Temples in India

Temples hold profound significance in Hinduism, as they are considered the earthly homes of deities, where their divine presence is believed to reside. Given this, they are the focal point for rituals, ceremonies and festival, where people gather to offer prayers and for blessings.

India is home to an incredible amount of temples that reflect its rich cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. Estimating the exact number of temples in India is challenging due to the sheer number and the constant addition of new ones, but it is safe to safe that there are hundres of thousands of temples across the country. While temples can range from small village shrines to complexes, a lot of hindus also have a small temple or shrine in their homes. These home temples typically include images or idols of deities and serve as a space for daily prayers and rituals. They believe that sharing their temple helps with their karma, and help them achieve nirvana, and break the cycle or reincarnation, just as living according to dharma (righteousness and moral duties).

Indian temples are incredibly diverse in their architectural styles, reflecting the region’s historical, cultural, and geographical variety. These are the most famous ones:

Tirupati Balaji (Venkateswara Temple), Andhra Pradesh

The Tirupati Balaji Temple, also known as Venkateswara Temple, is one of the richest and most visited temples in India, dedicated to Lord Venkateswara. The devotees generously offer vast amounts of cash, jewellery, property deeds, gold and even Demat shared transfers! The temple receives around 22 million INR per day as offerings.

Tirupati Balaji (Venkateswara Temple), Andhra Pradesh

Sitting in the banks of the Ganges, the Kashi Vishwanath is one of the most revered Shiva temples in the country, making people from all over come to take a dip in the holy river and pay their respects.

Meenakshi Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Famous for its stunning architecture and vibrant gopurams. Devoted to the goddess Meenakshi and her consort Sundareshwarar, it’s believe to be over 1000 years old, a passage center and a place of great artistic significance.

Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha

The Jagannath Temple is a bustling hive of devotion and energy, especially during the Rath Yatra festival when the whole place transforms into a sea of humanity pulling giant chariots through the streets. The temple is made so that it casts no shadow here on earth at any time of day.

Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden temple is the holiest point in Sikhism and one of the most visited Temples in India, known for its golden facade and the community kitchen. I is girdled by a beautiful pool of water, known as the Sarovar, which symbolizes chastity. Visitors are welcome to come by and take part in the tradition of the langar, where free meals are served to thousands of people every day.

Brihadeeswarar temple, thanjavur, tamil nadu

The Brihadeeswara Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnific illustration of Chola architecture in South India. The temple is remarkable for its grandeur and detailed carvings. Built in the 11th century, this Temple is devoted to the god Shiva and is known for its emotional vimana (palace) that rises to 66 measures high..

Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, designed as a colossal chariot with intricately carved stone wheels, walls, and pillars that are just mind-blowing.

Akshardham Temple, Delhi

The Akshardham Temple in Delhi is an ultramodern masterpiece , with intricate carvings and a spiritual complex. Opened in 2005, this Temple is a homage to Hindu culture and features intricate gravestone busts, lush auditoriums, and a stunning light and sound display that tells the story of India. .

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!

Are you ready to start discovering India?

I decided to book a couple tours when I went to India and had an amazing experience! I’m leaving the link to the tour below in case you are interested!