10 Top Famous Temples In India You Have To Visit

India is the land of age-old stones talking about unfaltering dedication and eternal rites that depict strong spiritual belief system. The country is famous for a cultural philosophy and faithful attitude which makes numerous pilgrimages. In this case, we come up with the best ten temples of India, which are each piece of art architecturally and have served as the unwavering call for all the pilgrims throughout history.

India is the land of temples but there are top 10 temples to visit in India where you will feel good. Starting from the snow-covered peaks in the Himalayas region and all the way down to the glowing beaches along the south coast, these temples are more than just a place of worship; they tell stories and hold onto memories. It is also a chance to enjoy getting immersed with heavenly colours of mythology, art and spiritualism that characterize these top 10 temples to visit in India.

Here are top 10 temples to visit in India to know more about the spirituality and devotion part of India.

1.) Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Kedarnath Temple was established in the 8th century BCE by Adi Shankaracharya—the one who has the power of spiritual energy residing in the Himalayas. A pilgrimage point of Lord Shiva is located at an altitude of 3583 meters or 11,755 feet and is accessible only four months in a year i.e. between April and November. However, pilgrims find their way through this rugged terrain to receive grace and see the mystical empyrean aura of Kedarnath.

In addition, it has been included in the list of top 10 temples to visit in India due to its significance as one. Its divine position between the snow-covered mountain ridges of the Himalayas makes it attractive for nature lovers and hikers. This expedition of pilgrims is an adventure itself, and it adds the journey of about 16 km to Gaurikund. Pilgrims take a dip in hot springs dedicated to the goddess Parvati before embarking on this holy journey.

Find out: Char Dham Tour Package for 2024

2.) Somnath Temple, Gujarat

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Somnath Temple located in Gujarat is first among, 12 jyotirlingas that considered significant place for Hinduism. This is more than a sacred site but a living witness of history and heritage that reveals excellence in architecture over the centuries.

The Somnath Temple has deep historical background stretching hundreds of years with great details and artistry. It has an interesting myth behind it; dedicated to lord shiva. Moon God had built the temple in order to apologise for having cut Somnath into pieces This temple stands towering high at a height of 155 ft; all round the year opens up for devotees in search of a divine touch from the Arabian sea.

Som who had been cursed for marriage into family from where cursed. The curse arose after the king rejected the moon god’s preference for one daughter over the other 26. This place has a strong connection with Shri Krishna who bid his last goodbye here. It is on the top 10 temples to visit in India. There is a constant stream of devotees going into the temple’s holy precincts for their daily rituals, evenings arties, and festivities. Every time you visit at the Somnath temple becomes an unforgettable adventure that fills you with new powers.

Find out: Dwarka Somnath Tour Package From Delhi (04 Nights & 05 Days)

3.) Badrinath Temple, Uttarakhand

Another historical place of worship in India that dates back to about 1200 years also includes the Badrinath temple, which together with other holy places form a group of revered temples in India . Badrinath Temple was founded during the 9th century by Adi Shankaracharya, who worshipped Lord Vishnu. One of the Char Dham pilgrimages, it is perched on a height equivalent to 3133 metres or 10279 feet.

Badrinath temple is within the holy cycle known as Chardham which are among the pilgrimage centres in Hindi stories. There is also the natural hot water spring, Tapt Kund, where pilgrims coming from all corners of India gather for a ceremonial bath believed to have healing powers.

The temple was a deeply moving part of an Indian legend known as The Mahabharata and after the long war the Pandavas went there to make amends. During winter, it shuts down gradually with copious amounts of snow all over and may not be accessible until April or May. The colourful procession, dance and music during the Badri Kedar festival raises high the energy level of the temple.

Find out: Badrinath Yatra Package from Delhi

4.) Kamakhya Temple, Assam

Settled at the centre of Assam, the Kamakhya temple is undoubtedly among the most uncommon, different and venerated temples in India a shrine for Goddess Kamakhya, or Shakti incarnation A small temple which stands at a height of 1056 m remains open all round the year to the worshippers desiring to take in the divine female vibrations.

There is a cleft in the rock which looks like a Yoni a symbol of the creative and motherly attributes of the goddess. The temple also boasts scenic views of Guwahati and Brahmaputra River, making it one of the top ones to be explored in India, lying amidst Nilachal Hill at Assam.

The temple is closely related to the tantra and acts as a major site of practice for Tantra within India. It stretches beyond its central area incorporating smaller temples and shrines in Kamakhya hill.

The temple attracts devotees and tourists worldwide through its Puja and other daily rituals. The architecture combines Ahom, Koch, and Mughal architectural forms in a fascinating marvel of perfection. The celebration of Durga puja festival in Assam is highly regarded with zeal and faith, centred on Kamakhya temple.

Find out: 04 Nights / 05 Days Guwahati Shillong Tour Package

5.) Rameshwaram Temple, Tamil Nadu

Rameshwaram Island is famously home to the Rameshwaram Temple that rests at South India’s end. It is not just a normal temple and it represents one of the most respected pilgrimage sites which visited by four places such as Dwarka, Badrinath, and Puri during the Char Dham yatra pilgrimage. It is a spiritual center or an inner core which draws seekers after spiritual purity and the final end of moksha.

The temple is not only a place of worship but also an integral component of the Hindu belief system, regarded as one of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Ramanathaswam, incarnation of Lord Shiva. The Rameshwaram Temple which was built by Lord Rama is an important Hindu pilgrimage center.

At Rameshwaram Island, it is 38 meters tall. Devotees are allowed to visit this temple throughout the year so that they can take part in the religious ceremonies and feel the divine essence emanating out of the Bay of Mannar.

The Rameshwaram Temple is a perfect architectural piece of art with the hall being about 197 meters. Twelve decorated while others are dedicated to different deities and rituals.

The temple designed in the Dravidian style and includes carvings on stones, tall gopurams as well as beautiful artwork, which calls for wonderment upon those viewing them. The “corridor pradakshina,” involves circumambulating the temple through a long corridor, adds to the uniqueness of the temple.

Find out: Madurai Rameshwaram Kanyakumari Tour Package

6.) Gangotri Temple, Uttarakhand

The Gangotri Temple located in the Garhwal Himalayas and is much higher than ten thousand feet above sea level. This area provides a beautiful tranquil and spiritually fulfilling vacation spot for adventurous individuals seeking spiritual fulfilment.

The Chota Char Dham Yatra religious tour has one integral part which this temple plays a key role in for the daring and devoted. Imagine the holy mother river–Ganga, the breath of life India. At least within their hearts, where it commences is Gangotri, as indicated by this sacred route.

Find out: Yamunotri Gangotri Yatra from Delhi

7.) Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh

The temple of Kashi Vishwanath, located in the centre of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on the western bank of the Ganges, is an epitome of divinity that embodies both history and culture of Hindu, which forms a path towards the birthplace of this religion. It is not just a temple it has been referenced in old scriptures and this place has been associated with pilgrim tours for ages.

In this place, lord Shiva is venerated as the jyothirlinga – a shining column that pierces through to the earth surface. With glimmering gold as a physical manifestation of the divine illumination, the gilded temple with a golden spire makes an exquisite sight. Despite the numerous calamities, this form still exists because of a revived and immortalized temple once reconstructed through a Maratha King, Queen Ahiyo Balikar.

The temple's history is a mosaic of devastation and rebirth, and the fact that it still stands today is evidence of its unwavering spirit. Adjacent to it, the Gyanvapi Mosque serves as a representation of the intricate past of the city. In the temple's grounds, the everlasting banyan tree whispers to anyone who will listen tales of timeless wisdom.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is more than just a building; it's an immersive experience. The riverside ghats serve as spiritual stairs that lead people to the temple's sacred grounds and washing pools of purification. A mountain of food offered to the gods and then shared during the Annakoot festival—a true feast of devotion.

Adjacent to the temple, the Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat captivates during the evenings with its rhythmic chants and flame dance. This performance perfectly captures the spirit of Varanasi, a city that celebrates life, knowledge, and freedom.

Find out: Varanasi Ayodhya Prayagraj Tour Package

8.) Lord Jagannath Temple Puri, Odisha

The holy Kashi Vishwanath temple (one of the oldest temples) lies dedicated to Lord Shiva. It goes way back into ancient history and is over 70 meters high. Unlike other holy spots in Varanasi, the temple is always accessible and open to pilgrims as they experience spiritual power of the holy city—Varanasi, the city of lights.

Paying a visit to the Jagannath Temple in Puri is like taking a step back in time to an era rife with mystery and devotion The temple is home to deities such as Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, who are carved from sacred wood and parade through Puri's lanes on horseback during the Rath Yatra. At India's premier religious tourism event, the Rath Yatra, gods erupt into the streets and a passionate buzz fills the air.

It is a magical occasion. It appears like you’re glimpsing at minute pieces of heaven that float over the crowd in mammoth cars. One of its remarkable features is how it accepts people coming from different castes into Jagannath temple.

Devotees are allowed into the temple, where they can eat some prasad. You are welcome whatever your purpose, being curious about myths, romantic with truth, or searching for it. Besides, the temple experiences “Nabakalebara” which involves renewing or replacing fresher forms of idols during that period. This is like a spiritual reset, in the temple’s own style.

This richness of culture finds its pulse in the soul-moving dramas, stimulating dances, and religious music that helped to evolve art forms like Gotipua and Odissi.

9.) Tirupati Balaji Temple, Andhra Pradesh

This is not just a mere temple but one referred in the ancient texts and people have been referring this place to their pilgrimages since times immemorial. Known as one of the wealthiest and most popular sacred temples in India and around the world, the pilgrims' unwavering faith is what captures the soul, not just the architecture.

Gods like lord jagannath, balarajadhara, and subharjada reside in this temple; these gods are made of sacred wood and ridden by horses through the streets of puri while celebrating an event called Rata yatra. The magnificent black stone idol of Lord Venkateswara, who represents Lord Vishnu's preserving essence, is the focal point of this hallowed complex. Here, the special custom of devotees offering their hair as a sacrifice is more than just a ritual; each hair strand represents a narrative of trust and a truce.

Its generosity is boundless, whether it is in the form of the well-known Laddu Prasadam or the admirable endeavor of feeding thousands of people through the temple's "Anna Prasadam" program. In short, heavenly gates open during blessed, Vaikunta Ekadasi festival after the entire atmosphere of the temple gets filled by divine power.

With its intricate carvings and sculptures that tell stories of grandeur and mythology, the temple's architecture represents the pinnacle of Dravidian craftsmanship. In addition to overseeing religious matters, the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams-run temple also functions as a hub of culture, lavishing pomp and circumstance upon the celestial association of Lord Venkateswara and Goddess Padmavati.

The Tirupati Balaji Temple is a symbol of cultural heritage that invites the world to share in its enduring tale of devotion, regardless of the rituals and reverence. It echoes through the melodies of music, dance, and art.

10.) Mahakaleshwar Temple Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Located in Ujjain on the banks of the sacred Shipra River, the highly revered Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple dates back to the 6th CE. King Chandarsen is the founder and it stands at 49 meters height.

The temple honors Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism's greatest deities, in his ferocious form known as Mahakal. A lingam—which has immense symbolic meaning in and of itself—serves as the deity's embodiment.

One of the 12 jyotirlingas, or the holiest dwellings of Lord Shiva, that are dispersed across India is this lingam. Every day, worshippers of this highly esteemed lingam engage in a structured worship ritual that starts with the idol's ceremonial bathing, or Abhishek.

The ritual bath begins by showering with water and milk and offerings to the idol, such as curd, a honey, and and sandal paste. At last, the jyotirlinga is embellished with ash and shringaar, or decorations, and then the Bhasma aarti, the temple's most important ritual, takes place. Many historical Indian literary works mention the Mahakaleshwar Temple in the city of Ujjain, Kalidas makes notable references to it.