5 Stunning Temples of India

Mani Mahesh Temple, Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh

Bharmour, originally Brahmapur is a small town east of Chamba, can be reached by traversing the winding roads of High Himalaya. . Bharmour is almost on the edge of a steep mountain looking over the Ravi river flowing through the gorge below.

The main attraction in this sleepy town is the ‘Chaurasi temple complex’, which literally means temple cluster of 84 temples.

Man-Mahesh Temple is the tallest and the most majestic of them all.

ManiMahesh pilgrimage begins from here after taking the blessings from Man Mahesh himself. The temple has a high plinth, and inside resides a huge shivling.

Teli ka Mandir, Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh

On the western frontier of the magnifiecent Gwalior Fort, stands a real gem blocking even the sun by its astounding height.

Standing tall at 100 feet this exquisite temple known as 'Teli ka mandir' is a unique piece of architecture. The shikhar is upsidal or Vallabhi style, as seen many times in southern temples. The carved celestial beings on the door-frame and beautifully carved temple miniatures on the walls zooming upward will stun you with their elegance and grandeur.

Built in 8’Th or 9’Th century, the credit is either to Yashovarman, the Gurjar Pratihar ruler or to Mihirbhoj. The inscription found in the temple is dedicated to multi armed goddess. Hence experts infer that this temple with unique architectural style could have belonged to Sapta Matrika or some form of goddess.

Kandhariya Mahadev Temple, Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh

This is a massive architectural showcase; an elaborately carved temple dedicated to Mahadeva Shiv and is arguably the best that Khajuraho has to offer. Built by the strongest Chandela king, Vidyadhar, the temple reflects the patron’s glory to the fullest.

The layout of this temple is called ‘double-cross’ in architectural terms. This indicates four sideways protrusions to the main temple structure instead of the usual two. The side view of the temple floors you with gigantic proportions. And if you sit on the plinth at the back of the temple, the temple stands so tall in front of you, it is impossible to believe. Kandariya Mahadev standing tallest at 31 meters is sheer grandeur.

Konaark Sun Temple, Odisha

Standing erect at 30 Meters, The Jagmohan itself is massive. Considering the temple architecture guidelines, the main Shikhar would have been 70 meters, if it was standing today, which is just 4 meters short of the great TajMahal

The overall concept of this temple is that of chariot of Sun god supported by 24 huge wheels of 3 meter diameter each. This chariot is drawn by 7 horses, sculpted at the 2 sides of Jagmohan entrance.

NrusimhaDeva Gang, one of the capable kings of the dynasty is supposed to have started the construction in 1238 AD and completed this mammoth task in a short span of 20 years

Chennakeshav Temple, Somnathpura, Karnataka

This is a beautifully carved temple dedicated to Vishnu, built by a general of mighty Hoysal Kings in 1258 CE near Mysore, Karnataka

Constructed on a star shaped plan, the temple is a fine example of Vesar architecture which combines elements of both Nagar and Dravid style of temple architecture. Built in granite, the temple is enclosed in a courtyard.