Most popular temples to visit in India

 Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

 Kedarnath Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands majestically on the Garhwal Himalayan range near the Mandakini River in Uttarakhand, India . Here are some key points about this sacred temple:

Jyotirlinga of Shiva:

·         Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, considered the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva.

·         According to Hindu legends, the Pandavas built the temple after pleasing Shiva through penance .

 

 

Location and Accessibility:

·         Situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters (11,755 feet), Kedarnath is not directly accessible by road.

·         Visitors must undertake a 22-kilometer (14-mile) uphill trek from Gaurikund. Pony, mule, and manchan services are available for reaching the temple.

Seasonal Opening:

·         Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple opens to the public only between April (Akshaya Tritiya) and November (Kartik Purnima, the autumn full moon).

·          During winters, the deity’s vigraha is moved to Ukhimath for worship .

Historical Significance:

·         Kedarnath holds historical significance as the highest among the twelve Jyotirlingas.

·          It is also part of India’s Chota Char Dham pilgrimage in the Northern Himalayas.

Ramanathswamy Or Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu

 

The Ramanathaswamy Temple, also known as the Rameswaram Temple, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here are some key details about this sacred site:

 

Location:

·         The temple is situated on Rameswaram island in the state of Tamil Nadu, India .

·          It stands as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples, revered by devotees.

Legend:

·         According to tradition, Lord Rama established and worshipped the lingam (an iconic symbol of Shiva) here before crossing the bridge (Rama Setu) to the island kingdom of Lanka (identified with Sri Lanka).

·          The temple is associated with the epic Ramayana.

Historical Significance:

·         The Ramanathaswamy Temple was expanded during the 12th century by the Pandya Dynasty.

·         Its principal shrine’s sanctum was renovated by monarchs of the Jaffna kingdom.

·         Notably, it boasts the longest corridor among all Hindu temples in India, a remarkable architectural feat.

Pilgrimage Site:

·         The temple attracts Shaivites, Vaishnavites, and Smartas alike, making it a significant pilgrimage destination.

·         Devotees visit to seek blessings and absolution of sins.

Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand

Badrinath Temple, also known as the Badrinarayana Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is situated in the town of Badrinath in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. This temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in India and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The temple is open for six months each year, from the end of April to the beginning of November, due to extreme weather conditions in the Himalayan region. It stands along the banks of the Alaknanda River, surrounded by the scenic Garhwal hill tracks. 

The presiding deity is Lord Vishnu in the form of Badrinarayan, a black granite idol. The temple’s architecture includes a sanctum (Garbhagriha), a worship hall (Darshan Mandapa), and a convention hall (Sabha Mandapa). If you plan to visit, I hope you have a spiritually enriching experience.

Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

The Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Periya Kovil (Big Temple), is a magnificent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It stands in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, India, and is an extraordinary example of Dravidian architecture from the Chola period. Built by Chola emperor Rajaraja I between 1003 and 1010 CE, this temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the “Great Living Chola Temples”. 

Alongside the Chola-era Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple and Airavatesvara temple, it forms a trio of remarkable architectural marvels. The temple features a massive colonnaded prakara (corridor) and houses one of India’s largest Shiva lingas. Its granite vimana tower above the shrine is also among the tallest in South India. Notably, the temple.

Somnath Temple, Gujrat

The Somnath Temple, also known as Somanatha Temple, holds immense significance for Hindus. Located in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Gujarat, India, it is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Here are some key points about this sacred pilgrimage site:

 

Historical Significance:

·         The temple’s origins are uncertain, with estimates ranging from the early centuries of the 1st millennium to the 9th century.

·         Ancient texts mention a tirtha (pilgrimage site) at Prabhas Patan, but there’s no evidence of a temple there in ancient times.

·         The temple faced repeated destruction by Muslim invaders, starting with Mahmud Ghazni’s attack in 1026 CE.

Reconstruction and Revival:

·         In the colonial era, historians studied the temple’s ruins, which were turning into an Islamic mosque.

·         After India’s independence, the present Somnath temple was reconstructed in the Māru-Gurjara style of Hindu temple architecture.

·         Reconstruction began under the orders of Vallabhbhai Patel and was completed in May 1951 after Mahatma Gandhi’s approval1.

Location:

·         The Somnath temple stands along the coastline in Prabhas Patan, Veraval, Saurashtra, Gujarat.

·         It’s approximately 400 kilometers southwest of Ahmedabad and 82 kilometers south of Junagadh, another significant archaeological and pilgrimage site in Gujarat2.

Symbol of Faith:

·         Despite its tumultuous history, the Somnath Temple remains a symbol of unwavering faith and resilience, attracting devotees from all over India.

 

Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

The Vaishno Devi Temple, also known as the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple and Vaishno Devi Bhavan, is a Hindu mandir (temple) located in Katra, Jammu and Kashmir. It is dedicated to Vaishno Devi, a manifestation of Goddess Durga. The temple stands on the Trikuta mountain at an elevation of 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) 12. Here are some key details:

 

Shakti Pitha:

·         The Shakti tradition considers it to be a Shakti Pitha, a sacred site associated with the divine feminine energy .

Governance:

·         The temple is governed by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and has been chaired by the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since August 1986 .

Popularity:

·         It is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimage sites in North India, with millions of devotees visiting annually. In 2018, the shrine received 8.5 million pilgrims .

Golden Temple, Amritsar

The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is the chief gurdwara (house of worship) in Sikhism and holds immense religious significance for Sikhs worldwide. Located in the city of Amritsar, Punjab, India, it is a place of deep devotion and spiritual connection 12. Here are some key details about this sacred site:

 

Spiritual Significance:

·         The Golden Temple is one of the holiest sites in Sikhism.

·          It is the pre-eminent spiritual center for Sikhs, alongside other significant gurdwaras like the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur and Gurdwara Janam Asthan in Nankana Sahib.

History and Architecture:

·         The temple’s man-made pool was completed by the fourth Sikh Guru, Guru Ram Das, in 1577.

·          Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru, placed a copy of the Adi Granth (the Sikh scripture) in the Golden Temple.

·         Over time, it was repeatedly rebuilt by Sikhs after facing persecution and destruction by Mughal and Afghan armies.

Golden Splendor:

·         Maharaja Ranjit Singh, after founding the Sikh Empire, rebuilt the temple in marble and copper in 1809.

·          The sanctum was overlaid with gold leaf in 1830, earning it the name the Golden Temple.

Open House of Worship:

·         The Golden Temple welcomes people from all walks of life and faiths.

·         Its square plan with four entrances symbolizes Sikh beliefs in equality and the idea that everyone is welcome.

Complex Features:

·         The temple complex includes the Akal Takht (chief center of religious authority in Sikhism), a clock tower, offices of the Gurdwara Committee, a museum, and a langar (a free community kitchen serving vegetarian meals to all visitors without.

 

Jagannath temple, Odisha

 

The Jagannath Temple is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of Vishnu. It stands in Puri, Odisha, on India’s eastern coast. According to temple records, King Indradyumna of Avanti built the main temple. The present structure was rebuilt from the 10th century onward, initiated by Anantavarman Chodaganga, the first king of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.

 

Here are some interesting facts about the temple:

 

Architecture:

·         The temple showcases Kalinga architecture, a remarkable example of Odisha art and architecture.

·          It stands over 61 meters (200 feet) high in the Nagara style.

 

 

Annual Ratha Yatra:

·         The temple is famous for its Ratha Yatra, a grand chariot festival where the three principal deities are pulled on elaborately decorated temple cars.

Wooden Deity:

·         Unlike most Hindu temples with stone or metal icons, the image of Jagannath is made of wood.

·          It is ceremoniously replaced every 12 or 19 years with an exact replica.

Heart Legend:

·         Legends suggest that Krishna’s heart was placed here, and the material used for the deity damages the heart, necessitating replacement every seven years.

Vaishnavite Tradition:

·         The temple is sacred to all Hindus, especially those following the Vaishnava tradition.

·         Saints like Ramanujacharya and Madhvacharya were closely associated with it.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

 

The Meenakshi Amman Temple, also known as Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, is a historic Hindu temple located in the temple city of Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Let me share some fascinating details about this magnificent temple:

 

Deities:

·         The temple is dedicated to Meenakshi Amman Nayak, a form of Parvati, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, a form of Shiva.

Architecture:

·         It follows Dravidian architecture and features over 40 inscriptions.

·          The west tower (gopuram) of the temple served as the model for the Tamil Nadu State Emblem.

 

History:

·         The temple city of Madurai, mentioned in 6th-century CE texts, centers around this temple.

·          It’s one of the Paadal Petra Sthalams, revered in the verses of Tamil Saiva Nayanars.

Gopurams:

·         The temple boasts 14 towers, each adorned with thousands of colorful stone figures depicting animals, gods, and demons.

Notable Additions:

·         Pandyan Emperor Sadayavarman Kulasekaran I built significant portions of the temple, including the three-storeyed Gopuram at the entrance of Sundareswarar Shrine.

·         Maravarman Sundara Pandyan I and II made further additions, including the Chitra gopuram with frescoes and reliefs.

Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir

 

The Amarnath Temple is a significant Hindu shrine located in the Pahalgam tehsil of the Anantnag district, Jammu and Kashmir, India. Let me share some fascinating details about this sacred place:

 

Cave Location:

·         The temple is situated in a cave at an altitude of 3,888 meters (12,756 feet).

·          It lies about 168 km from Anantnag city (the district headquarters) and 141 km from Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Pilgrims can reach it through either Sonamarg or Pahalgam.

Glacier Surroundings:

·         The cave, nestled in the Sind Valley, is surrounded by glaciers, snowy mountains, and remains covered in snow most of the year.

·          However, it opens to pilgrims during a short period in the summer.

Annual Pilgrimage:

·         The annual pilgrimage to Amarnath varies between 20 and 60 days. In recent years, the number of pilgrims has ranged from 2.85 lakh (285,000) to over 6.3 lakh (630,000).

Shiva Lingam:

·         Inside the cave, you’ll find a natural stalagmite formation known as the Shiva Lingam.

·         It represents Lord Shiva and is considered a Swayambhu lingam.

·          The stalagmite grows during the melting of snow in the Himalayas above the cave and gradually wanes afterward.

·         Hindus believe this is where Shiva revealed the secret of life and eternity to his consort, Parvati.

Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh

 

The Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, also known as the Tirumala Temple or Tirupati Balaji Temple, is a Vaishnavite Hindu temple situated in the hills of Tirumala, near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, India. Let me share some fascinating details about this sacred place:

 

Deity:

·         The temple is dedicated to Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, who is believed to have appeared on Earth to save mankind from the trials and troubles of Kali Yuga.

·         Hence, the place is also known as Kaliyuga Vaikuntha, and the deity here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam.

Other Names:

·         Venkateswara is known by many other names, including Balaji, Govinda, and Srinivasa.

Location:

·         The temple lies on the seventh peak of the Tirumala hills, known as Venkatadri, on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini, a holy water tank.

·         Hence, it is also referred to as the “Temple of Seven Hills”.

Architecture:

·         Constructed in South Indian architecture, the temple’s Garbhagruha (Sanctum Sanctorum) is called Ananda Nilayam.

·          The presiding deity, Venkateswara, stands in an east-facing posture.

Tradition:

·         The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition of worship.

Historical Significance:

·         The temple was built by the Thondaman king and later expanded and renovated under the Chola and Vijayanagara Empires.

·          It is believed to have been constructed over a period starting from 300 CE123.

Dilwara Temples, Mount Abu, Rajasthan

 

 

The Dilwara Temples, also known as the Delvada Temples, are a group of Śvētāmbara Jain temples located about 2.5 kilometers from the Mount Abu settlement in Sirohi District, Rajasthan’s only hill station1. These temples date back to between the 11th and 16th centuries and are renowned for their exquisite Māru-Gurjara architecture. Here are some key details:

 

Vimal Vasahi Temple:

·         Constructed by Vimal Shah in 1031, this temple is the earliest among the five.

·         It features intricate white marble carvings and remains a significant pilgrimage site for Jains.

Luna Vasahi Temple:

·         Built around 1230, this temple also boasts remarkable marble craftsmanship.

Other Temples:

·         The remaining three temples were constructed between 1459 and 1582.

·          All five temples are made of white marble and exhibit stunning architectural details.

Kandariya Mahadev Temple, Madhya Pradesh

 The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple, also known as the Khandarya Mahadev Temple, is a magnificent Hindu temple located in the Khajuraho group of monuments in Madhya Pradesh, India. Here are some fascinating details about this architectural marvel:

 

Significance and Architecture:

·         Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is considered one of the best examples of nagara-style temple architecture and sculpture in India.

·         It was built sometime during 1025-1050 AD and stands as the tallest and largest structure in the Khajuraho complex.

·         The temple boasts approximately 870 spectacular sculptures, making it a spiritual abode of Lord Shiva.

·         Its ornate architecture includes intricately carved statues of beautifully adorned women.

UNESCO World Heritage Site:

·         Due to its outstanding preservation and cultural significance, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 19861.

Location:

·         The temple is situated in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, in the Khajuraho village.

·         The entire temple complex spans an area of 6 square kilometers and is well connected by road, rail, and air services.

·         Khajuraho itself lies about 55 kilometers south of Mahoba and is served by the Khajuraho Airport with flights to Delhi, Agra, and Mumbai.

History:

·         Khajuraho was once the capital of the Chandela dynasty.

·         The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built during the reign of Vidyadhara (around 1003-1035 CE).

Vidyadhara, a powerful ruler, fought against Mahmud of Ghazni, leaving a historical mark on the temple’s legacy.

Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala

 The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, India. Here are some key details about this magnificent temple:

 

Sacred Abode:

·         It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, considered the holy abodes of Vishnu in the Sri Vaishnava tradition.

Architectural Fusion:

·         The temple showcases an intricate blend of Kerala style and Dravidian style architecture.

·         Its features include high walls and a 16th-century gopuram.

Principal Deity:

·         The main deity is Padmanabhaswamy, a form of Vishnu.

·          He is enshrined in the “Anantashayana” posture, depicted in eternal yogic sleep on his serpent mount, Shesha.

Wealth:

·         The Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple is widely considered the world’s richest Hindu temple.

Historical Significance:

·         While the Ananthapura temple in Kumbla (Kasaragod district, Kerala) is considered the original spiritual seat of the deity, architecturally, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple resembles the Adikesava Perumal temple in Thiruvattar (Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu).

Trustee:

The titular Maharaja of Travancore, Moolam Thirunal Rama Varma, serves as the current trustee of the temple.

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