Introduction
Temples in
India hold immense religious, historical, social, and cultural importance. They
are central to religious practices, acting as places of worship and pilgrimage
for millions. Historically, many temples stand as enduring symbols of ancient
kingdoms, showcasing architectural styles and craftsmanship unique to different
regions. Socially, temples often serve as community hubs, hosting festivals,
rituals, and social gatherings. Culturally, they are repositories of art,
literature, and traditions, reflecting the diverse and evolving values of
Indian society. These sacred sites not only connect individuals to spiritual
practices but also preserve the nation’s deep historical roots and cultural
legacy.
Temples in India
Indian Temples display
the rich cultural and historical tradition of India. From the magnificent
Himalayan Mountain Ranges in the North, to Kanyakumari in the South, India is
graced with thousands of temples.
History of Indian Temples
History of Indian
temples dates back to ancient ages and variant dynasties. Every temple of
every region has a story attached to it that reflects the cultures of the
specific dynasty.
Ancient Temples of India
Ancient Temples of
India are dedicated primarily to the Vedic gods. Ancient Temples of India
have some of the most beautiful carvings, architectures and styles that are
inherent to India.
Indian Regional Temples
Indian regional
temples can broadly be categorised into the four cardinal corners of east,
west, north and south, together with the recognised central Indian and
north-eastern temples.
Temples of Meghalaya
Temples of Meghalaya
cater to the spiritual needs of the devotees. The picturesque natural beauty of
the state and the architectural brilliance of these temples further enhances
their popularity.
Temples of Kerala
Temples of Kerala form
an amazing component to render the state a unique look with the celebrations of
various festivals, rituals, customs, traditions etc.
Temples of Andhra Pradesh
Temples of Andhra
Pradesh are famous for depicting the fascinating religious history of the
country. Besides pilgrims, these temples attract a number of tourists from
different parts of the world.
Temples of Odisha
Temples of Odisha have
remarkable architectural construction and beauty and this state serves as a
home to the famous Jagganath Temple and the great Lingaraja Temple.
Temples of Tamil Nadu
Temples of Tamil Nadu
were built of brick and mortar. Till 700 AD, the temples were cut out of caves.
These ancient temples exemplify the architectural splendor and heritage of
Tamil Nadu.
Temples of Sikkim
Temples of Sikkim are
the faces of the religious humdrum amidst the mountains. Approximately there
are 200 monasteries but only a few Hindu temples in Sikkim.
Temples of Himachal Pradesh
Temples of
Himachal Pradesh are symbols of simplicity and sources of positive energy
for all its devotees. These temples are major attractions of the state besides
being famous shrines.
Temples of Maharashtra
Temples of Maharashtra
are of immense religious and historical importance. These Temples depict the
spiritual consciousness of the people and also portrays rich architectural
grandeur of ancient kingdoms.
Temples of West Bengal
Temples of West Bengal
attract a number of pilgrims throughout the year, especially the Kalighat and
Bishnupur group of temples. They exemplify the rich culture and tradition of
the state.
Temples of Madhya Pradesh
Temples of Madhya
Pradesh serve as spots that have the potential to catch the attention of
tourists visiting this state. They represent the rich history and architectural
marvel of the past.
Temples of Gujarat
Temples of Gujarat are
the major attractions of the state which draw a large number of tourists as
well as worshippers throughout the year. These temples are well-known for their
great design in architecture
Temples of Tripura
Temples of Tripura with
their beautiful architectural design and calm and peaceful settings offer a
suitable option for pilgrimage. Tourists and devotees visit these temples year-round.
Temples of Bihar
Temples of Bihar act as
mirrors to the great tradition and culture of the state and its religious
sentiments. These temples form the major attractions of tourism in Bihar.
Temples of Chhattisgarh
Temples of Chhattisgarh
serve as tourism attractions. Some of the famous temples are Gandheswar Temple,
Pithampur Shiv Mandir, Shivani Temple, Mahamaya Temple, Vishnu Mandir,
Bhoramdeo Temple Complex, etc.
Temples of Jharkhand
Temples of Jharkhand
are scattered throughout the state and are dedicated primarily to the Hindu
Gods. Harihar Dham Temple, Baidyanath Temple, Chhinnamasta Temple and
Bhuvaneshwari Temple are some prominent ones.
Temples of Uttar Pradesh
Temples of Uttar
Pradesh are quite ancient and sacred. Since ancient times, these temples
have provided a healing touch to the innumerable devotees.
Temples in Jammu and Kashmir
Temples in Jammu and
Kashmir serve as spots for tourism and architectural interest. These
temples reflect the ancient history of the region along with the cultural and
religious beliefs of the time.
Temples of Uttarakhand
Temples of Uttarakhand
have made the state a major pilgrimage center for the Hindus. They have not only beautified this state but are
also historical centres reflecting ancient craftsmanship of the land.
Temples of Goa
Temples of Goa are also
known as Deul or Sausthan. These temples are mainly known for their unique
architecture, which is a mixture of Nagari, Islamic and Portuguese
architecture.
Temples of Daman and Diu
Temples of Daman and Diu
owns great religious significance. Apart from being significant religious
refuges, these temples also stand as examples of the artistic dexterities.
Temples of Delhi
Temples of Delhi are a
true blend of the past, present and futuristic world. Laxminarayan Temple,
Chattarpur Mandir. Lotus Temple, and Digambar Jain Lal Temple are the prominent
ones.
Temples of Punjab
Temples of Punjab offers
a glimpse of the rich cultural heritage and architectural brilliance of the
by-gone eras. They are also visited by millions of devotees for their religious
significance.
Temples of Arunachal Pradesh
Temples of
Arunachal Pradesh are quite popular among Hindu pilgrims and tourists. In
Arunachal Pradesh a number of Buddhist Monasteries are found owing to the fact
that Buddhism is highly prevalent here.
Temples of Assam
Temples of Assam are
symbols of artistic excellence and add to the glory of the state. These temples
also attract tourists and devotees from all over the country.
Temples of Karnataka
Temples of Karnataka
present a combination of different architecture common in several periods.
Karnataka is well known for its multitude temples and tourist attractions.
Temples in Haryana
Temples in Haryana
magnify the glory of the state whilst adding a whole new facet to the pietism
of Haryana. Some of the prominent temples are Sthaneshwar Mahadev Temple, Mansa
Devi Temple, Shri Sheetala Devi Temple, etc.
Temples of Rajasthan
Temples of Rajasthan
vividly reflect the Hindu and Jain philosophy. The artistic spirit of the
Rajasthan temples is a testimony to the aesthetic talent that prevailed in the
state.
Temples in Puducherry
Temples of Puducherry
consists of oldest rock cuts century-old structures like Manakula Vinayagar
Koil of Lord Ganesha and Varadaraja Perumal temple of 600 AD, dedicated to Lord
Vishnu.
Temples of Manipur
Temples of Manipur
serve as great attractions for devotees and tourists across the country. Apart
from being religious centres, these temples are also famous for their exquisite
architecture.
Hindu Temples in India
Hindu temples in India
are places of worship for Hindus that are specifically reserved for religious
and spiritual activities. Their splendid architecture and mythical associations
made them famous tourist destinations.
Buddhist Cave Temples In India
Buddhist Cave
Temples in India reflect the typical Buddhist mode of art and architecture.
The Buddhist caves in India form an important part of Indian rock-cut
architecture.
Jain Temples in India
Jain temples are
spread across India and help to explore the history, religion, art and culture
of the Jains in a proper way. These are elaborately decorated with stone
carvings and numerous manuscripts.
Sikh Temples in India
Sikh temples in India
are also known as Gurdwaras. These are the places of worship as well as are the
social institution of Sikhs. Most of the Gurdwaras are present in Northern
India.
Temples Dedicated to Male Gods
Temples
dedicated to Male Gods are numerous and add to the glory of Male Gods. From
Shiva temples to Vishnu temples and even temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman
attract millions of devotees every year.
Temples Dedicated to Female Gods
Temples
dedicated to Female Gods depict the female prowess in religious humdrum.
Durga temples in India almost crowd the religious spots as time and again the
devotees of Durga pay homage to her.
Shiva Temples in India
Shiva temples in India
are major places of attractions for pilgrims coming from different corners of
the country. Lord Shiva is considered to be one of the most significant Hindu
pantheons.
Durga Temples in India
Durga temples in India
throng the pilgrimage centers where thousands of devotees visit time and again
to pay homage to Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga is Lord Shiva's wife and is also
revered as Parvati and Lalitha.
Hanuman Temples in India
Lord Hanuman Temples
in India are numerous and plenty. Lord Hanuman is well-known for his
bravery, power, selfless service, courage, devotion and loyalty.
Kali Temples of India
Kali Temples in India
have the long drawn flavour of Shakta religiosity. Dakshineshwar Kali Temple is
an age-old certifier of Hindu religion and embodiment of Sri Ramakrishna's
enlightenment.
Krishna Temples in India
Krishna temples in
India are scattered throughout the country. Lord Krishna is integrally
associated with love, friendship, benevolence and mischief.
Brahma Temples in India
Brahma Temples are
dedicated to the Lord Brahma, the Hindu God of creation. He is one of the
Trimurti, the others being Vishnu and Shiva. His vehicle is a swan or Hans.
Vishnu Temples in India
The true,
the timeless and the eternal Vishnu, is ideally worshipped in the different Vishnu temples
throughout India. There are two prominent Vishnu temples in India, located in
Naggar village.
Ganapati Temples in India
Ganapati Temples in
India throw light on the essence of faith amidst the Indian clan. This God
of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva.