India's Most Famous Temples
India's majestic temples would be absent from any history of the country. India is referred to as the "Land of Temples" because of the more than 6,00,000.000 lakh shrines that are located inside its borders. The most popular tourist destinations in the nation are its historic temples, which have withstood the test of time. These majestic temples are still standing testaments to a bygone era, with some having survived for almost a millennium. These are significant monuments that help to advance tourism while also enabling us to learn about the past and lives of our ancestors. It's a pleasure to visit these temples and take in their stunning beauty.
India's 15 Oldest Temples
Contents of the Table:
Odisha's Konark Sun Temple.
Amritsar: Temple of Gold
Delhi's Lakshminarayan Temple.
Jain Temples at Dilwara, Mount Abu.
Dakshineshwara Temple, Kolkata.
Tirupati Balaji, Andhra Pradesh.
Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka.
Shirdi Saibaba Temple, Maharashtra.
Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
Brihadishwara Temple, Thanjavur.
Tugnath Temple, Uttarakhand.
Jagatpita Brahma Temple in Rajasthan.
Vittala Temple, Hampi.
Lingaraj Mandir, Bhubaneswar.
Kailash Temple, Ellora.
1. Konark Sun Temple, Odisha :
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha is one of the Seven Wonders of India. It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Surya. The uniqueness of this temple is that it was built during the Eastern Ganga Dynasty of Narasimhadeva II. Its architecture resembles a large, carved chariot with stone-carved wheels and pillars. It is the oldest temple in India.
Address : Konark, Odisha 752111
Timings : 6 AM - 8 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 hours
How to reach : Puri is 35 km away and Bhubaneswar Airport is 64 km away.
Temple Website : http://www.konark.nic.in/
Best time to visit : There is no specific day as this temple does not have a pooja idol.
Additional attractions : There are many artefacts that you can buy as souvenirs outside the temple.
2. Golden Temple, Amritsar :
Darbar Sahib, Harmandir Sahib, Amritsar is a golden temple of soft snow. However, it turns out to be the 'Golden Temple'. The dome of this compact structure is plated with 750 kg of pure gold. The temple opens on all four sides, displaying openness to all irrespective of their religion or caste. Built of milky white marble by the fourth Sikh Guru, this temple is a peaceful representation of the great Sikhism.
Address : Golden Temple Rd, Atta Mandi, Katra Ahluwalia, Amritsar, Punjab 143006
Timings : 3 a.m.-10 p.m.
Dress Code : Both men and women must wear headscarf.
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 hours
How to reach : It is just 2 minutes drive from Amritsar Railway Station
Temple Website : http://sgpc.net/sri-harmandir-sahib/
Best time to visit : Baisakhi, Guru Purab, Basant Panchami etc
Other attractions : It has the world's largest free kitchen serving delicious food
3. Lakshminarayana Temple, Delhi :
Lakshminarayan Temple is located in the bustling city of Delhi. It was produced by BR Birla and Jugal Kishore Birla. Legendary freedom fighter Mahatma Gandhi inaugurated the temple, which now has an area of 7.5 acres with fountains, gardens and beautiful scenic structures. This temple was built for Lord Vishnu. It is adjacent to temples like Buddha and Shiva.
Address : Mandir Marg, Near, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Timings : 4:30 AM to 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
Dress Code : Traditional dress
Duration of visit : 1-2 hours
How to reach : The temple can be reached at a distance of 16 km from Delhi railway station.
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : All important Hindu festivals
Other attractions : Several sub-temples inside the temple
4. Dilwara Jain Temples, Mount Abu :
Dilwara Temple, Mount Abu, Rajasthan, uses the most beautiful architecture that man has to offer. It consists of extravagant and magnificent hand-crafted structures carved on marble stones, pillars, ceilings and floors. The interior of the temple has five main sections dedicated to five Jain saints.
Address : Delwara Mount Abu, Rajasthan 307501
Timings : 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Dress Code : Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration : 1-2 hours
How to reach : The temple can be reached at a distance of 2.5 km from Mount Abu. To reach the temple, you can hire a taxi
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : All important Hindu festivals
Additional attractions : Darshan can be taken in hot water before cold.
5. Dakshineshwar Temple, Kolkata :
On the banks of the Hooghly River, an ancient ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali stands tall and tall. Thousands of people flock to this magnificent temple which has twelve shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, while the nine sided temple of Goddess Kali opens its doors to people from all walks of life.
Address : Dakshineshwar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700076
Timings : 5:00 AM - 8 PM
Dress Code : Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 hours
How to reach : It is 21 minutes from Kolkata Airport
Temple Website : http://www.dakshineswarkalitemple.org/
Best times to visit : Mahashivratri & Navratri
Other attractions : There are many small temples inside the campus.
6. Tirupati Balaji, Andhra Pradesh :Tirumala Venkateswara Temple also known as Tirupati Balaji is located in Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh. It was built as a symbol of Lord Venkateswara (or 'Balaji'), the reincarnation or manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is also famous for its delicious ladoos, which are served as a religious offering.
Address : Tirumala, Tirupati Devasthanam Andhra Pradesh
Timings : 2:30 AM to 11:30 AM (Interval Darshans).
Dress Code : Strictly traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 to 3 hours (depending on the queue, it may take longer).
How to reach : It is connected by buses from all states and major cities. Renigunta Junction and Tirupati Junction are the nearest railway stations. A taxi can also be hired from Tirupati to climb the seven hills.
Temple Website : www.tirumala.org/
Best times to visit: Brahmotsavams and other important festivals. It gets very crowded, so it is best to visit in March-April.
Other attractions: Many famous temples like ISKCON, Padmavati Ammavari Temple etc.
7. Badami Cave Temples, Karnataka:Badami Caves are located in Bagalkot district of Karnataka. They have four main temples, each dedicated to a different deity. The temple stands against an artificial green water pool, while the cave is made of soft brown sandstone. Shiva's cave is the first and Vishnu's caves are two below. The fourth temple was created for Jainism. A second natural cave is next door.
Address : Badami, Karnataka 587201
Timings : 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Dress Code: There is no dress code.
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 to 3 hours
How to reach : 106 km from Hubli Airport and 5 km from Badami Bus Stand.
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit Badami : From July to September, Badami is at its best
Additional attractions: Agastya Lake
8. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra :Shirdi, 296 km from Mumbai, is home to one of the most beautiful and grand Sai Baba Temples. Every year, thousands of devotees gather at the foot of the temple. Built in 1922, this temple is the most visited temple in India after Tirupati Balaji.
Address : Temple Road, Mouli Nagar, Shirdi, Maharashtra 423109
Timings : 4:00 AM - 11:30 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration : About 2 hours
How to reach : The nearest railway station to the temple is Kopergaon, which is 16 km away. Many taxis can take you there.
Temple Website : https://www.sai.org.in/
Best time to visit : Guru Poornima
Other attractions : Museum, Dhuni, Dwarakamayi Temple
9. Jammu Kashmir, Amarnath Cave Temple :The last of our ancient temples in India is a cave temple with a natural ice stalagmite. It is elegant and breathtaking. Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir is found in a hollow cave. It is the oldest Shiva temple in India.
Address : Baltal Amarnath Trek and Forest Block, Anantnag and Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir 22230
Timings : 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Dress Code : Woolen clothing and appropriate gear for trekking the mountains
Approximate Visit Duration : Approx 1 hour
How to reach: It is a hike in the mountains with permits
Temple Website : http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/
Best time to visit : May-September
Other attractions : Surrounding Himalayan landscape
10. Brihadeeswaralayam, Tanjore :Also known as Thanja Periya Kovil, this Shiva temple is the largest in South India. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the 11th century. The Vimana Tower, the tallest in South India, was also built. It was built during the Chalukya period and is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu.
Address : Membalam Rd, Balaganapati Nagar, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu 613007
Timings : 6AM-12:30PM, 4-8:30PM
Dress Code : Traditional dress
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 to 3 hours
How to reach : Puducherry is 138 km away. Many trains are connected to Thanjavur railway station. Buses can also be arranged to Thanjavur Junction.
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : Mahashivratri Night Dance Festival
Other attractions : Apart from visiting the temples, make sure to take the famous Thanjavur figurines back home.
11. Tugnath Temple, Uttarakhand :5000 years old and considered to be one of the oldest Hindu temples in India, this temple is built in the middle of the Himalayas. At 3,460 meters above sea level, this temple is the highest Shiva temple anywhere in the world. The temple is believed to have been built by the Pandavas and has a close mythological connection with the Mahabharata. Ravana is believed to have worshiped Lord Shiva during his stay here. Winter weather conditions make it impossible to open the temple in winter.
Address : Rudraprayaga Uttarakhand 246419
Timings : 6 AM-4 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration : Approx 1 hour
How to reach : This temple is 2 km from Chandrashila Shikhar. One can walk up the hill to reach it.
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : April-November
Other attractions: Chandrashila peak
12. Jagatpita Brahma Temple in Rajasthan :
This 14th century temple is located near the Pushkar Lake. It is made of marble and granite stones. It is dedicated to the rare Lord Brahma. This temple was built by Vishwamitra Maharishi, who performed yajna for Brahma in the past. This temple was later restored by Adisankaracharya.
Address : Brahma Temple Rd. Pushkar, Rajasthan 355022
Timings : 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration : Approx 1 hour
How to reach : It is 14 km from Ajmer. To reach the temple, you can hire a taxi
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : Entire month of Kartik
Other attractions: Many beautiful temples around
13. Vittala Temple, Hampi :
A ruined temple dedicated to Lord Vittala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is known as the Vittala Temple. It was built in the 15th century during the reign of Sri Krishna Devaraya and is the largest structure ever built. The temple is a marvel of sculpture and showcases the creativity and skill of Vijayanagara builders. It is also famous for the famous stone chariot that appears on the Indian currency 50 rupee note.
Address : Vittala Temple, Hampi
Timings : 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 to 3 hours
How to reach : It is 14 km from Ajmer. To reach the temple, you can hire a taxi
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : November to February
Other attractions : The temple is famous for its grand hall, stone chariot and music pillars.
14. Lingaraj Mandir, Bhubaneswar :
One of the oldest and largest temples in Bhubaneswar, Lingaraj Mandir is a magnificent structure. It was built in the Kalinga style by the Somavamsi rulers. It is home to Lord Shiva and his consort Bhuvaneswari. According to some evidence, the temple was built sometime in the 6th century. Later in the 11th century parts like Natya Mandapam were added. More than 2,00,000. Visitors annually, it is one of the most popular temples in the region.
Address : Rat Rd, Lingaraj Nagar, Old Town, Bhubaneswar, Odisha 751002
Timings : 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Duration : 2 to 3 hours
How to reach : It is about 4KM from Bhubaneswar International Airport.
Temple Website - N/A
Best time to visit : October-March
Additional Attractions : Udayagiri, Khandagiri Caves and Dhauli Shanti Stupa
15. Kailash Temple, Ellora :
Located in the Ellora Caves, this temple is one of the largest stone structures in India. This amazing structure was created by chiselling a stone. Kailasanath, the largest and most impressive of the 32 Ellora cave temples is perhaps the best. It was built during the reign of King Krishna I of the Rashtrakuta dynasty. It is believed to have been built by different dynasties because of its size and the complex method of digging downwards. Ellora Temple is one of the oldest temples in India.
Address : Ellora, Maharashtra 431102
Timings : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Dress Code : There is no dress code
Approximate Visit Time : It will take around 3-4 hours
How to reach : The nearest railway station to the temple is Aurangabad, which is about 30 km away. To reach Ellora, one can hire a taxi
Temple website
Best time to visit : October-March and June-September
Other Attractions : Other Ellora Cave Temples
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