‘Unity in diversity’ has been the most commonly used motto that pretty much defines the diversity of India. Talk about the diversity of languages, culture, and traditions, and it all sums down to one nation – India. Speaking of the diversity, the picture of Indian culture is never complete without talking about the famous temples in India. The amalgam of spiritual places and the history behind them is exactly what a traveler seeks.
Are you one of those who is amazed by the sheer beauty of architecture and spiritual beauty?!
If yes, then traveling to these famous temples are must-visit places for each of you readers! Each of these places commands with their own beauty a commendable influx of tourists, both domestic and foreign. Need some spiritual enlightenment and regain faith? Then one has got to rush to some of these most amazing temples in India. You can plan your Temple Tours To India with these promising list.
The intriguing musical pillars and the unmatched architecture is what makes this temple stand out from the rest. The unparalleled workmanship of the artists has made it one in a thousand of the list of Indian temples. Traveling in or around Hampi? Well, then this destination has got to be a must visit on your list. It is considered as the grandest landmark in Hampi.
The sculptors responsible for the creative architecture and carvings belong to Vijayanagara kingdom. They have set a high benchmark for all other temples and monuments in Hampi.
Explore architectural beauty of Hampi with South India Architectural Tour.
Ever seen a stone chariot before? This temple has a finely sculpted Stone Chariot. It is one of the only three well-known Stone Chariots in the country. The other two being Konark and Mahabalipuram. Going as per the Hindu mythology in India, the chariot portrays a shrine dedicated to Garuda. The Ranga Mantapa is one of the main attractions in the temple. The pillars in this Mantapa were designed as musical instruments.
Also known as SAREGAMA pillars, these pillars were designed to emit musical notes when tapped.
These attractions give you enough reasons to explore these significant landmarks on the list of Hindu temples. Also, don’t forget to check our temple tour itinerary for Hampi when you travel around this architectural city.
Jagannath Temple, Puri – The epitome of sheer magnificence
This temple is one of the most visited places by the Hindu devotees due to the interesting scientific and traditional facts. It holds huge significance for the Hindu devotees on the Char-Dham pilgrimage. Only a few temples are around a thousand years old in India and this temple has that privilege. The complex surrounding the main temple has close to 120 temples in it.
The main temple is in the center of the complex. They built the complex in a wide expanse of about 10 acres. There is an interesting thing about the flag on the top of the main temple of Jagannath.
Every day, a priest changes the flag at the top of the mast. Also, one shouldn’t miss the Rath Yatra that takes place annually during the month of June or July. They bring out the idols of deities out to streets on a chariot pulled by thousands during this time.
Also, interestingly, they replace these idols with their exact replicas once in every 12 or 19 years. The divine energy that drives millions of devotees to come to worship this place is worth a visit.
Tirumala temple, Tirupati – Abode to the world’s most prosperous God
One of the wealthiest temples in India, the temple witnesses a humongous influx of tourists across the year. The annual count of devotees shoots up to 40 million visitors and a staggering 50,000 daily visitors. Hence, it happens to be one of the most visited temples in the world and not just in India. It makes it one of the most famous temples in India. Also, called the ’Temple of seven hills’, the main temple is located on the seventh peak.
Adding to the never-ending donation rituals, there’s yet another fascinating ritual of head tonsuring. Hindu mythology again plays a pivotal role behind the rationale of head tonsuring ritual. Devotees donate more than a staggering one ton of hair every year. All this hair is then sold internationally for cosmetic and surgical purposes.
One shall not miss the celebrations when the Brahmotsavam festival is celebrated for nine days.
Who wouldn’t love to be in a place surrounded by gold all around?! Would you?! Well, there’s more to the Golden Temple of Amritsar than just the gold coated mosaics and architecture. Being one of the holiest sites of worship in India, it witnesses a huge number of visitors every year. It is one of the most prominent heritage sites in India.
Also called as Harmandir Sahib, it is the most sacred site for the Sikhs. In search of some serenity and spirituality?! Then this is the right place for you. The reflection of the stunning gold clad architecture, in the ‘Pool of Holy Nectar’, can take your breath away. The man-made lake takes pride in being home to some of the rarest fish.
The biggest community kitchen ‘Langar’ has been feeding people free of cost to all the devotees. The best part is that they entertain no caste, creed or economic criteria while serving the devotees.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai – A synonym to grandeur and immense beauty
The immense grandeur and the size of this festival can make you doubt your eyes. The spectacular temple is the country’s largest temple as per size and area.
It boasts of its 500-year historical values through the innocuous stories. Stories are beautifully carved on the walls of the temple. This famous temple also is one of the most amazing temples in India, courtesy of its sculptures. Book your Tamilnadu temple tour packages now to explore the spirituality of Meenakshi temple.
The entire architectural body has an astounding 33,000 sculptures and 14 gateway towers. One of the halls in the complex alone has about 985 mythological creatures carved on the pillars. The Dravidian architectural style perfectly complements the sculptures and carvings in the temple. One shouldn’t miss witnessing the Shivratri and Navaratri celebrations in the temple. Checkout this recommended Meenakshi Temple tour.
ISKCON Temple, Bengaluru – The epitome of spirituality
ISKCON Temples engage ardent devotees of Lord Krishna in various activities. The temple enrolls members and arranges programs in community centers dedicating them to the consciousness of Lord Krishna. The prayer songs and recitals add to the austerity in the premises.
Lectures and prayer services also form a part of their daily chores. In addition, the ISKCON temple community conducts a wide variety of activities directed towards rediscovering spirituality. It not only helps individuals seeking answers but also helps them discover a new dimension of spirituality.
The above features enable ISKCON to enjoy a world-wide visitor turnover. One must at least visit one of these ISKCON Temples that have got its centers all across the world.
Akshardham temple, Delhi – The glorious blend of art, architecture, learning, and devotion
In need of a perfect combination of art, architecture combined with the various lessons of life?! One place that can give it all along with the right amount of devotion - Akshardham.
You’ll not find this perfect blend of learning imparted by way of exhibits, anywhere else in the world. The temple complex boasts of a huge theatre for plays on various themes. They use the tools of non-violence, compassion, and honesty to propagate love across the world. One must not miss the boat ride that takes you through the achievements of Indian scientists and Rishis.
The entry package also comes with a documentary film on the pilgrimage of the prime deity. One shouldn't miss the musical fountain show in any case. It is an extravaganza which still has lots to teach us about the art life around us.
Not to forget the deliciously cooked umpteen food options in the canteen of the temple in Delhi.
Somnath Temple, Gujarat – The symbol of undeterred sanctity
One cannot wipe sanctity from the world. And Somnath temple is the best testimonial for this fact. Some rulers back then attacked and demolished this temple many times.
It was rebuilt every single time, though. The architecture and the way it is rebuilt every time regain the faith in the concept of sanctity. The structure of the temple perfectly showcases the master skills of the masons of Gujarat.
Also, the temple has a long history of approximately a millennium. It is one of those few temples to make it to the list of 1000-year old temples in India. The light and sound show at this temple is one thing that the visitors shouldn’t miss. Checkout our Gujarat Temple Tour.
Want to witness the intricate artworks, the depiction of erotic kama and mithuna on the walls of a temple?! Then the Sun temple in Konark is the perfect place to be in. It is a monumental representation of the Sun god – Surya’s chariot.
The 24 wheels of the chariot are decorated with symbolic designs and are led by 6 horses. If one needs to witness a masterpiece of creative genius in concept, then this is the place.
The biggest reputation of the temple is that it has earned the title of ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’. Checkout the list of World Heritage sites in India.
Approximately 750 years old, this is one of the most ancient temples in the country. Also, it intricately adopts the art forms and various cultures of the country in its carvings.
The erotic images form the base and roof of the temple portraying the ancient concept of kama in India. Yet again, one such site which you are not to miss if you are anywhere around Konark.
Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh – Depicting the real India
The Khajuraho temple complex is a series of beautifully and decorated monuments. They date back to the period between 900 – 1300 AD. Out of the 85 temples built back then, only 25 remain.
Khajuraho is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is highly worthy of tourist attention situated in Madhya Pradesh.
Yet, what really holds Khajuraho apart from other temples, is the numerous erotic carvings. They depict men, women, and even animals engaging in lovemaking under the benign smiles of divinities.
As per Tantric principles, the Chandela rulers created the temples to foster the balance between the male and female forces. Some scholars believe that the temples are a celebration of the female power. Hence, these temples are considered as a celebration of womanhood.
Therefore, these temples are a must visit to realize the real Indian culture overshadowed by the current day beliefs.
Kashi Viswanath temple, Varanasi
You ponder on the holiest places in the country and one of the most common thoughts you’d strike upon is Varanasi. The temples, vibe, and the ghats on the Ganges add to a perfect combination in this oldest city of Benaras. There are temples at every turn in Varanasi but this one is one of the oldest of the lot.
It is not just an ancient Hindu holy site but also an architectural marvel built in the early 18th century.
The center part of the worshiping philosophy here is the worship of Lord Shiva. And hence, the energy propagated revolves around the beliefs of Lord Shiva.
This site is one of the most popular sites since it’s one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country. Also, it has a huge prominence for the Hindu community due to the presence of the river Ganga. Also, do check out the itinerary for Varanasi if you are traveling around this city.
The above mentioned spiritual landmarks are just a few out of the many which portray the diversity India. So turn on to your spiritual mode and get your feet moving to some of these places.
