North India's Most Interesting Temples




States like Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, along with Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, and Jammu & Kashmir, are all included in the northern part of India. It is situated in the northern region of the subcontinent of India, which is home to the magnificent Himalayas and the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The area is fascinating and well worth a visit because it has a wealth of attractions, including mediaeval forts, opulent castles, and sanctuaries for wildlife and sparkling glaciers. This area is much more alluring to explore because of the diversity of living civilizations. Consider the food of Rajasthan, the vibrant clothing, the traditional Himachal clothes, and the trekking paths.


There will be tiny streams running through them, verdant valleys, and mountains blanketed in white wool. North India is a stunningly lovely country with rich typography. If you're seeking heavenly instruction and the ultimate spiritual experience, this is a terrific place to be. Numerous religious gods and goddesses call it home. It does, however, also boast some of the most well-known shrines in the world and in India. Every year, devotees swarm these ancient temples to establish a connection with their ancestors' pasts and India's rich cultural legacy.



This stunning area includes Vaishno Devi, Badrinath, Amarnath, and Golden Temple.





1. Rajasthan's Birla Mandir in Jaipur

In Jaipur, Rajasthan, Birla Mandir is situated at the highest point at the base of Moti Dungari hill. In 1988, the Birla Group of Industries constructed an outstanding, relatively new building. When lit up at night, it looks fantastic. The goddess Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu are the patrons of this temple. Three large gopurams adorn the temple. It is a magnificent marble structure. The marble structure is surrounded by lush green gardens where one can witness the beauty of nature and colorful flowers. You will find many sculptures and works of great poets on the walls. It is a landmark in Jaipur and a must visit for tourists and religious pilgrims.

Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg Tilak Nagar Jaipur, Rajasthan, 302004

Timings: 8 AM – 12 Noon and 4 PM – 8 PM

Dress Code: No, but it is recommended that you dress respectfully for the temples in the area. For summer heat, light cotton clothing is best. If you visit in winter, warm and woolen are more appropriate.

Approximate Visit Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour

How to reach: This temple is located in Jaipur. To reach the temple, you can use public transport (taxi/auto) from any part of the city.

Best time to visit: Weekdays, morning and evening aarti hours (to avoid rush). Diwali is celebrated here in a beautiful way and it is a magical experience that you should not miss.

Other attractions: These three gopurams represent the three original religions that appeared in India. You can also shop for trinkets in the complex. There is also a museum that exhibits ancestral artefacts, clothes and other costumes of the Birla family. After Birla Mandir, you can visit Ganesh Mandir and Jantar Mantar as well as Hawa Mahal.



2. Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab:

One of the most famous temples in North India, Harmandir Sahib is also known as the Golden Temple. This is due to its beautiful scenery and gold plating. Yes, the top floor of the temple is covered with gold. It's more than just a pretty sight. This temple is also known as the holiest Sikh Gurudwara in the world. Every Sikh dreams of visiting this place at least once in his lifetime. It is located in Amritsar, Punjab. It was founded in 1574 by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das. There are four doors surrounding the entrance of the Golden Temple. It means that everyone and all religions are welcome. The Guru Granth Sahib is the holiest scripture in Sikhism and is available during the day in the Gurdwara. Every day, 100,000 people visit the temple to enjoy langar and community kitchen. The temple has the largest free kitchen in the world. Its architecture is magnificent and reflects the perfect harmony between Hindu and Muslim styles.

The structure is coming together to sparkle, create magic

Address: Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006

Timings: 8 AM - 7 PM

Dress Code: No, but there are some guidelines. You must cover your shoulders (so wear sleeves) and you must not wear shorts or dresses above your knees. Carry scarves/handkerchiefs and kris as you need to cover your head while entering the temple.

Approximate Visit Duration: 3 hours

How to reach: You can use public transport like taxis or autos to reach the temple. Private cars can also be hired. Temple Trust also provides bus services from Amritsar Railway Station.

Temple Website: http://sgpc.net/sri-harmandir-sahib/

Best time to visit: Vaisakh, second week of April, main festival. Guru Nanak Jayanti, a grand celebration is also held. For more beauty and firework displays, visit Diwali.

Other attractions: The healing properties of the tank around the temple are well known. You can join thousands of people who travel from all over the world to enjoy these holy waters. The museum houses a collection of Sikh weapons and a Sikh museum. It allows you to see how the Sikhs were persecuted by the Mughals.



3. Amarnath Temple in Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir:

Located at an altitude of 3888 meters above sea level and 45 km from Pahalgam in Kashmir, Amarnath Temple is famous for its pristine Shivalinga. A 130 feet tall stalagmite formed in the Amarnath cave due to freezing water droplets is considered by Hindus as Shivalinga.Among the earliest temples in North India is this one. It is the location of the revered Amarnath Cave, one of Hinduism's most significant shrines. It is thought to be Lord Shiva's residence. According to the Puranas, Lord Shiva accompanied Parvati inside the cave where he revealed the mysteries of creation and immortality. An enormous number of people take part in the yearly sacred Amarnath Yatra in June and August. In July and August, pilgrims from all over the world come to the Shivalinga to offer prayers during the 45-day Shravan Mela season. It is believed that in this snow-covered sacred cave, Lord Shiva calls his devotees and allows them to receive his love and blessings. You will experience peace and tranquility in the beautiful surroundings of snow mountains all around. It is important to be prepared for extreme weather and terrain.

Address : Baltal Amarnath Trek and Forest Block, Anantnag and Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 22230

Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM

Dress code : You should wear woolen clothes as it is cold and you will be trekking here. You should bring raincoats, monkey caps, gloves and other essentials.

Approximate Visit Duration : 3 hours

You can reach the cave through two routes: one from Baltal and one from Pahalgam. Just 14 km from Baltal Cave. It can be reached by road or by helicopter. Pahalgam is 47 km from the cave and the starting point of the trek is 47 km away. Both these points are easily accessible from Srinagar. Jammu is the nearest airport to Srinagar and Srinagar is the nearest railway station.

Temple Website : http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/

Better to visit Amarnath Yatra in July or August. It is best to skip the first week, which may start in June and end in August. It becomes more chaotic.

Other attractions: Sri Shankar Acharya Temple is also nearby.

 


4. Vaishno Devi in Trikuta Mountains, Jammu & Kashmir:


     Vaishno Devi Temple, located in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu & Kashmir, is dedicated to the Mother Goddess Mahalakshmi. More than 10 million people visit the holy shrine every year. The Mahalakshmi statue rides on a tiger and holds seven weapons in her hands: trident and bow, arrow, lotus and mace, as well as sword and sword. Abhaya's gesture shows eight hands. This cave is located at an altitude of 5200 feet. From Katra, the base camp, pilgrims can trek 14.5 km to reach the cave. 'Moon Mangi Muradeen Puri Karne Wali Mata', better known by its short name, will help you achieve all your goals. The exact date of pilgrimage to this place has not been established. The rock caves are about a million years old.

Address : Katra Reasi Rd. Bhawan Katra, Jammu & Kashmir 182301

Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM, 4 PM - 9 PM

Dress Code: Light woolen clothing is recommended in summer and heavy woolen in winter. Avoid fancy shoes, especially if you are walking on the ground.

Approximate Visit Duration: 3 hours

How to reach Jammu Airport: Jammu is 50 km away. You can reach Katra by train from Udhampur railway station.

Temple Website: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org/introduction.aspx

Chaitra festival and Navratra are the best times to visit. They are very popular and if you don't mind queuing for hours then it's time to go. For a more relaxed darshan, plan in winter to skip the rainy season and New Year.

Additional attractions : Ard Kuvari Cave is a must visit if you are already there. You can find souvenirs on the streets of the area to bring home to your family and friends.



5. Jwalamukhi Devi Temple in Kangra District, Himachal Pradesh

Jwalamukhi Devi Temple, located in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, is dedicated to Jwalamukhi Devi (Goddess of Flame). The goddess worships the form of flames rising from the crevices of the rock. Her form is Mother Durga. Water and milk are usually offered to the sacred flames of the pit and blag or rasa is given to the deity. Havanam and Aarti are performed daily and parts of Durga Saptasati are recited. Raja Bhumi Chand built the Katoch temple. It is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and is important. what else Dhauladha Hills can be seen from that place

Address: Jawala Ji Temple Road Jawalamukhi Himachal Pradesh 176031

Timings: 6 AM to 5 PM

Dress Code: There is no dress code.

Approximate duration of visit: 1 - 2 hours

How to reach: Guggal is 50 km from the nearest airport. The nearest station is 20 km away. You can reach the temple by public transport like cabs or direct buses from Dharamsala and Gaggal.

Temple Website: https://jawalaji.in/

Best time to visit : During the Jwalamukhi Mela (a colorful festival full of fun and religious fervor).

Other attractions include Gyuto Monastery 2.8 km.



6. Lotus Temple, New Delhi

Bahai Temple is one of the most unique temples in Delhi. Also known as the Lotus Temple, it is one of the most beautiful and distinctive temples in Delhi. This temple looks like a lotus flower when lit at night. The temple garden is very beautiful and is an excellent place for picnics. The construction cost is 10 million dollars. This magnificent architectural work in the form of a lotus flower is the mother temple of India. It is a Bahá'í House of Worship, which means it is open to all, regardless of their religion. Bahá'í Laws dictate that people may only chant holy scriptures from the Bahá'í Faith or any other religion. The temple is not allowed for rituals. With 8,000-10,000 devotees visiting daily, it has become one of the most popular places of worship worldwide. It is an excellent example of modern North Indian temple architecture.

Address: Lotus Temple Rd, Bahapur, Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Kalkaji, New Delhi, Delhi 110019

Timings: Winter, 9 am to 5:30 pm; In summer, Monday 0 is a holiday from 9 am to 7 pm.

Dress Code: There is no dress code.

Approximate Visit Duration : 1-30 hours

How To Reach : Nearest Metro Station: Kalkaji Mandir

Temple Website : http://www.bahaihouseofworship.in/

Best time to visit: Winters, to avoid the scorching heat of Delhi. Other attractions Here you can also find concerts. Explore the vibrant Nehru area or visit the nearby ISKCON temple



7. Manasa Devi Temple, Haridwar (Uttarakhand): 


Manasa Devi Temple can be found atop Bilwa Parawat on the Shivalik Hills in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. It is one of the five Tirthas in Haridwar. It is the sacred abode of Manasa and Siddha Peetha, i.e. temples are places where one fulfills his desires. The highlight is the beautiful views of the Ganges River from the north-Indian temple. Navratri and Kumbh Mela are the most popular times to visit this temple. To reach the temple one has to go through the stairs first. A ropeway was constructed to transport the visitors to the temple. Although the ropeway costs money, the experience of gliding through the mountains and forests in this beautiful place is a feast for the mind and soul. Why the mind? According to Kashyap's thought and mind, the temple is believed to be there.

Address : Haridwar 249401, Uttarakhand

Timings : 8 AM to 5 PM

Dress Code : Respectful attire is recommended.

Approximate Visit Duration : 2 hours

How to reach : Dehradun is the nearest airport (about 50 km) and taxis are easily accessible from there. Take a train to Haridwar which is just 2 km from the temple. There are direct buses from Delhi and other cities. Once you are in this area you can also take a cable car to the temple.

Temple Website : https://haridwar.nic.in/

Best time to visit: Navratri, the biggest festival in the region, and Kumbha Mela Haridwar are both great experiences. Other charms may tie a thread to represent a wish and unravel when the wish is fulfilled. You can explore the holy city of Haridwar on foot. It offers not only the best temples but also mouth-watering street food. You can also visit Maya Devi temple.



8. Sthaneshwar Mahadeva Temple in Thanesar, Haryana:


Because of its association with mythology and Hindu culture, it is very important. It is about 5000 years old. According to the Puranas, Shiva Lingam was originally installed here by Lord Brahma. Lord Shiva was worshiped for the first time in this shrine. This is also the place where the Pandavas and Krishna prayed to Lord Shiva after their victory in the Mahabharata war. It enriches and uplifts the history of North Indian temples. It is located in the holy city of Thanesar, in the Kurukshetra region of Haryana. A popular belief is that the holy waters in the nearby tank are sacred. The Sthaneshwar temple houses the abode of Lord Shiva.

Address: Kuber Colony, Thanesar, Haryana 136118

Timings: 6 AM - 8 PM

Dress Code: There is no dress code, but conservative clothing is recommended.

Approximate Visit Duration: 2 to 3 hours

How to reach : Delhi (160 km) and Chandigarh (90%). Nearest airports are Delhi (160 km) and Chandigarh (90%). From Delhi and Chandigarh, you can reach Kurukshetra by taxi, bus or train. Kurukshetra Junction, accessible by rail, is just 3.5 km from the temple. If you are coming from another part of UP, you can use private cars or buses to move around.

Temple website

Best time to visit: Shivratri is celebrated here with great enthusiasm

Additional attractions The surrounding waters (temple-tank) are considered very sacred and swimable.



9. Badrinath Temple in Badrinath, Uttarakhand; 

One of the Char Dhams is the Badrinath Temple in Uttarakhand. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu also known as Badrinath. It is situated on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is one of the most famous shrines in India. The black stone idol of Lord Vishnu is 3.3 feet tall and is considered one of the eight manifestations. Mata Murtika Mela is the most famous festival here. The temple is closed for six months every year (April-November). Due to its Himalayan location, it does not operate at all during the rest of the year. It is at an altitude of 3133 meters above sea level. It receives the largest number of pilgrim visits.

Address: Badri-Mata Murthy Road, Badrinath Uttarakhand 246422

Timings: 7:30 AM to 1 PM, 4 PM - 9 pm

Dress Code: Wear winter clothing and comfortable shoes.

Approximate Visit Duration: 3 Hours ,

How to reach: Buses reach the nearest stop (Narayan Palace Road) which is 1 km away. Many people hire private cars to reach the temple. Taxis can also be hired, but once you're in the city, wander around to see the beauty. To reach this place, you can reach by helicopter from Dehradun.

Temple Website: http://uttaranchaltourism.org/

Best time to visit: Mata Murthy Ka Mela time. You can also take bath at Tapt Kund. Adventurers can trek to the base camps of Neelkanth, Satopant and Charanpaduka mountains.