Golden Temple, Amritsar, Punjab
The Golden Temple, also known as Sri Harmandir Sahib, is the holiest Sikh shrine in the world. It is located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab. The temple is covered in gold leaf, which gives it its distinctive name. The Golden Temple is a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs from all over the world.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the twelve most sacred Jyotirlinga temples in India. It is located in the city of Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and it is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites for Hindus from all over the world.
Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha
The Jagannath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Lord Vishnu. It is located in the city of Puri in the state of Odisha. The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra festival, in which three huge chariots carrying the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and his sister Subhadra are pulled through the streets of Puri by millions of devotees.
Akshardham Temple, Delhi
The Akshardham Temple is a Hindu temple complex dedicated to Swaminarayan, a Hindu deity. It is located in the city of Delhi. The temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, and it is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens.
Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
The Meenakshi Amman Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi and her consort Lord Sundareswarar. It is located in the city of Madurai in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for its colorful architecture and its 14 gopurams (gateway towers).
Tirupati Balaji Temple, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
The Tirupati Balaji Temple is one of the most popular and visited temples in India. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, a form of Lord Vishnu. The temple is located on top of Tirumala Hills in the Eastern Ghats mountain range.
Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir
The Vaishno Devi Temple is a Hindu shrine dedicated to the goddess Vaishno Devi. It is located in the Trikuta Hills in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir. The temple is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India, and it is visited by millions of devotees every year.
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu
The Ramanathaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the town of Rameswaram in the Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is known for its long corridor, which is one of the longest in the world.
Dwarkadish Temple, Dwarka, Gujarat
The Dwarkadish Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is located in the city of Dwarka in the Gujarat state of India. The temple is one of the four most sacred Dham temples for Hindus.
Somnath Temple, Somnath, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the town of Somnath in the Gujarat state of India. The temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, which are considered to be the most sacred Shiva temples in the world.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in the city of Thanjavur in the Tamil Nadu state of India. The temple was built in the 11th century by the Chola king Raja Raja Chola I. It is one of the largest and most impressive Hindu temples in the world.
Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu
The Shore Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. It is located in the town of Mahabalipuram in the Tamil Nadu state of India. The temple was built in the 8th century by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tamil Nadu.
Hampi Temples, Hampi, Karnataka
The Hampi Temples are a group of Hindu temples located in the town of Hampi in the Karnataka state of India. The temples were built in the 14th and 15th centuries by the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the temples are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Karnataka.
Ellora Caves, Ellora, Maharashtra
The Ellora Caves are a group of 34 Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain cave temples located in the town of Ellora in the Maharashtra state of India. The caves were built between the 5th and 10th centuries. The Ellora Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maharashtra.
Ajanta Caves, Ajanta, Maharashtra
The Ajanta Caves are a group of 29 Buddhist cave temples located in the town of Ajanta in the Maharashtra state of India. The caves were built between the 2nd and 6th centuries. The Ajanta Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Maharashtra.
Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Madhya Pradesh:
These temples are famous for their explicit and exquisite erotic sculptures, showcasing India’s ancient art and architecture.
Lotus Temple, Delhi
Shaped like a lotus flower, this Bahá’à House of Worship is open to people of all faiths, promoting peace and unity.
Ranakpur Jain Temple, Rajasthan
This marble marvel is renowned for its 1,444 intricately carved pillars and is a significant pilgrimage site for Jains.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Nestled in the Himalayas, Kedarnath is one of the Char Dham temples and holds immense spiritual significance for Hindus.
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
A prominent example of Kalinga architecture, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its exquisite carvings.
When visiting any of these temples, it is important to be respectful of the religious customs and traditions. Visitors should dress modestly and avoid making loud noises. It is also customary to remove one’s shoes when entering a temple
Many temples in India offer free meals to visitors. These meals are known as langars, and they are a way for the temple to show its hospitality to all. Visitors are encouraged to donate to the temple if they are able, but donations are not required.
Visiting temples in India is a unique and rewarding experience. It is a great way to learn about Indian culture and religion and to see some of the most beautiful architecture in the world.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Must-See Temples in India
Q: What is the best time to visit the temples in India?
A: The best time to visit the temples in India is during the winter months (October to March) when the weather is mild and pleasant. However, many temples are open all year round, so you can visit them at any time of year.
Q: What should I wear when visiting temples in India?
A: It is important to dress modestly when visiting temples in India. This means covering your shoulders and knees. You should also avoid wearing revealing clothing or anything that is considered to be offensive to Hindu culture.
Q: Do I need to remove my shoes before entering a temple?
A: Yes, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering a temple. You can wear socks if you prefer, but many people prefer to go barefoot.
Q: Can I take pictures inside the temples?
A: Some temples allow visitors to take pictures inside, while others do not. It is important to check with the temple authorities before taking any pictures.
Q: What are some of the most popular temples in India?
A: Some of the most popular temples in India include the Golden Temple in Amritsar, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, the Akshardham Temple in Delhi, and the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai.
Q: Are there any temples that are less popular with tourists?
A: Yes, there are many temples in India that are less popular with tourists. Some of these temples are just as beautiful and impressive as the more popular temples, but they are located in less accessible areas or are not as well-known.
Q: What is the best way to get around and visit different temples in India?
A: There are many ways to get around and visit different temples in India. You can hire a private driver, take public transportation, or join a tour group. If you are planning on visiting multiple temples, it is a good idea to hire a driver or join a tour group, as this will save you time and money.
Q: Are there any other tips that I should keep in mind when visiting temples in India?
A: Here are a few other tips that you should keep in mind when visiting temples in India:
- Be respectful of the religious customs and traditions.
- Be quiet and avoid making loud noises.
- Do not touch any of the idols or statues.
- Do not offer money to the priests or other temple staff.
- If you are unsure about anything, it is always best to ask a temple authority for help.
