Hindu Sites of the Top 10 Famous Temples in India

Discover the magic and grandeur of the top 10 famous temples in India spectacular sights. From the Kerdarnath Temple to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, be amazed at these sites!

A trip to India is incomplete without visiting its exquisite and ancient temples. These spiritual centers and cultural centers have been awe-inspiring tourists for centuries, providing an insight into the country’s fascinating history and unique religious customs.

This guide brings to you the top 10 most famous temples in India. Perfect to experience the stunning architecture and leave with lifelong memories!

1. Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati

The Venkateswara Temple built on top of a hill is the richest temple in India. Located near Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, it is believed to have been established by sage Parashurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Situated inside seven majestic gopurams (gateways), this temple is visited by thousands of devotees every day. The innermost sanctum houses the majestic deity of Lord Venkateswara.

This temple is a part of the top 10 richest temples in India. The temple has five unique inscriptions which describe its mythological and historical origins.

2. Kedarnath Temple

Kedarnath Temple is an important pilgrimage destination for Hindus located in the state of Uttarakhand. Built in the 8th century, the temple stands at an altitude of 3580 meters and overlooks the majestic mandakini river.

Kedarnath is one of the most famous temples of India. In early November, Kedarnath receives heavy winter snowfall, which closes all roads. The temple also remains closed for a period of six months.

Every year, thousands of devotees visit this holy shrine in pilgrimage to seek blessings from Lord Shiva. The temple is also a popular tourist attraction due to its picturesque setting and stunning architecture.

3. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Tamil nadu

Ramanathaswamy Temple is a breathtakingly beautiful 11th century temple located on the famous Rameshwaram island in Tamil Nadu. This majestic pilgrimage center is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is mentioned in both the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

The grand temple, about 400 feet high, has 12 gopurams (gateways) with intricately carved sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Inside, there are 24 lingas that symbolize the primary Hindu deities.

It is said that taking a dip in the holy water of the Ramanathaswamy Temple absolves the soul of all sins and leads to spiritual liberation.

4. Somnath Temple, Gujarat

Located in the Prabhas Patan region of Veraval in Saurashtra on the west coast of Gujarat, the Somnath Temple is one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. This temple has been destroyed and rebuilt several times and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

One of the 12 most revered Shiva shrines, or Jyotirlinga, is represented by the large, black Shiva lingam at its center. And because it is one of the major Jyotirlingas in India, it makes it the most famous temple in India.

October, November, December, January, February and March are ideal months to visit. It is believed that a circle of life ends each time its steps are broken, imparting wisdom to all who pass through it.

5. Amarnath Cave Temple

The Amarnath Cave Temple is an ancient pilgrimage site located in the Kashmir Valley in Jammu and Kashmir. It is a revered temple of Lord Shiva, and pilgrims from different parts of the country come here to explore its many attractive features.

The temple is carved out of a mountain and has pathways leading to beautiful lakes, waterfalls and valleys. One of the 51 Shaktipeeths, the temple is significant as it is a holy place where you can ask Lord Shiva to absolve you of your sins. Amarnath is one of the most famous temples in India.

6. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai

The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu is the most revered temple in South India. Dedicated to Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati (Meenakshi), this temple is one of the largest in India and is highly revered by devotees.

It is known for its massive gopurams, or gateway towers, decorated with thousands of stucco figures – a spectacular sight! There are also several temples in the temple complex.

Which provide an opportunity to visit this ancient spiritual site. Meenakshi Temple serves as the economic, mythological and spiritual center of Madurai apart from being the physical centre.

7. Vaishno Devi Mandir, Katra

Located in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the most revered temples in India. Built on the ridge of the Trikuta mountain, it overlooks the caves which have been set into a temple complex.

Legends tell that a visit to this holy site will help bring luck and fortune in life. The main attraction here are the three pindis or stone pillars, which are said to represent the presence of the goddess.

It is one of the most famous temples in India. Adorned with flowers and colorful tapestries, the Vaishno Devi Temple certainly mesmerizes visitors with its splendid beauty!

8. Sun Temple in Konark, Odisha

Konark Sun Temple is considered to be one of the most admired Hindu temples located in the Puri district of Odisha. Built by King Narasimhadeva I in the middle of the 13th century. The temple is a magnificent expression of the religious and architectural prowess of India.

It was originally built in honor of the Sun God and today it is one of the most recognizable landmarks of India. The magnificence of the temple can be seen through its intricate carvings on the sandstone walls and pillars which depict scenes from mythology.

Sun temple in one of the most famous temples in India. Visitors will surely be captivated by its splendid architecture and its magnificence.

9. Badrinath Temple, Chamoli, Uttarakhand

Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India’s most sacred temple – the Badrinath Temple – is one of the most popular temples in India. This temple is the most famous temple in India for its beauty and spiritual significance.

And is dedicated to the Nara-Narayana incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Badrinath Temple with its backdrop of the majestic Kedarnath mountain range attracts devotees from all over the world, making it a religious destination.

Badrinath Temple is one of the Char Dham (four important pilgrimages) in the state. Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath are the four pilgrimage sites that make up the Char Dham.

10. Swaminarayan Akshardham Mandir, New Delhi

One of the most spectacular Hindu temples in India, the Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple in New Delhi is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. This magnificent temple made of marble and sandstone was built in just five years from 2000-2005.

Its stunning architecture truly speaks for itself, with 11 breathtakingly beautiful domes, 237 pillars, 9 grand pavilions. And countless small temples adorned with colorful carvings made of pink stone.

This temple is the most famous temple in India. Devotees flock to the elaborate hall of worship every day as part of their spiritual pilgrimage.

Conclusion

Immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty of India’s cultural and historical sites with a tour of the country’s top 10 wondrous temples.

Explore these destinations with awe-inspiring grandeur and enchanting tales.

Embark on an incredible journey and explore some of the most beautiful temples in India! This guide reveals our top 10 picks for cultural and spiritual hubs to experience across India.