India is both large and stunning, especially with all the well-known renowned temples that are spread out throughout the nation. It’s a country rich with incredible sites to see, from its mountain passes, secluded jungles, and bustling downtown.
Even better, you must visit some of its best and most well-known renowned temples while you are there. India is home to a large number of temples, which are an important part of the country’s cultural and religious heritage. Here are ten temples in India that you might want to visit:
1. Golden Temple (Amritsar)
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is a Sikh temple located in Amritsar, India. It is the most sacred shrine in Sikhism, and is visited by millions of people every year. The Golden Temple is made of marble and is adorned with gold leaf, which gives it its name. It is located in the center of a large pool, known as the Amrit Sarovar, and is accessed by a causeway.
The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors are expected to cover their heads and remove their shoes before entering. The Golden Temple is an important site of religious and cultural significance, and is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Amritsar.
2. Meenakshi Temple (Madurai)
The Meenakshi Temple, located in Madurai, India, is one of the most visited Hindu renowned temples in the world. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of Parvati, and her consort, Lord Shiva, who is known as Sundareshwarar. The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, with a series of towering gopurams, or gateways, and a sprawling complex filled with shrines, pillared halls, and holy tanks.
The temple is believed to have been in existence since at least the 6th century CE, when it is said to have been built by the Pandya king Kulasekara. Since then, the temple has been expanded and renovated many times, most recently in the 17th century by the Nayak rulers of Madurai. The temple complex is very large and covers an area of around 45 acres. It contains 12 gopurams and 4,500 sculptures.
3. Tirumala Venkateswara Temple (Tirupati)
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, also known as the Tirupati Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. It is dedicated to the god Vishnu, and is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple is located on the Tirumala Hill, and is considered one of the holiest and most visited renowned temples in India.
The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings, and is a popular tourist destination. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow certain temple customs. The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple is an important site of religious and cultural significance in Tirupati.
4. Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai)
The Siddhivinayak Temple is a Hindu temple located in Mumbai, India. It is dedicated to the God Ganesha, who is considered the remover of obstacles and the god of prosperity. The temple is a popular place of worship for Hindus, and is visited by millions of people every year. The temple was built in the early 19th century, and is known for its distinctive architecture and beautiful carvings.
It is located in the Prabhadevi neighborhood of Mumbai and is easily accessible by public transportation. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow certain temple customs. The Siddhivinayak Temple is an important site of religious and cultural significance in Mumbai.
5. Jagannath Temple (Puri)
The Jagannath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in the city of Puri in the state of Odisha, India. The temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, with the other three being Badrinath, Dwaraka and Rameshwaram.
The temple is more than 1,000 years old and is said to have been built during the 12th century. It is believed to have been built by King Chodagangadeva, the founder of the Ganga dynasty. The temple is built in the Kalinga style of architecture and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
The Jagannath Temple is a very important pilgrimage site and attracts thousands of devotees every year. The temple is well known for its Rath Yatra, or Chariot Festival, which is celebrated every year in the month of June or July. During this festival, the three deities of the temple, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra, are taken out in huge chariots and taken around the city of Puri.
6. Birla Mandir (Hyderabad)
The Birla Mandir is a Hindu temple located in Hyderabad, India. It is dedicated to the god Vishnu, and is a popular place of worship for Hindus. The temple was built in the early 20th century by the Birla family, and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
It is made of white marble and is adorned with carvings of Hindu deities. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the city of Hyderabad, and is accessible by a flight of steps. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow certain renowned temples customs. The Birla Mandir is an important site of religious and cultural significance in Hyderabad.
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi)
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a Hindu temple located in Varanasi, India. It is dedicated to the god Shiva, and is one of the most important temples in the city. The temple is located in the heart of the old city of Varanasi, and is considered one of the holiest places in Hinduism.
It is believed that a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple can help to cleanse one’s sins and bring one closer to enlightenment. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow certain temple customs. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is an important site of religious and cultural significance in Varanasi.
8. Vaishno Devi Temple (Katra)
The Vaishno Devi Temple is a famous Hindu temple located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir in India. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Vaishno Devi, the temple is said to have been built in the 9th century. Vaishno Devi is believed to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Mata Adi Shakti, and is also known as Mahalakshmi.
The temple is situated at an altitude of 5,200 feet and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. The journey to the temple involves trekking for about 13 km from the base camp at Katra. Pilgrims usually start their journey from Katra and can take the help of a pony, a palanquin or their own feet to reach the renowned temples.
The temple is open throughout the year but the best time to visit Vaishno Devi is during the Navratri festival celebrated in the months of April and October. During this festival, the temple is adorned with lights and decorations.
9. Somnath Temple (Gujarat)
The Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple located in the state of Gujarat, India. It is dedicated to the god Shiva, and is an important place of pilgrimage for Hindus. The temple is located on the western coast of Gujarat, and is believed to be the first among the twelve jyotirlingas, or sacred shrines of Shiva.
The temple has a long and rich history, and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries. The current temple was built in the 1950s, and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is open to people of all faiths, and visitors are expected to dress modestly and follow certain temple customs. The Somnath Temple is an important site of religious and cultural significance in Gujarat.
10. Baha’i Lotus Temple (Delhi)
The Baha’i Lotus Temple, located in New Delhi, India, is an iconic monument to the Bahá’í faith. Built in 1986, the temple is composed of 27 white marble petals that are arranged in three circles, resembling a lotus flower. The Bahá’í faith is based on the principle of unity, and this is reflected in the temple’s design.
The temple is open to people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and no distinction is made between faiths. It is a place of worship and contemplation, and the architecture and gardens surrounding the temple provide a tranquil refuge for visitors. The Bahá’í Lotus Temple is a symbol of peace and unity, and it has become a popular tourist attraction in India.
