India is renowned as one of the oldest civilizations worldwide and is the birthplace of several significant religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. With numerous temples dedicated to various gods, India boasts a rich heritage, culture, and traditions. Among these temples, those dedicated to Shiva or Vishnu, two of the three supreme gods in Hinduism, are the most famous. Some of these temples have stood for over a millennium, while others have been constructed more recently. However, their significance varies depending on the location.
According to Hindu priests in India, there are more than 3 million Hindu temples in India. Every temple has its special significance and importance for Hindus.
Jain Temples listed = 9034 (as on 27th March 2024)
Buddhism presents four main pilgrimage destinations: Lumbini (where the Buddha was born), Bodh Gaya (where the Buddha achieved enlightenment), Sarnath (where the Buddha delivered his first sermon), and Kushinagar (where the Buddha attained parinirvana).
Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) is considered the most sacred temple for Sikhs in India.
Importance of Temples in India
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of Hindu temples. Source: Templesofindia.org
Temples hold immense significance in Hinduism, the Indian culture, and society. They are not just places of worship but also serve as symbols of spiritual, cultural, and social unity. They provide a sacred space where devotees can connect with their gods and seek blessings. Temples also play a vital role in preserving and promoting traditional art, architecture, and customs.
Temples play a crucial role in an individual's personal growth and development. Many Indians believe praying and devotion is the ultimate way to connect with god, and this dedication plays a pivotal role in a devotee's spiritual growth.
India boasts numerous temples, each with its unique history and significance. When visiting a temple, it is essential to show respect by taking off your shoes, dressing modestly, and refraining from touching any statues or paintings. Temples are custodians of ancient traditions, preserving rituals, art forms, and customs that have been passed down through generations.
Through the inspection of ancient temples, scholars can glean important information about the people who built the temple like the architectural processes of the time and the evolution of temple art. It also helps religious and historical scholars piece together the intricacies of the ancient religions in India.
In many places in the world, if an ancient temple site was unearthed, there is a good chance that it would not be opened to the public the same way temples like this are in India. India is unique in that it embraces resuming the use of a temple for its intended purpose: devotion. Incredibly, devotees and sightseers today are able to explore structures that are thousands of years old. What's more, the temples are so well-maintained that even with incredible amounts of visitors, there is minimal damage to the structure.
It's heartening to see people dedicate time and resources in the same way people thousands of years ago would have for the same cause: to allow devotees to experience a connection with god and religion while taking care of the temple as it ages.
Temples In Hinduism
In Hinduism, temples are highly significant locations that are regarded as holy spaces where followers can offer their prayers and communicate with their deities. These places hold great importance in the minds of believers and are often viewed as a source of optimism. During challenging situations, temples serve as a sanctuary for numerous Hindus, for some it is the purpose of living.
Temples are guardians of Hindu traditions, scriptures, and cultural heritage. They often house ancient scriptures, religious texts, and artworks that depict mythological stories and teachings. Many temples have associated schools or educational institutions where religious teachings, rituals, and spiritual practices are taught. These institutions help in imparting knowledge about Hinduism, its philosophies, and moral values.
As per a source from templesofindia.org,
Temples in India by State
Tamil Nadu has the highest number of temples in India as of March 2023.
Maharastra has the second-highest number of Hindu temples in India.
There are many different types of Hindu temples and numerous different ways to group them.
They can be sorted by deity, importance in different religious texts, and/or by Yatra (a set of temples in a pilgrimage).
By Deity
The Big 3 deities in Hinduism are Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu.
There are 6 main temples of Brahma, 64 main Shiva temples, and 108 main Vishnu temples.
The 108 Divya Desams are a group of temples that are revered by Vaishnavites, especially those from South India. They are located throughout India, with eighty-four in Tamil Nadu, eleven in Kerala, two in Andhra Pradesh, eight in North India, and one in Nepal.
By Religious Involvement
Shiva temples in particular can be sorted in a few ways. While there are thousands of Shiva temples in India, only 64 of them are acknowledged as extremely important. These temples are known as Jyotirlinga. Of these 64, 12 are considered even more sacred, auspicious sites.
Vishniavite temples are called Divya Desam, and they can be grouped by region:
- Chera Nadu
- Chola Nadu
- Pandya Nadu
- Pallava Nadu
- Vada Nadu
- Vinnulaga Divya Desams (beyond the earthly realm)
By Yatra
A yatra is a pilgrimage, and there are several ways to group these as well.
It's possible to group different types of holy sites together and define a Yatra that way:
- 7 Sapta Puri holy cities
- 4 Dhams (Char Dham)
- 12 Jyotirlings devoted to Shiva
- 51 Shakti Pithas devoted to the feminine manifestation of the god
- The Rama circuit
- The Krishna circuit
As for Yatra circuits, there are many. Some of the most famous are:
- 48 kos parikrama of Kurukshetra - Consists of 148 sites
- 84-Kosi Yatra - Consists of at least 56 sites and takes 1 week to complete
- Mithila Madhya Parikrama - consists of 15 major locations
- Amarnath Yatra - Consists of 6 sites
- Char Dham Yatra and Chota Char Dham Yatra - Consists of 4 sites and 7 sites, respectively
List of Temples in India with State
| Temple | State |
|---|---|
| Badrinath | Uttarakhand |
| Kedarnath | Uttarakhand |
| Vaishno Devi | Jammu and Kashmir. |
| Siddhivinayak | Maharashtra |
| Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib) | Punjab |
| Khajuraho | Madhya Pradesh |
| Tirupati Balaji | Andhra Pradesh |
| Sanchi Stupa | Madhya Pradesh |
| Somnath | Gujarat |
Famous Temples In India
Badrinath Temple
The Badrinath Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds great religious significance for Hindus.
According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Vishnu meditated at this site for thousands of years. The temple is mentioned in various ancient scriptures like the Skanda Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata.
Did you know?The present-day temple was built by Adi Shankaracharya, a great Hindu philosopher and theologian, in the 8th century. He established the Badrinath Temple as one of the 108 Divya Desams (holy abodes of Lord Vishnu).
Altitude of Badrinath temple3,133 Meters (10,279 feet)Geographic coordinates · 30°44′41″N 79°29′28″E / 30.744695°N 79.491175°E / 30.744695; 79.491175
Where is it located?
Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India.
Char Dham Pilgrimage Sites
The Char Dham pilgrimage sites are four sacred Hindu temples located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. These temples are Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Kedarnath Temple
The Kedarnath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites located in Uttarakhand, India. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is believed that a visit to this temple helps in attaining moksha (salvation) and cleansing the soul. It is also part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Rudra Himalaya range, near the Mandakini River.
Where is it located?
Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, India.
Nearest Airport to Kedarnath - Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 239 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Gaurikund, the base camp of Kedarnath.
Nearest Railway Station - Rishikesh Railway Station
Vaishno Devi Temple
Vaishno Devi temple is among the most revered and respected Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The temple of Vaishno Devi is believed to be the home of Goddess Parvati or Goddess Shakti, along with 33 other Hindu deities. The most significant places to visit in Vaishno Devi Mandir are as follows:
- Darshan Deodhi
- Charan Paduka
- Hathi Mata
- Banganga
- Sher Ka Panja
- Himkoti
- Ardh Kuwari
- Bhairon Mandir
- Indraprastha
- Sanjhi Chhat Bhawan Garbhajun
Where is it located?
Trikuta Mountains of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Nearest Airport to Kedarnath - Jammu Airport
Nearest Railway Station - Udhampur Railway Station
"Generally speaking, a temple is a 'Place of Worship'. It is also called the 'House of God'. However, for a Hindu, it is both and yet still more. It is the whole cosmos in the miniature form." - S. P. Gupta, Elements of Indian Art (2002)
Siddhivinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak Temple, also known as the Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir, is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a disciple of the Hindu saint Akkalkot Swami Samarth, buried two divine idols in front of the presiding deity of the temple.
Where is it located?
Located in the Prabhadevi neighbourhood of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It has a rich history and is considered one of the most popular temples in Mumbai.
Over the years, the temple complex expanded, and today it consists of a small mandap with a shrine for Siddhi Vinayak, wooden doors carved with images of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra), and a Hanuman temple in the periphery. The temple's exterior features a dome that is illuminated with multiple colours in the evenings, creating a mesmerizing sight for visitors. The pillars are also intricately carved with images of Ashtvinayak.
Did you know? Siddhivinayak Temple was originally built on November 19, 1801, by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. It started as a small 3.6-meter square brick structure with a dome-shaped brick shikhara.
Golden Temple
The Golden Temple is also known as Harmandir Sahib or Sri Darbar Sahib. It's not only one of the most beautiful temples in the world but also an exemplary example of the cleanliness and selfless devotion of the Sikhs and is one of the most important temples in India.
The idea of creating a central place of worship for Sikhs was conceived by Guru Arjan, the fifth Sikh Guru 3. The construction of the temple began in 1581 under the supervision of Guru Arjan, and it was completed in 1601
Where is it located?
The temple is located in Amritsar, Punjab.
The temple can be accessed by crossing a bridge known as the Guru's Bridge which represents the journey of the soul after death.
Did you know? The Golden Temple runs one of the largest community kitchens in the world, serving free meals (langar) to thousands of people regardless of caste, creed, or status every day.
Nearest Railway Station - Amritsar Junction
Nearest Airport - Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, also known as Amritsar International Airport (Approx. 11 km from the temple)
Khajuraho Temple
The Khajuraho Group of Monuments is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, renowned for its stunning medieval Hindu and Jain temples. These temples were built between 950 and 1050 AD by the Chandela dynasty.
Each complex houses various temples dedicated to different Hindu deities like Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthankaras.
Where is it located?
Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.
Nearest Airport - Khajuraho Airport (HJR), which is located around 3 kilometers (approximately 1.8 miles)
Nearest Railway Station - Khajuraho Railway Station (Station Code: KURJ)
Tirupati Balaji Temple
The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, commonly known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, is one of the most revered and famous Hindu temples in India. The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style, characterized by its grand gopurams (entrance towers), intricate carvings, and exquisite sculptures depicting various mythological stories and deities.
Devotees believe Lord Vishnu was residing in this temple during Kali Yuga. The Venkateswara temple is among the richest temples in the world, with around 50,000 to 100,000 devotees from all over India visiting it every day.
Story Of Tirupati Temple - The holy temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, believed to be an avatar of Lord Vishnu, who appeared on Earth to save humanity from Kali Yuga (the age of darkness). Hence, the place got its name Kaliyuga Vaikuntha and the deity here is referred to as Kaliyuga Prathyaksha Daivam.
Did you know? The temple was closed for 12 years in the 1800s as the people believed a pandit had cursed the temple.
The closure of the temple was a major event in the history of Hindu temples, as Tirupati temple is considered among the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India.
Where is it located?
Located in the town of Tirumala in the state of Andhra Pradesh.
Nearest Airport - Tirupati Airport (IATA: TIR), situated about 15 kilometers (approximately 9 miles)
Nearest Railway Station - Tirupati Railway Station (Station Code: TPTY). It's located around 3 kilometers (approximately 1.8 miles)
Sanchi Stupa
The Sanchi Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument. It's one of the oldest stone structures in India and holds immense significance in Buddhism.
Built around the 3rd century BCE by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka, the Sanchi Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was initially constructed to enshrine the relics of Lord Buddha and is a symbol of Buddhism's spread during Ashoka's reign.
Where is it located?
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Nearest Airport - Raja Bhoj Airport (BHO) in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India. It's located approximately 46 kilometers (around 29 miles)
Nearest Railway Station - Sanchi Railway Station
Somnath Temple
The Somnath Temple is one of the most sacred and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is believed to be the first among the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines of Lord Shiva. It is revered as a symbol of spiritual strength and eternal faith.
Did you know? Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni frequently launched invasions into the Northwestern region of India, plundering riches before returning to his kingdom. In 1025 CE, he targeted the renowned Somnath temple situated in Gujarat.
Story Of Somnath Temple - Legend has it that Somraj, the moon god, initially constructed a temple in Somnath crafted from gold. This structure was reconstructed by Ravana using silver, then by Krishna using wood, and later by Bhimdev using stone.
Where is it located?
Prabhas Patan near Veraval in Gujarat, India.
Nearest Airport - Porbandar Airport is 120 km from the temple.
Nearest Railway Station - Somnath Junction
In Hinduism, going to temples is the ultimate way to communicate and show gratitude to the almighty. "Puja" is the act of worshipping, it comes from a Sanskrit word that means adoration. For most Hindus going to the temple is an important routine in their life, every temple is dedicated to a form of god or goddess. In essence, temples in India play multifaceted roles, serving not only as religious centers but also as repositories of cultural, historical, and social importance, contributing to the country's diverse tapestry of traditions and beliefs.
If you are travelling to a Hindu temple, we recommend you to read on official websites about the place, the rituals, and the history of the temple, as well as the requirements for dress and behaviour of visitors.
References
- “Homepage: Search Temples, History, Directions: Temple Wiki.” Temples of India, templesofindia.org/. Accessed 27 Nov. 2023.
- Temples in India - https://www.timesnownews.com/spiritual/india-has-53-temples-per-one-lakh-population-tamil-nadu-tops-the-list-article-97940463
- “List of Hindu Temples in India.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 3 Nov. 2023, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Hindu_temples_in_India.
- Vaid, Sheetal. “Top 35 Famous Temples in India: Holy Places India.” Tour My India, 23 Mar. 2021, www.tourmyindia.com/blog/top-30-famous-temples-in-india/
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