Top 20 Famous Temples In India

India one of the worlds oldest civilizations is a country rich in cultural traditions, religious beliefs, and mythology. India is proud of its rich religious and cultural past because it is the cradle of Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, and Hinduism. India is a country where people of several religious backgrounds live peacefully and brotherly. It’s thought that Hinduism is the oldest religion in the world. Hinduism is a synthesis of various religions rather than a single founder in contrast to other religions. The religion is described as a traditional way of life by numerous old writings and experts. It is a religion whose beginning and conclusion are illusory. Hindus call the place where the Almighty resides in heaven on Earth, “Mandir.” Magnificent temples can be found almost wherever in the nation. Every temple has a unique narrative and history associated with it. In this blog, we are going to discuss about famous temples.

20 Famous Temples in India

Here we are going to discuss about them:

1. Ma Vaishno Devi Temple

Every year millions of people travel to the ancient Ma Vaishno Devi Temple which stands above the Trikuta Mountains in Jammu & Kashmir. There are other choices such as helicopter and horse rides but the journey to the temple is a tough trek. The three rock formations in the cave known as the Pindis which stand in for the three goddesses Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati are the main center of prayer.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: March to June

2. Kedarnath Temple

The Garhwal region of the Himalayan range is home to the Kedarnath Temple. Among the greatest holy places for the Lord Shiva is this temple. According to a legend connected to the Mahabharata, the Pandavas constructed the temple in order to atone for their sin of killing lives during their conflict with the Kauravs. The building you see today dates back to the eighth century. The temple is encircled by glaciers and situated 2.583 meters above sea level. This temple is accessible by horse ride or a 14-kilometer journey across a hilly area for visitors. The temple is open from April through November.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: May to June

3. Golden Temple

Sri Harmandir Sahib usually referred to as Darbar Sahib or the Golden Temple is the most revered destination for Sikhs traveling to Amritsar, Punjab. Universal brotherhood and equality are the foundations upon which the temple is constructed. Seeking religious and spiritual fulfillment people of all races and faiths are welcome to enter through the four doors that open in the four noticeable directions. Respected for its magnificent design the building is situated at a lower elevation than its immediate surroundings signifying the importance of decorum. After completion the Guru Granth Sahib the Sikhs holy book was initially housed in Sri Harmandir Sahib.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: January to June

4. Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath temple also known as Jagannath Puri, is located in Puri, Orissa and dates back to the 12th century. One of India Char Dhams the temple is devoted to Lord Krishna. Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra are located inside the main temple with the idol of Lord Krishna (Jagannath) between them. Non Hindus are not permitted on the temples grounds. From the roof of the Raghunandan Library which is situated directly across from the temple they may enjoy a great view of this magnificent structure. The renowned yearly Rath Yatra held in Puri offers an opportunity to catch a clear view of Lord Jagannath along with Balabhadra and Subhadra astride the chariots.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: January to June

5. Rameshwaram Temple

Located on the Tamil Nadu island of Rameswaram the temple is also referred to as Ramanathaswamy. This Hindu temple honors Lord Shiva and is a significant stop on the All India Char Dham Yatra. It is also one of the 12 major pilgrimage destinations for Jyotirlinga Darshan. According to historical traditions Lord Ram himself gave the orders for the construction of the Rameswaram temple. In order to worship Lord Shiva before traveling to Sri Lanka he had the temple constructed. Lord Rama even set up and worshipped the temples main lingam before he crossed the bridge to Sri Lanka. 

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to October

6. Badrinath Temple

Among Indian temples Badrinath Dham is a key hub of spirituality and is devoted to Lord Badri an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple which is located close to the sacred Alaknanda River is a part of both the Chota Char Dham Yatra which is held in Devbhumi, Uttarakhand and all of India. The temple which was built in the eighth century by Adi Shankaracharya stands out sharply against the verdant surroundings. Legendary tales state that Lord Vishnu spent a great deal of time here simply meditating and not even hesitating at the harsh conditions. 

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

7. Brihadeeswara Temple

One of the biggest temples in South India Brihadeeswara Temple is located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The Chola emperor Raja Raja Chola I constructed this temple in the eleventh century, which is also referred to as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and RajaRajeswaram. It is well known that Cholas value art. The temple’s massive and majestic architecture fully reflects the Cholas’ wealth and artistic prowess. It was constructed using only granite stone and in accordance with Vaastu Shastra’s principles. The fact that this UNESCO World Heritage Site casts no shadows at midday is its most amazing feature. The temple which is devoted to Lord Shiva highlights the significance of religion in Hinduism.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

8. Somnath Temple

One of the oldest places of worship in India is Somnath Temple, which is mentioned in the ancient texts of the Shreemad Bhagvat Gita, Skanda Purana, and Shiv Purana. Since Soma means “Moon God,” Somnath also means “Protector of the Moon God.” Soma, the Indian God of the Moon, was supposedly cursed to lose his luster by his father-in-law. After Lord Shiva healed him of his ailment, Soma constructed this shrine in his honor. Out of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, it is considered to be one of the most sacred.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

9. Meenakshi Temple

This architectural wonder honors Goddess Parvati also known as Meenakshi, and her husband, the Lord Shiva. It is located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Admittedly one of the oldest towns in the world, Madurai is the second biggest Indian city. Before seeing the primary shrine of the God and Goddess it is customary to take a swim in the temple’s Golden Lotus tank, which is thought to bring good fortune. The pond is said to be much older than the temple, having been constructed by Lord Shiva. Intricately sculpted with unique sculptures, the temple hall is supported by 985 pillars. Among the thirty nominations for the ‘New Seven Wonders of the World the vibrant temple from the 12th century was listed.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

10. Amarnath Cave Temple

In the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, at an elevation of 3,888 meters, lies the sacred cave known as Amarnath. The cave is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and is primarily snow-covered all year round. It opens up for pilgrims during the summer months of June through August when it becomes accessible. It is estimated that the cave is 5,000 years old. A famous narrative states that a holy man approached Muslim shepherd Buta Malik and gave him a sack of coal.When he went home, he saw that the coal had been turned into gold. Inspired by the miracle, the shepherd set out to find the saint but ended up discovering Lord Shiva’s holy house.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

11. Sri Venkateswara Temple

This is among India’s most well-known and wealthy temples. Lord Vishnu is the temple’s principal deity. Every day the temple welcomes about 100,000 pilgrims. Numerous inscriptions from various families, including the Yadaaraya, Pallava, Pandya, Chola, and others, can be found in this Dravidian temple. This temple has many festivals and performs special ceremonies. The primary travel ritual involves toning and devoting the hair to the deity. The temple’s signature treat is a unique and well-known type of laddoo.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

12. Kashi Vishwanath Temple

One of the city of Varanasi oldest temples Kashi Vishvanath Temple is a symbol of Hinduism spirituality. The location of this temple is nearer Dashashwamedh Ghat. The fact that the temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples contributes to its fame. The temple was damaged multiple times throughout history before being restored to its current form. There is a well inside the temple that is supposed to have the cleanest Ganges water. Local legend states that you can make wishes upon the temples golden spire, and your wishes will come true.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

13. Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple

This temple from the 21st century is situated in Delhi. This temple is well known for its boat ride, IMAX movie that portrays the life and work of Swaminarayan, theme garden, and other features. The temple’s architecture is made of Carrara marble from Italy and pink sandstone from Rajasthan. It also features a large number of sculpted figures. The temple also houses 148 life-size elephant statues, totaling 3000 tons in weight. In addition to Swaminarayan the temple is home to almost two thousand other deities.

An inventive feature of the building is the Sahajanand Darshan, featuring a robotic exhibition featuring religious themes and Swaminarayan artwork among other things. Built on more than 100 acres, the temple holds the record for the largest size in the world.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

14. Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple

The Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple is a beautiful and historically significant religious landmark located near Kuruvatti, on the banks of the peaceful Tungabhadra River in Karnataka, southern India. This historic temple, built in the 12th century is dedicated to Lord Shiva and represents the region’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. As one approaches the temple, they are struck by its majestic granite building which is decorated with beautiful carvings and sculptures depicting episodes from Hindu mythology and the life of venerated deities. 

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

15. Kandariya Mahadev Temple

The temples of the Khajuraho group of monuments are known for their exquisite carvings, sculptures, and unique architecture. The Kandariya Mahadev Temple is the tallest and largest in the bunch. The temple’s principal deity is Lord Shiva. The temple’s construction mimics that of a mountain. According to legend, this temple resembles Mount Meru. Apart from the marble lingam, which serves as the principal deity, there are around 900 sculptures.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

16. Brihadeshwara Temple

Brihadeeswara Temple is one of the largest South Indian temples located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This 11th century temple also known as Peruvudaiyar Kovil and RajaRajeswaram, was built by Chola ruler Rajaraja Chola I. The Cholas are recognized for their appreciation for art. The temple’s majestic architecture reflects the Cholas’ richness and artistic proficiency. It was created using Vaastu Shastra principles and is entirely made of granite stone. The most striking feature of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is that it casts no shadows on the ground during noon. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the temple emphasizes the importance of religious beliefs in Hinduism.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

17. Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple

The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a captivating and historically significant Hindu temple located in the city of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. This awe-inspiring architectural marvel is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu, who is depicted in the temple’s main shrine in the reclining ‘Ananthasayana’ posture, resting on the serpent Adishesha. The temple’s origins can be traced back to the 8th century CE, and it has long been revered as one of the 108 principal Divya Desam temples of Vaishnavism. 

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

18. Shore Temple

The 8th century coast temple is named after the Mahabalipuram beach on which it is built. This temple was built to demonstrate the wealth of the region to traders who visited southern India via the port in Mahabalipuram. The temple includes three minor shrines and is decorated with inscriptions, sculptures, bass reliefs, and other elements. This temple is a heritage site and is well known as one of southern India’s ancient stone cut temples. The temple is constructed by cutting granite.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: July to Nov

19. Ram Mandir

The Ram Mandir, a highly significant Hindu temple in Ayodhya, India, has a long and illustrious history that is inextricably linked to the country’s cultural and religious heritage. This vast, towering building honors Lord Ram, a beloved Hindu deity and the primary figure in the epic Ramayana. The Ram Mandir’s history dates back centuries, with the spot long thought to be the birthplace of Lord Ram himself. The temple has gone through several phases of construction, destruction, and reconstruction, reflecting the ebb and flow of India’s complicated religious and political landscape.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: Aug to Nov

20. Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple

The Shri Sai Baba Sansthan Temple is a recognized spiritual landmark in Shirdi, India, and serves as the ultimate resting place and shrine for the great saint Sai Baba. This hallowed spot attracts thousands of devotees from all over the world who come to pay their respects and seek the blessings of the revered holy man. The temple complex is a breathtaking architectural marvel, fusing traditional Indian design with Sufi influences to create an environment of profound serenity and calm. The renowned Samadhi Mandir, a huge marble structure that houses Sai Baba’s hallowed grave, is located in the heart of the compound, where devotees gather to offer prayers, light candles, and immerse themselves in the saint’s great spiritual energy.

• Entry Fee: Free
• Timing: 24 hours open
• Best Time to visit: Nov to Dec

Conclusion

India is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and historically significant temples each with its own distinct architectural style, cultural value, and spiritual allure. From the towering spires of the Khajuraho Temples to the tranquil serenity of Amritsar’s Golden Temple these 20 notable Indian temples embody the country’s rich religious tradition and enduring devotion. Visitors to the Taj Mahal are astounded by the magnificent mausoleum’s exquisite symmetry and delicate marble inlays, whereas the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai captivates with its colorful, intricately carved gopurams. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi is a respected spiritual center, with golden domes that shine above the sacred Ganges River.