The temples are mostly dedicated to the Temples of Uttar Pradesh are quite ancient and sacred. Since ancient times, these temples have provided a healing touch to the innumerable devotees. Uttar Pradesh is one of the most culturally vivacious states in India and is the birthplace of two of the most popular deities of Hinduism, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. Varanasi, which is a famous town in this Northern Indian state, is regarded as the home of Lord Shiva, one of the Lords of Trinity (Tridev-Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Maheshwara).
Banke Bihari Temple, Mathura
Banke Bihari Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is located in Vrindavan city, in the district of Mathura. The term `banke` implies `bent in three places`, while `bihari` implies `supreme enjoyer`. Therefore, the idol of Lord Krishna based here displays a `Tribhanga` position. This holy idol was first worshipped by Haridas Swami and the idol was known as `Kunj-bihari`, or the `Enjoyer of Lakes`.
Radha Raman Temple, Mathura
Also known as Sri Radha Raman Mandir, this temple is situated in the city of Vrindavan and its presiding deity is Lord Krishna, who is revered here as Radha Ramana. It is believed that this temple was built on the request of Gopala Bhatta Goswami in 1542 and contains the unique `saligram` deity of Lord Krishna with Radharani.
Kesava Deo Temple, Mathura
This Hindu temple is also locally known as `Krishna Janmasthan` and is present in Mathura and is quite sacred since it is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Krishna. `Bajranabh` is said to have established the original deity of this temple, and he is said to be Lord Krishna`s great-grandson.
Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
Situated in the holy city of Varanasi, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple is one of the most famous Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and an important pilgrimage for numerous Hindus who visit this temple every year. It is located on the western side of the bank of Ganga River and is renowned for being one amongst the twelve `Jyotirlingas`. The presiding deity is worshipped as `Visheshwara` or `Vishwanatha` which means `Ruler of the universe`.
Bharat Mata Mandir, Varanasi
This temple is entirely dedicated to the human revelation of India popularly called the Bharat Mata in Hindi or Mother India. It was constructed by Babu Shiv Prasad Gupta and inaugurated by Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1936. The Bharat Mata temple is situated in the premises of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth. Inside the temple, there exists a beautiful statue of Bharat Mata which is built in marble and portrays the land of undivided India.
Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi
Literally, the word `Sankat Mochan` means `deliverer from troubles`. This temple was created by the Indian freedom fighter named Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya during the 1900s, who was the founder of Banaras Hindu University. An elaborate procession or `shobha yatra` is arranged during `Hanuman Jayanti`, the birthday of Lord Hanuman from the Durga Mandir till the premises of the Sankat Mochan Temple.
Durga Mandir, Varanasi
In this temple Goddess Durga is worshipped in the form of Shakti, signifying the female element of power and harmony in nature. Durga Mandir is based in the region of Ramnagar in Varanasi. It is said that this temple had been built about 500 years ago by the royal family of Varanasi. It is dedicated to Goddess Durga and its walls display an excellent specimen of architectural beauty.
Tulsi Manas Temple, Varanasi
The complex philosophies of the Ramayana are described in sheer simplicity of words in the walls of the temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and is located at the area which is the famous place where the legendary Hindu saint Tulsidas composed the epic `Shri Ramcharitamanas`. It is near the Durga Mandir.
Buddhist Temples, Kushinagar
The historical city of Kushinagar in the state of Uttar Pradesh embodies three Buddhist Temples. Buddhist Temples located here comprise the Japanese Temple, Watt Thai Temple and the Chinese Temple. The Japanese Temple has been erected by the Atago Isshin World Buddhist Cultural Association. Watt Thai Temple was constructed to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of His Majesty King Bhumibol `s accession to the throne of Thailand. The architecture of the Chinese Temple is predominantly `Han Chinese`.
Other Temples of Uttar Pradesh
The other magnificent temples which are present in the state of Uttar Pradesh include Hanumangarhi, Nageshwarnath Temple, Mathakaut Temple, Dwarkadhish Temple, Nirvana Temple and Mulgandha Kuti Vihar Temple. Hindus all over the world consider the clusters of temples in the city of Ayodhya very sacred. There are other important temples too such as the one dedicated to Ganges at Gadh Mukteshwar and other at Chitrakoot.
This state possesses some of the most popular and beautiful temples in the country. The most notable in terms of temples is in Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The main temple is known as Krishna Janam-bhoomi. It is popularly believed that the temple is built at the same site where Lord Krishna was born. The temples at Vrindavan and Nandgaon are worth visiting too.