14 Most Famous Temples in India

Let's explore

The 14 Most Famous & Important Temples in India.

1. Tirupathi Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala
2. Golden Temple, Amritsar
3. Keshava Temple, Somnathpur
4. Madurai Meenakshi Temple
5. Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Temple
6. Ramnathswamy Temple, Rameshwaram
7. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
8. Konark Sun Temple, Konark
9. Dwarkadeesh Temple, Dwarka
10. Khajuraho Temple
11. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
12. Amarnath Cave Temple, Jammu and Kashmir
13. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
14. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram
15. Jagannath Temple, Odisha
16. Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar
17. Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra
18. Kamakhya Temple, Assam
19. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra
20. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram
21. Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur
22. Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar
23. Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula
24. Jagannath Temple, Mahabaleshwar
25. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Tiruchirappalli

Let's explore in detail

1) Thirupathi Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

We'll start the article with India's richest Temple - Thirupathi Thirumala Venkateswara Temple or Thirupathi Balaji Temple. The serene and spiritual ambience of the Tirumala Temple and the Temple town will transport you to another plane filled with divinity and ethereal joy.

Lord Venkateshwara is the chief deity of the temple and is a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, who came to the world as a source of solace for the devotees during the Kali Yuga. It is also one of the most popular temples in India. There are numerous other temples near Tirupathi as well.

Adorned with the best of ancient Dravidian Architecture, the Temple was constructed over a period of time, starting at AD 300, and is considered one of the last Divya Desams. It is part of the 7 peaks of the Seshachalam Hills of the Eastern Ghats, and the Temple has towered over the dynasties of Pallavas, Cholas, Vijayanagara Empire, etc.

Before the COVID pandemic, the temple had over 75000 devotees visits every day and is indeed one of the important temples in India.

2) Golden Temple Amritsar

The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib. The Indian Gurdwara is one of the most important temples in India and is the core of Sikhism. An open house of prayer and solace for everyone irrespective of faith or religion, the magnificent Golden Temple is also nominated to be part of UNESCO World Heritage site.

3) Keshava Temple Somnathpura

The Keshava or the Chennakeshava Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Somanathapura in Karnataka. The temple is crafted in the finest Hoysala Architecture and has inspired countless Architects of India. It also has rich embellishments narrating the episodes from Mahabharata (Northern section), Ramayan (Southern section), and Bhagavathpurana (Western section).

Though it was raided and destroyed back in the 1300s by the constant conquests from the north, it was then restored by the dynasties of the Vijayanagara Empire and the Wodeyars of Mysore.

4) Madurai Meenakshi Temple

Perhaps one of the most tranquil & beautiful temples in India, Madurai Meenaxi Amman Temple is an amazingly crafted structure.

Arulmigu Meenakshi Sundareshwarar Temple is crafted to the core with such intricate details that it is constructed with a sense of spiritual and sensual aesthetics.

Dedicated to the Goddess Parvati's manifestation as Meenakshi. The temple is so iconic that the Tamil Nadu State government's emblem is based on the Western Gopuram (Tower) of the Temple.

Built by the great King Kulasekara Pandya, Madurai Meenakshi Temple has countless relief works and frescoes depicting various myths and legends, including the ones about Goddess Meenakshi, Shiva, and many more.

5) Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Temple

Sabarimala Sree Ayappa Temple garners devotees from all the corners of the nation. The temple is located in Sabarimala of Pathanamthitta District in Kerala. The presiding deity is Swami Ayyappan, also known as Dharma Shasta and Hariharasutan ie, Son of Hari and Hara (Vishnu & Shiva). Immensely popular across South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Sabarimala Temple is constructed in Kerala - Dravidian Architectural style.

6) Ramnathswamy Temple, Rameshwaram

Ramnathswamy Temple or Arulmigu Sri Ramanathaswamy Thirukoil is yet another important and famous temple in India. The Saivite temple is also one of the twelve Jyothirlinga temples of the country also one of the Char Dham. According to legends, Lord Ram constructed the temple, and the Lingam was brought by Lord Hanuman from the Himalayas. The temple has been renovated across history, especially by Setupatis of Ramanathapuram, the Pandya Dynasty, etc., incorporating the aesthetics of Dravidian Architecture.

7) Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi

Kashi Vishwanath Temple is indeed one of the most beautiful and famous Shiva temples in India. Located in Varanasi, UP, is yet another Jyothirlinga temple. Varanasi or Kashi is considered one of the holiest Hindu cities. The visit to the temple and taking a holy bath at river Ganga is one of the paths to Moksha, according to the scriptures. It is also considered one of the top ten temples of India.

8) Konark Sun Temple, Konark

Undoubtedly the most famous sun temple in India, Konark Sun Temple, is also one of the primary heritage sites of India, which is also depicted on the 10 Rupee Note. Built by Eastern Ganga Dynasty's greatest monarch Narasingha Deva I and is a classic illustration of Kalinga Architecture of classical Odisha styles. The Konark Temple was also called the "Black Pagoda" and the Puri Jagannath Temple as the "White Pagoda" by the European Sailors as they were important landmarks.

9) Dwarkadeesh Temple, Dwarka

The temple is also called Jagat Mandir. It is also part of the Char Dham, and the presiding deity is Lord Krishna and addressed as Dwarakadish or the King of Dwaraka. Archeological findings date the structure to 2000 -2200 years old, and according to the legends, the old temple was constructed by Vajranabha, Lord Krishna's grandson. An important Vaishnava temple and the current temple are crafted in Chaulukya style or Solanki style of architecture.

10) Khajuraho Temples

The Khajuraho Temples and complexes are one of the most famous temples in India. Adorned with amazingly crafted erotic sculptures and detailed relief works, the Khajuraho Temple is part of UNESCO World Heritage sites. The temple is constructed in classy Nagara style architecture, and the sculpture was built to help the brahmacharis or bachelors to learn about Grihasthashrama. The temples are dedicated to both Hinduism & Jainism and were built by the Chandela Dynasty.

11) Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

Vaishno Devi Temple is one of the top 108 Shakti Peethas dedicated Durga Maa and here worshipped as Vaishno Devi. The temple is said to be Pre-Mahabharata, and there are accounts that state Arjuna has worshipped Vaishno Devi before taking up arms.

12) Amarnath Temple, Jammu & Kashmir

One of the most beautiful & famous temples in India, the cave shrine of Amarnath Temple, is an example of how our culture blended with the spirituality present within mother nature. The temple is renowned for Ice Shiva Lingam that is formed due to the freezing water falling from the cave's top, forming up a stalagmite. It is believed to be the holy venue where Shiva explained the secret of life to Parvathi.

13) Somnath Temple, Gujarat

Known as the first of the 12 Jyothirlingam Temples, Somnath Temple is one of the most famous and important temples in India. Crafted in Kailash Mahameru Prasad or the Chaulukya Temple Architectural style, Gujarat Somnath Temple has been the handiwork of the great Sompura Solats.

14) Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram

Located at the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, the Sree Padmanabhaswamy temple has been in the news all over recently because of the massive temple assets. The temple is dedicated to Padmanabhaswamy ( Vishnu) in the "Anantha Shayana" posture. The temple is part of 108 Divya Desams of Vaishnavism. The temple architecture is a perfect blend of both Chera styles and Dravida style architecture.

15) Jagannath Temple, Odisha

Situated majestically in the city of Puri, the Jagannath Temple stands as a symbol of devotion to Lord Jagannath, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, accompanied by his divine siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. This Vishnu Temple and architectural marvel not only serves as a spiritual sanctuary but also hosts the grand Rath Yatra festival, a spectacle where the deities are ceremoniously paraded amidst a sea of devotees, adding to its allure and significance in the Hindu pantheon.

16) Mahabodhi Temple, Bihar

In the serene town of Bodh Gaya, Bihar, stands a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered by Buddhists all over the world. This sacred pilgrimage site is where Lord Buddha, the enlightened one, achieved enlightenment beneath the Bodhi tree. The Mahabodhi Temple complex, with its ancient structures and peaceful atmosphere, provides a spiritual haven for devotees seeking solace and enlightenment. It represents the essence of Buddhism and the profound journey toward inner awakening and freedom.

Since we're talking about buddhist temples, let's also explore jain temples in india.

17) Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra

The Siddhivinayak Temple, nestled in the bustling city of Mumbai, serves as a beacon of faith and hope for millions of devotees. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, this revered temple holds a special place in the hearts of worshippers. People from all walks of life visit this temple, believing that the deity's benevolent grace will answer their prayers, grant their wishes, and remove impediments in their lives.

18) Kamakhya Temple, Assam

The Kamakhya Temple, located atop Nilachal Hill in Guwahati and overlooking the Brahmaputra River, is an ode to the respect for Goddess Kamakhya, who represents the divine feminine. This sacred site is well-known for its unique tantric rituals rooted in ancient tradition, as well as its profound symbolism of fertility and creation. Pilgrims flock here to seek blessings for fertility, renewal, and spiritual awakening, making it an important part of Indian spiritual heritage.

19) Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, Maharashtra

The Shirdi Sai Baba Temple is a revered shrine that honors the saint Sai Baba, who was known for his profound teachings on love, compassion, and selflessness. This sacred site attracts devotees from all over the world, serving as a beacon of spiritual solace for pilgrims seeking Sai Baba's blessings and divine guidance. The temple's tranquil ambiance and sanctity inspire visitors to revere and devote themselves, transcending religious and national boundaries.

20) Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram

Visit the Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, and be greeted by a magnificent structure devoted of Lord Shiva. This revered temple is not only recognized for enshrining the deity, but it also has corridors that leave tourists speechless. One of these passageways is famed for its length, holding the title of the longest in the world among all Hindu temples. As you go through these sacred halls, the beautiful carvings and sculptures will transport you to the temple's rich history and creativity. Beyond the corridors, a sacred body of water known as the Teertham adds another layer of spiritual significance to the Ramanathaswamy Temple, transforming it into a pilgrimage site with a really unique experience.

21) Brihadeeswara Temple, Thanjavur

The Brihadeeswara Temple, popularly known as the Big Temple, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of Dravidian architecture. This magnificent temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has a towering vimana (tower) that rises more than 216 feet, a stunning feat of architecture for its time. As you visit the temple complex, soak in the beautiful bronze statues that grace the interiors, each a tribute to the Chola era's artistry and skill. The Brihadeeswara Temple is a magnificent architectural marvel and a must-see for anybody interested in India's rich history and culture.

22) Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar

Experience the grandeur of Odisha's architectural legacy at the Lingaraja Temple in Bhubaneswar. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this massive temple complex is not just one of India's largest, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the beautiful carvings and sculptures that adorn the temple's facade, demonstrating the skill of old artists. Step into the sanctum sanctorum to see the famed Swayambhu (self-manifested) lingam, a sacred Shiva image. The entire structure, including the tall vimana (tower) and finely built hall, displays Odisha's rich cultural and artistic legacy.

23) Mansa Devi Temple, Panchkula

The Mansa Devi Temple, dedicated to the wish-fulfilling Goddess Mansa Devi, is located in the bustling city of Panchkula. For generations, worshipers have come to this respected temple to seek blessings for prosperity, good health, and overall well-being. As you scale the hill to the temple, expect to be immersed in a colorful atmosphere. The air is filled with chanting devotees and the pleasant perfume of incense, and the temple complex itself is breathtaking with elaborate carvings and colorful architecture. Breathe in the peace and pray to Mansa Devi inside the sanctum sanctorum. Whether you're a spiritual seeker or simply interested in Indian culture, the Mansa Devi Temple provides a unique and engaging experience.

24) Jagannath Temple, Mahabaleshwar

Escape to the calm Sahyadri mountains and visit the Jagannath Temple in Mahabaleshwar. This magnificent piece of art is a replica of the famed Puri Jagannath Temple, allowing you to feel the majesty of the original closer to home. Come alive during the boisterous Rath Yatra festival, which, like the Puri event, features colorful chariot processions. So, immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and enchanting beauty that surrounds the Mahabaleshwar Jagannath Temple.

Also Read: Top 12 Temples to Visit in Tirupati

25) Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple - The Largest Temple in India

Located on the island of Srirangam, bordered by both Cauvery & Kollidam rivers, in Tiruchirapalli, is dedicated to lord Ranganathaswamy, a reclining form of Mahavishnu. What makes the temple stand out is that Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple is considered the largest temple in India by its sheer size and magnificence. The temple was built across different eras, by different dynasties, all of whom added their own special elements into its craft, making it a unique place of worship in India.

So these are some of the most beautiful and famous temples in India, known for both their spiritual and architectural significance.

A temple is a place of worship where spiritual rites and practices like prayer and sacrifice happen. You're interested in learning about the history, poojas, and timings of the well-known Udupi Sri Krishna Temple & Kukkesubramanya temple

Have you checked out our blog on 12 famous shiva temples in india?