocks here during this festival.
Lingaraja Temple
Lingaraja Temple is one of the largest and an outstanding specimen of the temple building style of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated in Bhuvneshwar, the capital city of Orissa. The temple is more than thousand years old and exhibits the excellent skill of temple architecture. It is believed that this temple was first built in the 7th century, by the ruler Yayati Kesari.
The Lingaraja temple exhibits the architectural marvel of that period. It consists of the Hall of Dance, the Hall of Offering, the Porch and a 55 m high tower. Around the temple, there are more than 150 other shrines. The Lingaraja temple is also known as the Bhuvneshwar temple.
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Located in the city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, the Mahakaleshwar Jyothirlinga temple is one of the twelve sacred abodes of Lord Shiva. The temple is a three-storey complex which lies by the side of a lake called Rudra Sagar.
It is believed that the lingam form of Lord Shiva that is worshipped here was born of itself unlike other lingams which were enshrined or established. Also, another unusual thing about the Lingam is that it is south facing. Also there are other deities who are enshrined in the temple complex. The temple has five levels which includes the basement level too. The day of Mahashivaratri sees a huge fair that is held here near the temple and worshipping of the deity Lord Shiva goes for the night.
Mansa Devi Temple
Mata Mansa Devi temple is located in the foothills of Shivalik range in the Panchkula district. The present main temple of Sri Mansa Devi was constructed by Maharaja Gopal Singh of Manimajra around the period 1811-1815. The temple is dedicated to the worship of goddess Shakti and is an evidence of the age old survival of Shaktism in India.
There are two temples in the complex of Mata Mansa Devi temple. Originally the deity, Mansa along with Devi Saraswati and Lakshmi were worshipped in the form of stone pebbles called as Pindi. But now for giving the goddess an attractive look, form has been given to a marble and the marble bust is also worshipped in modern times. Also, the architecture of the temple is a typical mogul style rather than the “Nagara” style which was prevalent in the Shivaliks.
Meenakshi Temple
The Meenakshi Temple is situated in the holy city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The complex area of the temple is the largest in India. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Meenakshi. It is believed that the wedding of Lord Shiva and Meenakshi took place in this site. The temple is built in Dravidian architectural style.
The architecture of this temple is stunning and the complex houses 12 magnificent gateways that are painted and sculpted. It seems that the temple was built between twelfth to the eighteenth century. It consists of two shires, a tank and several Mandapas. For the Tamil people, this temple is of great significance.
Mukteswara Temple
Mukteswara Temple is situated at Bhuvneshwar in Orissa. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The main highlight of this temple is its magnificent decorative gateway, reminiscent of Buddhist influence in Orissa. The temple dates back to 10th century and reflects the perfect harmony of sculpture and architecture. Every inch of the temple is curved in sandstone.
Although, the Mukteswara Temple is a small monument, the sculpture decorated is exquisitely executed. New architectural designs, art motifs and new conceptions about the iconography of the cult images are introduced by the builders of this temple. There is a tank with sacred water towards the eastern side of the complex. Several other shrines can also be sited inside the temple complex.
Rameshwaram Temple
Rameswaram, a small town which is located in the Ramanathapuram in state of Tamil Nadu is located a very important temple for the Hindus. This is the Rameshwaram temple without the journey to which the pilgrimage Kashi is left incomplete. The deity which is presiding here is a Linga with the name of Sri Ramanatha Swamy. This place is one of the twelve Jyothirlingas.
Together with Kashi, the Rameshwaram temple is considered to be one of the holiest places in India and is therefore is a very busy pilgrim centre. This place is also considered to be the one from where Lord Rama started to build the bridge to Lanka to rescue Sita. This temple is made with Dravidian architecture and boasts of the largest temple corridor in India.
Ranakpur Jain Temples
Ranakpur Jain temples were built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the 15th century. It is located in the mountain rages of the Pali district, in Rajasthan. Chaumukha Temple or Four-Faced Temple is the main temple. It was built in 1439 and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Teacher. Besides, there are four subsidiary shrines, 24 pillared-halls and 8 domes supported by more than 400 columns. The most fascinating feature of this temple is its 1,444 intricately carved columns.
Inside the Ranakpur Jain temple images of Adinath, Parshvanath, Ajitnath and Lord Mahavir Swami can be found. Two big bells weighing around 108kg can be sited in the assembly hall.
Sai Baba Temple, Shirdi
Located at Shirdi in Maharashtra is the temple which was the final resting place of Sai Baba and is thus called the Sai Baba Temple. This temple attracts millions of pilgrims every year who belong to all religions and castes who come here to pay homage. On the final resting place or the Samadhi, there is now a huge statue of Sai Baba who people come to visit.
Sai Baba was an Indian Guru, Yogi and Fakir who wanted to reconcile the differences between the Hindus and Muslims. He practised and taught using both traditions, lived in a mosque and was buried in a Hindu temple. He was a saint who taught the moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, devotion to God and guru. Prayers take place every morning and evening so as to devote offerings to the guru.
Sanchi Stupas
Sanchi Stupas is the most magnificent structures built by Emperor Asoka in the honour of Lord Buddha. It is located in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is one of the finest and oldest specimens of Buddhist architecture. The Stupas are large hemispherical domes that contain a central chamber where the relics of the Buddha were placed. In the Sanchi stupas, one can trace the development of the Buddhist architecture and sculpture that begun from the 3rd century B.C. to the 12th century A.D.
The Sanchi stupas are famous for the ornamented depiction of incidents from the life of the Buddha. It also consists of the prior incarnations as Bodhisattvas described in Jataka tales.
Sarnath Temple
Just 10 km from the pilgrimage of Varanasi is located probably the most naturally beautiful Buddhist pilgrimage called as Sarnath. The temple complex has many architectural monuments which are also a very important part of Buddhist and Indian history.
Lord Buddha came to Sarnath to look for his five companions who had abandoned him. This place has a very cool and calm atmosphere to it and many great teachers have given their valuable sermons here. Dhamekha Stupa is the most impressive structure in the complex which was built around 500AD. Then there is the Chaukhandi which was built to mark the meet of Buddha with his companions. The national emblem of India, the Asokan Pillar is also located in this temple complex. The Monasteries and the Digambar Jain Temple are also present in the complex and the former is also said to have original relics of Buddha.
Siddhivinayak Temple
The Shree Sidhivinayak temple that is dedicated to Lord Ganesha is a Hindu temple that is considered to be the richest in Mumbai. The temple is loacted in a place called Prabhadevi, Dadar in Mumbai. The temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in 1801.
The original temple that was built in this place was a very small and tiny place of worship which has now grown in faith and now stands as a Grand Temple in the city. There is a small hall called Mandapam which has the shrine for Lord Ganesha. The eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha called as the Ashtavinayak are carved in the wooden doors which lead to the sanctum. Politicians and Bollywood stars visit the temple very often.
Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple is located on the western coast of Gujarat, India. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlings symbols of Lord Shiva. This legendary temple was destroyed seven times and rebuilt as many times. It is built in the Chalukya style architecture and reflects the skill of the Sompuras, Gujarat's master masons. Somnath is considered to be the oldest creation built by the Moon God.
The Somnath temple has magnificent architecture and is faces the blue expanse of the Arabian Sea. The construction of the present temple in Junagadh district began in 1980. It is the seventh temple built to commemorate the glory of Lord Somnath.
Sravanbelagola Temple
Situated at a distance of around 100 km from Mysore in Karnataka, Sravanabelagola Temple is a great centre for the Jain culture. This is a Jain pilgrimage place which is famous for its colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwara also known as Lord Bahubali. The statue is 17 metres high and is visible from even a distance of 20 km. the statue of the Lord is placed on a hill called Vindhyagiri which gives it the name Sravanabelagola which means “monk on top of the hill”.
The chief festival of the place is called the Maha Mashaka Abhisheka when the head of the statue is anointed with thousands of gallons of milk, honey and precious herbs which are then collected at the base as they are considered to acquire powerful blessings. This festival takes place every 12-14 years according to astrological positions.
Sri Mahavirji
One of the holiest temples in Rajasthan, Sri Mahavirji temple was built in the honour of Mahavira and is located on the banks of river Gambhir. This temple is one of the holiest Jain temples in Rajasthan. The temple is a vast complex which is constructed with white sandstone and has cupolas of red sandstones along with spires that are visible from all around the temple.
Also like other Jain temples, the complex also has smaller temples which have idols of Jain saints. Also, the architecture of the temple is contemporary rather than belonging to the ancient designs of architecture. Also, there is a 32 feet huge statue of Shantinath who is a Jain fordmaker is also established in the temple and also a tower where the feet of Mahavira have been consecrated.
Sabarimala Temple
Sabarimala Temple is the best known pilgrimage destination in Kerala. It is situated in the Sahyadri Mountains and is prominent among all the Sastha Temples. Maximum number of pilgrims visits the Sabarimala temple on the first day of 'Makharam' month, when a celestial light appears on top of a nearby hill. The light is considered to be sacred and thousands of people arrive just to see it.
Before beginning the journey to the temple, the pilgrims prepare with 41 days of rigorous fasting, meditation, celibacy and prayer. The devotees take dip in the river and start trekking to the hilltop Sabarimala temple. The items that are carried to the temple include a coconut filled with ghee along with other two coconuts that are broken in front of the temple.
Sun Temple - Modhera
The Sun Temple at Modhera was built during the reign of King Bhimdev I of the Solanki dynasty in 1026 A.D. The temple is dedicated to the Sun God. At present, the ambiance of the temple provides a marvellous backdrop for several dance, cultural festivals and exhibition of performing arts. The temple appears magnificent even in its ruin state with the pillared portico reflected in the massive tank.
There is no worship offered now in this temple. The temple has a sanctum where carved images of the Sun God wearing a belt and long shoes are portrayed. The temple was designed in such a way that the rays of the sun illuminate the sanctum at dawn.
Thanjavur Temple
The Brihadishwara Temple, at Thanjavur is a brilliant example of the temple architecture achieved by Cholas. This temple is enlisted in the World Heritage List and is one of the most prized architectural sites in India. The temple is surrounded by fortified walls and the temple tower is 216 ft high, one of the tallest in the world. The entire structure of the temple is made out of hard granite stones.
The temple of Thanjavur is an outstanding example of the architectural conception of the Dravidian type of temple architecture and Chola Empire ideology and the Tamil civilisation in Southern India. The temple is a brilliant achievement of the Chola in architecture, painting, sculpture and bronze casting.
Tirupati Temples
Tirupati is said to be the Temple City which is located in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The existence of the city is owed to the sacred temple of Lord Venkateshwara or Lord Vishnu which is located at the foot of Tirumala Hills. This temple is said to be the most visited religious place in the world and is visited by 60,000 pilgrims every day and up to 200,000 on special occasions.
This temple has a self-manifested idol of Vishnu and attracts tourists from world over. Also, this temple is richest in terms of offerings that are made to the temple by the pilgrims. The other names for the deity are Balaji, Srinivasa, Venkateswara and Venkatachalapathy and are considered to be a boon-granting lord of the “Kali Yuga” which is the last age of Hindu cycle of ages. The temple complex has more traditional temples located in it.
Thousand Pillar Temple
Thousand Pillar Temple is located in the Warangal district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. This temple was built in 1163 AD by the Kakatiya ruler, Rudradeva. The temple is designed in the shape of a star and has no less than thousand pillars. It is one of the most outstanding examples of Kakatiya style of architecture and its pillars are intricately carved.
Inside the majestic Thousand Pillar Temple, there are three shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Shiva and Surya respectively. The temple is built on a raised platform that is about one meter above the ground level. The complex of the temple has lush green gardens and the ambiance is full of quietude and tranquillity.
Trimbakeshwar Temple
Trimbakeshwar Temple is a sacred place and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located about 30 km from Nasik in Maharashtra near the mountain Brahmagiri, from where the river Godavari flows. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and serves as the venue for several major worship rituals. It is believed that all the heavenly Gods come down to Nasik once in a twelve year when the Jupiter resides in the Zodiac sign of Leo. A grad fair is organised here during this occasion.
The Trimbakeshwar Temple is considered as the holiest place to perform Shraddha, ceremony of the deceased soul. It is also believed that anyone who visits the temple can attain salvation from the world
Naina Devi Temple
Naina Devi temple is situated in Bilaspur district in Himachal Pradesh. It is one of the most important Shakti Peeths of India. This temple was constructed in the 8th century by Raja Bir Chand. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Naina Devi and is a major pilgrimage, where thousands of devotees flock every year to pay homage to the Goddess.
Within the complex there is a large Peepal tree that is believed to be present from past many centuries. The idol of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha is placed on the right side of the entrance to the main shrine. The temple is surrounded by natural sceneries. A big fair is held on Shravan Ashtami annually at this temple.
Omkareshwar Temple
The Omkareshwar Temple is situated on the banks of the river Narmada, 12 miles from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. This temple dates back to the 17th century and is famous for its extravagant style. It is one of the 12 revered Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. King Mandhatha of the Ishvaku clan is believed to have worshiped Shiva here. The Omkareshwar temple is built with high spires in the North Indian style of architecture.
The dome of the Omkareshwar temple is made of soft soap stone and is surrounded by verandas with columns. The columns are carved in circles, polygons and squares. The tower of the Omkareshwar temple is built in Nagara style and has 5 distinct layers, each layers represents the image of a different Hindu God.
Orcha Temple
Orcha is an ancient city situated on the bank of the river Betwa. This place was founded in 16th century and is famous for its various temples and historical monuments. Some of the major temples of this place are Laxmi Narayan Temple, Raja Ram Mandir and the Chaturbhuj Temple. These temples built by the Bundela rulers.
The Laxminarayan Temple is a mixture of fort and temple architecture. Some of the most exquisite Orcha's wall painting and murals can be found in the interior of this temple. The Ram Raja Mandir is the only temple in India where Ram is worshiped as a king. The Chaturbhuj Temple is built upon a stone platform and was specially constructed to enshrine the image of Ram.
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