India – “The land of Hinduism Temple” always make vacationers awestruck with its endless religious and Hinduism charm. Since decades, the country has thousands of pilgrimages dedicated to hundreds of god and goddesses. Some temples were built in early centuries and some are made in few decades. Therefore, the country invites vacationers from diverse corners of the world to explore the rich history, culture, tradition, belief, and customs of the nation. And as India in few decades have turned out be one of the famous countries to visit in the world, and have fun therefore we have emerged with a long list of amazing temples that vacationers can explore. Each and every turn towards discovering the rich temples will bring you great knowledge about the particular temple and its history. Right from diverse rituals, prayers, and worshiping at each temple is different from one another; therefore the journey of exploring several temples of the country is going to be one of the amazing experiences for devotees and travelers. While exploring the incredible temples of India, travelers will get to know about its rich history, a story behind the temple’s architecture, ancient manuscripts, etc. So, let’s dive into an amazing journey of exploring incredible temples of India by the help of this list.
Temples of North India
1. Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand:
Badrinath Temple is one of the popular temples of India and it is also known as one of the char dham’s of India. It is located in Uttarakhand’s Badrinath town at an elevation of around 3,100 m. With Lord Vishnu as its presiding deity, the temple remains open for six months in a year i.e. May to November. It is believed that this Indian temple have been established by sage Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. To enhance the beauty of the temple, you will notice Lord Vishnu in a calm, composed, and meditative posture along with 15 other black carved idols. The peace at the temple always wins the heart of vacationers as it offers great calmness.
Best Time to Visit – May to June and September to October
Timings – 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
2. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu & Kashmir:
Amarnath Cave Temple is located at an altitude of around 3888 m. from Pahalgam, Kashmir. And it is one of the famous Hinduism temple in India. The special thing about this temple is that it lies under a cave and the “Shivling” emerges naturally. It is made up of Ice and resembles as Lord Shiva’s Shivling. Due to its natural formation, devotees have immense faith in this temple. Therefore, during the month of “Shravan i.e. July to August” a large number of people pay a visit to this temple in India. People reach the temple by two ways either by Pahalgam or by Baltal. Choose the best one as per your choice.
Best Time to Visit: July to August, (Huge Crowd) and May and September (Lesser Crowd)
Timings: 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
3. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir:
Located in Trikuta hills, 13 kms from Katra, Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the widely visited temple Hindu. It is nestled at an altitude of 5,200ft above sea level in Himalayan Mountains. It is a renowned shrine of India and dedicated to three rock heads, known as ‘Pindkas or Pindis’. It is believed that Mata Rani, Vaishnavi and Trikuta, Vaishno Devi all of them are just a manifestation of Goddess Durga. And it is also believed that these goddesses appears daily during the evening arti to pay their respect to Maa Durga. It is believed by devotees that Maa Durga calls their devotees for the worship and those who’s doesn’t get the chance to visit Vaishno Devi certainly doesn’t get “Maa ka Bulawa” to reach there.
Best Time to Visit: May, June and July
Timings: 5 AM till 12 PM and 4 PM till 9 PM
4. Mansa Devi Temple, Haridwar:
Located atop the Bilwa Parvat on the Sivalik Hills, Mansa Devi is one of the popular temples in Haridwar. Mansa Devi also completes the holy triangle of Siddhapeeth with two other temples i.e. Chandi Devi and Maya Devi. It is said that, the holy abode of Mansa Devi is a form of Shakti (power) and she is emerged from the mind of the Lord Shiva. It is also said that Mansa is regarded as the sister of the Nāga (serpent) Vasuki. It is believed that whosoever pays the visit to this temple and wishes something to the goddess, the goddess fulfill it. This temple Hindu is located just 3.7KM from Haridwar Railway Station, whereas from ropeway to Mansa Devi temples its just 1.2 KM. Ropeway service is available from morning 7 AM to 9 PM.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Ropeway Fee: Rs.90 per person
5. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand:
Kedarnath, one of the most famous Indian temples, located at an altitude of 3,580 m, near Chorabari glacier. The temple is also the part of Char Dham circuit. This Indian temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and known as the eleventh out of twelve Jyotirlingas of India. The temple has a rock formation in a conical form, which is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his “Sadashiva” form. People have immense faith and belief in this temple and that’s why they come from a long way to worship and pray. Apart from temple, the majestic snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges is also known as a paradise for trekkers.
Best Time to Visit: April to June
Timings: 4 AM to 9 PM
Temples of East India
1. Jagannath Temple Puri, Odisha:
When it comes to East India temples, then Jagannath Puri is the very first name that strikes to mind. It is one of the oldest temple Hindu. It is one of the circuits of char dham temples of India. The temple is spread into 400000 sq feet and it is surrounded by 20 feet high strengthened walls. Every day a priest climbs almost 45 storeys to change the Flag on daily basis. The temple is designed in an inherent Oriya Style of architecture with exquisite sculptures. And to explore the temple and do prayers, there are around 2000 to 20000 devotees visit the temple regularly. The mahaprasadam is prepared for Jagannath and devotees and it never gets over.
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Timings: 5:30 AM
2. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha:
The Konark Sun Temple is again one of the popular temples in India and it is dedicated to Lord surya or sun. It is located around 35 kilometers (22 mi) upper east from Puri on the coastline of Odisha. The astounding craftsmanship of the temple has made this temple considered to be as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also known as one of the Seven Wonders of India. The unbeatable craftsmanship enables vacationers to know about the deep knowledge of our ancestors. The architecture certainly blows the minds of visitors. So, just plan for it.
Best Time to Visit: September to March
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM
3. Kalighat Temple, West Bengal:
Situated on the banks of Hoogly River, Kalighat Temple is one of the famous temples of West Bengal. It is dedicated to Goddess Kali and also known as one of the shakti peethas of India. This Kali Temple is quite famous since its establishment. The premises of the temple have several things to explore including sosthi tala, natmondir, jor bangla, harkatha tala, Radha Krishna Temple etc. It is believed that whosoever pays a visit to this temple and ask for a wish certainly get it fulfilled. Therefore, thousands of vacationers visit here every day and its holiness and peaceful environment always wins the heart of visitors.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 5 AM to 2PM and 5 PM to 10:30 PM
4. Lingaraj Temple, Odisha:
Built in 11th century, Lingaraj Temple is one of the glorious temple complexes of India. According to the mythological studies, it has seen that the name of the temple is available in Brahma Purana, which is dedicated to Lord Brahma. Located in Bhubaneswar, this temple Hindu, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Vishnu and receives a great footfall of devotees every day. Be its architecture, idols, tradition, puja or arti, Lingraj Temple makes visitors awestruck with its amazing charm. One must plan to visit this place with their loved ones.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 03:30 PM to 09:00 PM
5. Mahabodhi Temple, Bodh Gaya:
Mahabodhi Temple is also known as Mahabodhi Mahavihar temple and it is also considered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a Buddhist temple and it invites vacationers from diverse corners of the country. While exploring the temple vacationers come to know about its establishment which is being done in 250 BC. The architecture of the temple, its charm and history is still fascinating and it allures vacationers for a lovely visit. While exploring the temple, visitors will get to know about its decades back canvassed with gold, which is considered as a blessing from the King of Thailand.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: 5AM to 9PM
Temples of West India
1. Somnath Temple, Gujarat:
Somnath is a Hindu temple located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval in Gujarat, India. Somnath temple is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, that’s why it is quite famous among the followers of lord shiva. As it is one of the popular temples of Gujarat, it receives millions of footfalls of Shaivites every year. The temple is also popular for being the last place where Lord Krishna (reincarnation of Lord Vishnu) spent their last days here. It is believed that this temple has existed over 2000 years ago. There is a historic fact about the temple that India’s Iron Man and First Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel have promised to reconstruct the temple, on November 13, 1947.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: 6AM to 10PM
Sound and Lighting Show Timings: 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Daily.
2. Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat:
Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat is a Lord Krishna temple. And it is not only one of the famous temples of Hindu’s, but it also popular for having the existence of more than 2500 years ago. However, it is being renovated many a times. It is said that the temple stands on small hills which can be accessed by only 50 small steps. It is said that even in Mahabharata, several times the name of the temple has emerged. Lord Krishna is being worshipped in this temple and it is said that Dwarkadhish was the place that was ruled by lord Krishna. It attracts thousands of vacationers every year for its existing faith and charm.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 7am–12.30pm and 5–9pm
Morning Arti– 6:30 Am
Shringar Arti– 10:30 Am
Evening Arti– 7:30 Pm
Last Arti– 8:30 Pm
3. Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Maharashtra:
Siddhi Vinayak is one of the popular and richest temples of India. The temple is dedicated to lord Ganesha and it is believed that if you worship and ask for a wish in this temple, then certainly Lord Ganesha fulfills it. It was built in 1801, by a woman named Deubai Patil, but gradually the temple started getting fame and donations, thereafter it becomes one of the famous temples in India. The inner roof of the temple where Ashtavinayak idol is kept is made up of gold plated. People of Mumbai have great faith in this temple, no matter how big or small you are, everyone pays a visit to this temple to have the blessings of Lord Ganesha. Visitors need to get the ticket for Darshan. Online ticket booking is also available.
Best Time to Visit: June to December
Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, Tuesdays: 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM
4. Bramha Temple, Rajasthan:
Built in 14th Century, Brahma temple in Pushkar is one of the famous temples of west India. It is made of up marble-stone, 2000 years ago. It is believed that it is the only Brahma temples that exist in the world. As the temple is made up of red-colored stone and marbles, therefore it looks quite colorful. The wall of the temple has thousands of silver coins that are being offered to Lord Brahma. Along with the Brahma idol there are two more images i.e. on the left side Gayatri sits, whereas on the right side of the idol, there is an image of Savitri. Being the only temple of Brahma Ji- the creator, it receives a huge footfall every year.
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Timings: 6am to 1:30pm and 3pm to 8:30pm.
5. Shirdi Sai Temple, Maharashtra:
Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is one of the renowned temples of West India. It was built in 1915 , only a few months before Baba took sanyaas. It was earlier made up of stone and wood, but gradually with great funding it got improved and now it has gold plating on almost everywhere in inner walls. The special thing about this temple is that, it is worshipped by both religions i.e. Hindu’s and Muslims. It is one of the popular temples that people especially plans to visit and while exploring the temple, visitors get to know a lot about the Baba’s life and facts. So, certainly it is a worth visiting place.
Best Time to Visit: November to February
Timings: 4:30 AM to 10:00 PM
South Temples of India
1. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil Nadu:
Built in 17th century Ramanathaswamy Temple is one of the popular South Indian Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama – a Lingam of Ramanathaswamy or Shiva. Here in this temple, vacationers will see a statue of Nandi which is 17 feet in height and 12 feet wide. The beauty of the statue attracts visitors. As the temple is a home of one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country, therefore it also received thousands of footfalls every year. Apart from Jyotirlingas, it houses a longest temple hallway in India which has 4000 pillars. The temple is designed in a Dravidian style, therefore it catches a lot of attention of visitors.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 5:00 AM -1:00 PM and 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Camera Fee: Rs. 25
2. The Srirangam Temple, Tamil Nadu:
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s self manifestation of Swayam Vyakta Kshetra, Srirangam Temple is known as the biggest temples of South India. Spread into 156 acres of land, this largest South Indian temple dwells an ethereal surroundings with beautiful Dravidian architecture. It is located on an islet that is formed by the rivers Cauvery and Coleroon. The temple certainly holds a lot of religious, epigraphical and archaeological significance. Here in this temple, visitors will get the chance to witness a Sapta-Prakaram formation that surrounds the sanctum sanctorum. It is a Thenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. One must visit to explore and see everything closely.
Best Time to Visit: December to March
Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
3. Meenakshi Temple, Tamil Nadu:
Established in 1st century by lord Indra, Meenakshi temple is one of the oldest temples of South India. Though it was destroyed by an invader, Malik Kafur, in the 14th century, and the present architecture was built in 16th century. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, a form of Shakti, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva. The deity of the temple holding a parrot and the raised leg pose of Nataraja. The beauty of the architecture truly wins the heart of visitors. It is believed that this temple is the epicentre of culture and religion. The temple hosts the annual Tirukalyanam Festival which takes place over 10 days and a million of people from diverse corners of the world visits to see and experience the festival.
Best Time to Visit: July and August
Timings: daily from dawn until 10 PM
4. Laxmi Narayani Golden Temple, Tamil Nadu:
Located in the foothills of the Western Ghats, The Laxmi Narayani Temple is dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. It is surrounded by a massive stretch of lush greens. Being the golden temple of South, Laxmi Narayani Golden Temple invites thousands of visitors every year. As the temple was built by using the gold foils and layers therefore it has a different décor at the temple. The pillars of the temples are finely inscribed and have intricate carvings at the ceilings.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM
5. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Tamil Nadu:
Located in the city of Thanjavur, Brihadeeswarar Temple is one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. It is one of the biggest achievements of Chola architects. The temple is designed in Dravidian architecture, which eventually states that it is one of the oldest temples of South India. It was made when there was the existence of Chola dynasty. The special or notable fact about this temple is that when the sun remains at its peak, there is no shadow of the temple on ground. It’s truly magical and even science is fails to answer, that how it is possible. One must pay a visit to these religious sites of South India for a lovely experience.
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Timings: 7 AM – 12 noon & 4 PM – 8.30 PM
In this blog, we have covered all top 5 popular temples of each zone of India, including North, East, West and South. Each of these temples covered in this blog will bring you a lot about their establishment and the reasons, why it is famous. One must plan their travel with their loved ones to have a fantastic religious experience with family.
