India, a land of ancient cultures and traditions, is known for its magnificent temples. From North to South, East to West, there are numerous temples that not only serve as places of worship but also as centers of art, architecture, and history. Here are eight not just beautiful but also most famous temples of India that are a must-visit for their beauty and historical significance.
The Golden Temple, also known as Harmandir Sahib, is one of the most significant temples for Sikhs. It is located in the city of Amritsar in the state of Punjab. The temple is famous for its gold-plated exterior, reflecting beautifully in the water that surrounds it. It was built in the 16th century by the fourth Sikh guru, Guru Ram Das, and completed by his successor, Guru Arjan Dev.
Golden temple is open 24 hours and welcomes visitors of all faiths. The nearest airport is Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, which is about 11 kilometers away from the temple. The Amritsar Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India.
The Khajuraho Temple is a group of Hindu and Jain temples located in Khajuraho, a town in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh. These temples were built between the 9th and 11th centuries by the Chandela dynasty, who were known for their love for art and architecture.
The temples are famous for their intricate carvings and sculptures that depict scenes from daily life, gods, goddesses, and celestial beings. They were built in the Nagara style of architecture and are known for their erotic carvings.
The nearest airport to Khajuraho is the Khajuraho Airport, which is about 5 kilometers away from the town. The Khajuraho Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India.
Another one of the most famous temples of India is the Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple located in Konark, a town in the Puri district of Odisha. It is dedicated to the Sun God and is designed in the form of a chariot with 12 wheels, pulled by seven horses.
The temple is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures, which depict various scenes from Hindu mythology. This temple is also known for its architectural brilliance, with its walls and pillars carved with intricate designs.
The nearest airport to Konark is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 65 kilometers away from the town. The Puri Railway Station is the nearest railway station, which is about 35 kilometers away.
The Meenakshi Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in the city of Madurai in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Goddess Meenakshi, an avatar of Parvati, and her consort, Lord Sundareshwar, an avatar of Shiva.
The temple is known for its magnificent architecture, with its towering gopurams (gateway towers) and intricate carvings that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology. This temple is also known for its musical pillars that produce different musical notes when struck.
The nearest airport to Madurai is the Madurai International Airport, which is about 13 kilometers away from the city. The Madurai Junction railway station is well-connected to major cities in India.
Brihadeeswara Temple, also known as the Big Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. The temple was built in the 11th century by the Chola dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is famous for its towering vimana (tower), which stands at a height of 66 meters, making it one of the tallest vimanas in the world. The temple is also known for its beautiful frescoes, intricate carvings, and sculptures that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology.
The nearest airport to Thanjavur is the Tiruchirapalli International Airport, which is about 58 kilometers away from the city. The Thanjavur Junction railway station is well-connected to major cities in India.
The Jagannath Temple is a historic Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha. It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, an avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is one of the Char Dhams (four pilgrimage sites) for Hindus.
The temple is famous for its annual Rath Yatra (Chariot Festival), where the idols of Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are taken out in a grand procession on huge chariots. This temple is also known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
The nearest airport to Puri is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 60 kilometers away from the city. The Puri Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India.
Kailasa Temple is a Hindu temple located in Ellora, Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is known for its magnificent architecture, which is carved out of a single rock.
The temple is one of the largest monolithic structures in the world and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various scenes from Hindu mythology. This temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit for its historical and cultural significance.
The nearest airport to Ellora is the Aurangabad Airport, which is about 30 kilometers away from the city. And the Aurangabad Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India.
The Somnath Temple is another one of the most famous temples of India which is a historic Hindu temple located in Veraval, Gujarat. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas (shrines of Lord Shiva) in India.
The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times throughout history, the most recent being in 1951. This temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene surroundings, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
The nearest airport to Veraval is the Keshod Airport, which is about 40 kilometers away from the city. The Veraval Railway Station is well-connected to major cities in India.
In conclusion, India is home to some of the most beautiful and historic temples in the world, and each temple has its unique architecture and cultural significance. Visitors to India should not miss the opportunity to explore these magnificent temples and experience the rich cultural and religious heritage of this ancient land.
