India is home to a rich work of art of myths, religions, and beliefs because it is one of the world's oldest cultures. India takes pride in its rich cultural and religious history, and with good reason: the country is the birthplace of four of the world's major religions. its temples, which are both architectural masterpieces and spiritual sanctuaries, are recognized worldwide as among the most important religious and historical sites.
Golden Temple, Amritsar
This stunning temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the most important temple in North India and the most holy location for Sikh worship. The golden façade and religious significance of this temple, which was built in the middle of the 15th century on the banks of a man-made lake in Amritsar, are a huge draw, and both tourists and devotees arrive at its doors in large numbers all year long.
Somnath Temple, Saurashtra, Gujarat
Somnath is a historic place of worship in Gujarat, so much so that researchers have been unable to determine when the first temple was built here. The temple had already been destroyed and rebuilt a few times before the most recent one, which was finished in 1951. Since then, it has grown to be one of India's most well-known Hindu temples.
Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerela
The famed Padmanabhaswamy Temple is located in Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram. The name Thiruvananthapuram derives from this temple, which honors Lord Anantha. Another intriguing aspect of the temple is that it has always been under the care of the Royal Family of Travancore.
Brihadeeshvara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The Chola Dynasty is shown by the Brihadeeshvara temple in the Tamil Nadu area of southern India. This temple was constructed in the years 1003–1010 AD, so it is also very old. Additionally, this temple contains one of India's biggest Shiva linga.
Dwarkadeesh Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat
This temple, another one of the Char Dham, is more than 2000 years old. Here, Lord Krishna is the most revered god, and the main shrine is a five-story structure supported by 72 pillars. The legend says that this temple was built right where Lord Krishna's palace used to be.
Konark Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha
Every year in February, the famous Chandrabhaga festival is held at this famous temple, which is dedicated to Surya, the god of the sun. This 100-foot-tall temple was constructed in the year 1250 to resemble a chariot. Despite some deterioration and damage, it is still a magnificent structure to see.
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
Lingaraja Temple, one of the largest and oldest temples in Bhubaneshwar, is also one of the oldest. The 700th century is when this ancient Indian temple's main tower, which is 180 feet tall, was first built.
Maa Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu
Vaishno Devi is one of the most important temples in India. It is in the Jammu and Kashmir, at the base of the powerful Himalayas. Every year, thousands of devotees travel to this temple to pay their respects to Goddess Vaishnavi, the patron deity of this shrine. A 12-kilometer trek is needed to get to the temple. To reach the top, devotees have a variety of options, including walking, riding a horse, or even taking a helicopter.
Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
Jagannath Puri, one of the oldest temples on this list, was built in the 12th century and is a Lord Vishnu temple. In addition to being a magnificent architectural structure and one of the holiest sites for Hindus, it is well-known for the elaborate rath yatra it hosts each year.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
One of the most beautiful places of worship in Varanasi is this well-known temple. Kashi Vishwanath, a shrine to Lord Shiva, is located along the Ganges River. The Dashashwamedh Ghat, one of the most important ghats in the region, is also right next to the temple.
Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand
The Badrinath Temple is located in Badrinath, which is bordered by the Garhwal Hills. Badrinath Temple, the third char Dham on this list, is devoted to Lord Vishnu. It is one of India's most recognizable temples thanks to its stone fascia and glistening gilded roof. This temple also participates in the historic Mata Murti Ka Mela.