Top 50 Most Famous Temples In India
India is a land of temples where people have a lot of faith in God. These temples are not only treasures, but also they constitute the cultural heritage of the nation. So many legends are associated with the temples that the people are bound to believe that a supreme power does exist. The images or statues of the Lord in the temple are revered by millions of devotees throughout the year.
This celestial place of worship is also a major spot for tourists. Behind every sacred temple, there is a story of their presence. The Sanctum Sanctorum has intricate architecture which also attracts people.
Here is a list of the Top 50 Most Famous Temples in India
- Vaishno Devi
Vaishno Devi is the most religious and sacred place of worship. The temple is dedicated to the “Hindu Goddess Durga”. The place is very popular in the whole world that the Goddess fulfills all the wishes of the devotees. The temple is located on the threefold mountain known as ‘ Trikuta’.
Located: Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
- Golden Temple
Harmindar Sahib or Darbar Sahib is commonly known as Golden Temple is a holy Sikh Gurudwara built-in 1604 under the supervision of Guru Arjan. The Gurudwara gives a message of brotherhood among the people belonging to any community who are warmly welcomed here.
Located: Amritsar, Punjab
- Sabarimala
Sabarimala is one of the most visited and ancient Sastha temples in India. The pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and open to all (regardless of their caste, race, creed, etc.). Women of age above 10 and below 50 are disallowed from entering the temple as Lord Ayyappa is a “Bramhachari” (celibate).
Location: Pathanamthitta District, Ranni Tehsil, Kerala
- Tirupati Balaji (Tirumala Venkateswara Temple)
Tirupati Balaji is at no. 4 in the list of top 50 most famous temples in India. It is the most visited shrine worldwide. It is located on the Tirumala hill which incorporates seven peaks. The temple stands on the seventh peak, namely Venkatadri. It is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara (Vishnu).
Location: Chittor, Andhra Pradesh
- Lotus Temple
The Bahai House of Worship popularly known as Lotus temple was built in 1986. The temple is shaped like a flower Lotus which is a symbol of purity. It has won many awards for its charismatic architectural appearance. The temple is open to all, irrespective of their religion, caste, etc.
Location: Shambhu Dayal Bagh, Bahapur, New Delhi.
- Rameshwaram (Ramanathaswamy Temple)
Ramanathaswamy Temple is among the holiest place of worship of Lord Shiva. There exist two lingams inside the temple – Vishwalingam and Ramalingam. It is believed that here Lord Rama worshipped Lord Shiva after killing Ravana.
Location: Rameswaram, Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Kedarnath Temple
Kedarnath Temple is among the 12 Jyotirlingam and the oldest Hindu shrine. Normally, the temple is opened only between April to November due to weather conditions. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as “Kedar” is the other name of God.
Location: Kedarnath, Uttarakhand
- Siddhivinayak
Siddivinayak is among the richest temples in the nation. It is built in the year 1801, funded by Late Deubai Patil. Siddhivinayak is another name of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that here all the wishes of the devotees are fulfilled by God.
Location: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Somnath Temple
Among all the Jyotirlinga shrines, Somnath is the foremost. It is one of the ancient pilgrimages where Lord Shiva is prayed as a primary deity. The present temple is built by the Iron Man of India – Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
Location: Veraval, Gir Somnath, Gujarat.
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Padmanabhaswamy Temple
The Padmanabhaswamy Temple stood at number 10 in the list of Top 50 most famous temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Anantha Padmanabhaswamy (Lord Vishnu). It is situated in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Various Hindu Puranas mention this holy place of worship.
Location: West Nada, East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Badrinath Temple
Badrinath Temple is one of the divine pilgrimage also known as ‘Badarinarayan Temple’. The temple is open only between April to November still among it is the most visited temple in India. Here God Vishnu is worshipped in the name of “Badari”.
Location: Badrinath, Chamoli, Uttarakhand
- Amarnath Temple
Amarnath Cave is a revered pilgrimage of Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva (the immortal God). Throughout the year, the cave is covered with snow except in the summer season, when the pilgrims came here to worship God in the form of snow stalagmite.
Location: Baltal Amarnath Trek, Forest Block, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir
- Meenakshi Temple
Meenakshi Amman Temple is also spelled as Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. It is among the highly visited and historical Hindu shrines. Here the Goddess Parvati (Meenakshi) and God Shiva (Sundareswarar) are worshipped.
Location: Madurai, Tamil Nadu
Mahakaleshwar Temple
Mahakaleshwar Temple is among the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is a highly religious and ancient sanctum sanctorum. Here Lord Shiva is worshipped as the primary deity in the form of a lingam. Apart from the lingam, the statue of God Ganesha, God Kartikeya, and Goddess Parvati is also present in the temple.
Location: Mahakaleshwar Marg, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh
- Kamakhya Temple
Kamakhya Temple is an ancient pilgrimage. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas, dedicated to Goddess Sati (the consort of Lord Shiva). It is believed that the deity fulfills all the desires of the pilgrims.
Location: Nilachal Hill, Guwahati, Assam
Bhimashankar Temple
Bhimashankar is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas present in the world. Since the area where the temple is located is considered as Wild Life Sanctuary. It has become a highly visited tourist destination, in the state of Maharashtra.
Location: Bhimashankar, Pune, Maharashtra.
- Kashi Vishwanath Temple
Kashi Vishwanath is the most revered pilgrimage. It is among the twelve Jyotirlingas present in the country. Lord Shiva – The Supreme God is worshipped here in the name of “Vishwanath or Vishweswara”. The town where the temple is located in the ancient one, known as ‘Kashi’.
Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Sanchi Stupa
Sanchi Stupa is ranked at number 18 in the list of top 50 most famous temples in India. It is among the most fascinating pilgrimages of Lord Buddha, situated in the heart of India. It was constructed by Emperor Ashoka and that is why it is made in Mauryan architectural style.
Location: Sanchi, Raisen, Madhya Pradesh
- Triambakeshwar Temple
Triambakeshwar Temple is among the holy Jyotirlingas. A temple is a divine place of worship, where it is believed that the people attain salvation after visiting here once. Lord Shiva is worshipped in Lingam form.
Location: Trimbak, Nashik, Maharashtra
- Jagannath Temple
Jagannath Temple in Puri needs no introduction as its famous “Rath Yatra” or the Chariot festival is celebrated all over the nation. Lord Vishnu (The Universal God) is revered here in the name of Lord Jagannath.
Location: The Grand Road, Puri, Odisha
Iskcon Temple, Bengaluru
Sri Radha Krishna Temple at Bengaluru is among the biggest ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness) temples worldwide. The main purpose of establishing the temple is to promote spiritual learning.
Location: Rajajinagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Shani Shingnapur
Shani Shingnapur is a very famous sacred pilgrimage of Lord Shani (The God of Justice). The specialty of the Sonai or Shingnapur village is that villagers do not have doors in their houses and shops. Here, it is believed that the deity will punish the wrongdoer.
Location: Nevasa, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
- Belur Math
Belur Math is also known as Ramkrishna Math is founded by Swami Vivekananda. It is the headquarter of the Ramkrishna Mission started by Swami Vivekananda the major disciple of Ramkrishna Paramhansa. The temple promotes the unity of all religions of the whole world.
Location: Belur. Howrah, West Bengal
- Khajuraho Temples
Khajuraho Temples are built by the Chandella rulers in the medieval period. It is a group of temples related to the Hindu and Jain religions. The temples are spread over several miles and are known for their architectural creativity and beauty across the country.
Location: Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh
- Omkareshwar
Omkareshwar stood at number 25 in the list of top 50 most famous temples in India. It is among the 12 Jyotirlinga, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in lingam form. It is a very popular pilgrim destination situated in Central India.
Location: Mandhata, Madhya Pradesh
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Shirdi Sai Baba
Sai Baba of Shirdi is a renowned place of worship for both Hindus and Muslims. Sai Baba is a saint as well as a master who gave spiritual preachings to his followers. One of his famous preachings is “Sabka Malik Ek or God is One” which is known to all.
Location: Shirdi, Maharashtra
- Konark Sun Temple
The Sun Temple at Konark is a very famous tourist destination built in a shape of a grand chariot. The temple has marvelous architecture and was listed on the UNESCO world heritage site in 1984. It is dedicated to the Lord Surya.
Location: Konark, Odisha
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Swaminarayan Temple
Shree Swaminarayan Temple or Laxminarayan Temple is built by Ranchhoddas Pranjeevandas in 1868. It is one of the ancient (around a century) temples in the city. The Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Goddess Laxmi.
Location: Bhuleswar, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Sharavanbelagola
Sharavanbelagola is a sacred pilgrimage of Jains. Here, the statue of Gommateshvara Bahubali (the son of Jain Teerthankara, Lord Adinatha) is worshipped. It is a hub of Jain art, culture, and architecture.
Location: Hassan, Karnataka
- Mookambika Temple
Mookamika Temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The deity is revered here in lingam form which comprises of both Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti. The Hindu festival Navaratri is celebrated here with great pomp and show.
Location: Udupi, Kollur, Karnataka
- Lingaraj Temple
Lingaraj Temple is a historical and highly visited pilgrimage destination. The huge temple is built by king Jajati Keshari and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The notable architecture of the temple belongs to the Kalinga style.
Location: Lingaraj Temple Road, Old Town, Bhubaneshwar, Odisha
- Birla Mandir
Laxminarayan Temple or Birla Mandir is constructed in 1939 by J.K. Birla. It is among the famous tourist spot of Delhi. Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Laxmi are revered here. The temple is built in Nagara architectural style.
Location: Karol Bagh, New Delhi
- Iskcon Temple, Delhi
ISKCON Temple is ranked at number 30 in the list of top 50 most famous temples in India. Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir commonly known as ISKCON Temple is opened in 1998. The temple is devoted to the service of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.
Location: Hare Krishna Hills, East of Kailash, New Delhi
- Kumbakonam Temples
Kumbakonam Temples is a sacred place of worship. Kumbakonam is a town where numerous temples are located in and around. The temples are dedicated to various deities, but most of the temples are devoted to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu
Location: Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Virupaksha Temple
Virupaksha Temple is one of the ancient historical temples of India. It is a center of worship of the followers of Lord Shiva. It is an important part of Hampi – a village in Karnataka that was once the capital of the Vijaynagara empire. The temple is known for its architectural brilliance.
Location: Hampi, Karnataka
- Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple is situated in the city of temples Kanchipuram. The temple is dedicated to God Shiva and is popular for its excellent architecture. It is built by king Rajasimha of the Pallava dynasty.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Brihadeshwara Temple
Brihadeshwara Temple or RajaRajeswara Temple or Peruvudaiyar Kovil is among the biggest temples in India. The charismatic architecture of the temples is famous across the country. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu
- Dwarkadhish Temple, Gujarat
The beautiful Dwarkadhish temple is the oldest of all temples in India. It is also known as “Jagat Mandir”. Lord Krishna is revered here in the name of Dwarkadhish and it is also believed that the temple is built by his grandson ‘Vajranabh’.
Location: Dwarka, Gujarat
- Thiruchendur Murugan Temple
Murugan Temple at Thiruchendur stood at number thirty-nine in the list of top 50 most famous temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Murugan or Lord Kartikeya (the son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati). It is one of the six temples of Lord Murugan situated in Tamil Nadu.
Location: Thiruchendur, Tamil Nadu
- Akshardham Temple
Architecturally magnificent Akshardham Temple is a famous tourist spot for the visitors of Delhi. The other name of the divine temple is Swaminarayan Temple also spelled as Swaminarayan Akshardham.
Location: New Delhi
- Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalakshmi (Amba Bai) Temple at Kolhapur is among the Shakti Peethas. Here, Goddess Laxmi is worshipped as a principal deity. It is also believed that the deity either fulfills the desire of the pilgrims or the people to attain salvation.
Location: Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Mallikarjuna Temple
Mallikarjuna Temple is among the twelve hallowed Jyotirlingas. The foremost deities of the temple are ‘Mallika’ or Goddess Parvati and ‘ Arjuna’ or God Shiva. The temple is situated on Shiv Shail Mountain.
Location: Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh
- Dwarkadhish Temple, Mathura
Dwarkadhish Temple is one of the attractions of the small city Mathura. It is situated in the center of the city. It is among the most visited shrines of Lord Krishna in the state. Lord Krishna and his beloved Radharani are revered here.
Location: Mathura, Uttar Pradesh
- Palani Murugan Temple
Palani Murugan Temple is also known as Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple is among the six temples of Lord Murugan situated in Tamil Nadu. Lord Kartikeya is worshipped here as a primary deity. The image of the Lord is made from a mixture of nine poisonous substances called Navabashana.
Location: Palani, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
- Iskcon Temple, Pune
Sri Sri Radha Vrindavan Chandra Temple is commonly known as ISKCON Temple. The religious temple is open to promote spiritual knowledge and Vedic literature among people.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra
- Ekambareswarar Temple
Ekambareshwarar Temple is situated in the temple city Kanchipuram. The sanctum sanctorum is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Gopuram or gate of the temple is very high. It is a famous tourist destination of the city.
Location: Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
- Iskcon Temple, Mumbai
Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Ji Temple is also known as ISKCON Temple is opened in 1978. The beautiful temple complex is highly visited by tourists and followers of Lord Krishna (the primary deity of the temple).
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Baidyanath Temple
Baidyanath Dham is number 48 in the top 50 most famous temples in India. It is among the 12 hallowed Jyotirlinga shrines where Lord Shiva is worshipped in the lingam form. Apart from the main temple, there are 21 other temples.
Location: Deoghar, Jharkhand
- Sharda Temple
Sharda Temple at Maihar is known for its religious significance. The temple is situated on Trikuta hill and Goddess Saraswati is revered here in the name of “Sharda”. Around the year millions of devotees came here to take the blessings of God. There are more than 1000 steps to go to the temple.
Location: Maihar, Satna, Madhya Pradesh
- Ranakpur Temple
The Chaturmukha Jain Temple of Ranakpur is famous for its splendid architecture. The temples add to the beauty of India’s cultural heritage. The temple is dedicated to Tirthankara Adinatha.
Location: Ranakpur, Rajasthan
