Tourist Guide to Top 10 Temples in India
Hinduism as a religion and faith has been practised for hundreds of years, since the dawn of the Indus Valley culture, and one can also say that it goes back even further than the other major religions. However, there are so many major temples in India stretched all over the country, that it might not be very uncommon to find yourself lost about where to go - that is why you will find every bit of important information on the most powerful temples in India in this article.
Even though India is a secular society, Hinduism is the most widely practised religion. Hence, to come across an ancient Hindu temple might not be a standalone occurrence in the country, since rulers from dynasties that go back to over thousands of years have had built them to create a mark on the people that reside in the country
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Badrinath
The Hindus hold Badrinath Temple in high regard since it is one of the 108 temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu across the world. It is situated in Uttarakhand and sees visitors from almost every religion on earth. An incredibly lovely structure, it falls amongst the char dhams of India. If you wish to visit Badrinath, do it between April and November because visiting the temple during the winter would be impossible owing to the massive snowfall.
The main deity is a 1 ft (0.30 m) black granite idol of Vishnu in the shape of Badrinarayan, which is adored at the temple. Numerous Hindus believe the deity is one of Vishnu's eight swayam vyakta kshetras, or self-manifested deities.
The most important event in the Badrinath Temple is Mata Murti Ka Mela, which honours the Ganges' arrival on Mother Earth. Even though Badrinath is in North India, the chief priest, or Rawal, is generally a Nambudiri Brahmin from Kerala in South India.
You might find this video on the Badrinath temple useful - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AaaoalgjSY.
- How to go to Badrinath - Roads link Badrinath to various Indian railway stations and airports, including Rishikesh, Haridwar, Dehradun, Chamoli, and others.
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Jagannath
Jagannath Temple is situated in Puri, Odisha, and is among the most well-known temple complex in the entire world for a variety of reasons. Every year, the Ratha Yatra takes place around the old temple to remember Lord Jagannath and his siblings. The event is so well-known that visitors from all over the world go to Puri to see it. The Jagannath temple is devoted to Lord Krishna, and a visit there will allow you to experience the temple's magnificent kitchen. The Lord's feast is cooked on a regular basis at the temple, and it is a wonderful sight to behold.
- How to go to Jagannath Temple - The temple is easily accessible due to its proximity to the Puri train station. As a result, you may simply get there by car or rickshaw.
Dwarkadhish
The Dwarkadhish Temple (Jagat Mandir), the major attraction for visitors visiting Dwarka, is said to have been discovered more than 2,500 years ago. It is also said that it was founded by Vajranabh, the great-grandson of Lord Krishna. The old temple has undergone various renovations, most notably in the 16th and 19th centuries.
The temple is built on a small hill with 50+ steps leading up to the sanctuary, which is encircled by highly sculpted walls that surround the main Krishna image. Other tiny shrines can be found all over the compound. The mythological characters and tales are carefully engraved into the walls.
The temple's 43-meter-high tower is crowned with a 52-yard-long flag that flutters in the calm wind as from the Arabian Sea behind this one. The temple's entrance and exit are separated by two doors (swarg and moksh). Sudama Setu (7 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4 to 7.30 p.m.) at the temple's base crosses the Gomti brook and leads to the beach.
The best way to get there -
- By Car - The city is well-served by a reliable network of state-run buses.
- Taking the Train - A well-developed rail network connects the city.
- The nearest airports to Dwarka are Porbandar (95 km) and Jamnagar (145 km).
Rameshwaram or Ramanathaswamy
The Rameshwaram temple is well-known and revered by Hindus all over the world since it is said to be the first location where Lord Rama with his bride Devi Sita arrived after slaying Ravana. It is located on Rameshwaram island, in the state of Tamil Nadu. It is not only aesthetically stunning but it is also situated in a stunning position.
Rameshwaram temple is easily accessible from any area of India since the Rameshwaram railway station links all the country's main towns. It is also a Jyotirlinga temple, including one of the 12 Jyotirlinga shrines. It is among the 275 Paadal Petra Sthalams, wherein Appar, Sundarar, and Tirugnana Sambandar, 3 among the most respected Nayanars (Saivite saints), have praised the shrine with their melodies.
The temple was extended by the Pandya Dynasty in the 12th century, and its main shrine's sanctuary was repaired by Jaffna kingdom rulers Jeyaveera Cinkaiariyan as well as his son Gunaveera Cinkaiariyan. Among all Hindu temples, the shrine has the largest corridor.
Sri Virupaksha
Lord Shiva is honoured in Hampi's Virupaksha Temple. The distance between Bangalore and Hampi is around 350 kilometres. Hampi, a temple town situated in South India has now been given the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lord Shiva is honoured in the Virupaksha Temple. It is believed that the temple was erected by Lakkana Dandesha, a general under King Deva Raya.
Hampi is located on the Tungabhadra River's embankment. This revered temple is Hampi's most important pilgrimage site. It is the holiest and most holy retreat on the planet.
The Virupaksha temple has stood the test of time and continues to thrive. Despite the rubble that encircles it, it remains immaculate. During the month of December, it attracts enormous crowds. The annual chariot festival is celebrated in the month of February each year.
Vaishno Devi Temple
The Vaishno Devi temple is well-known and revered among Hindus all around the world. The temple is well-known for its religious sanctity, but the climb that comes with the excursion from Katra is breathtakingly gorgeous. Millions of people visit Maa Vaishno Devi and take in the views of the snow-capped hills that surround the temple. People regard themselves fortunate if they are able to visit Maa Vaishno Devi since not everyone has the opportunity to do so.
The nearest airport to Vaishno Devi temple is Jammu Tawi airport, which is 47 kilometres away. However, because there is no direct transit between these two locations, you must travel roughly 20 kilometres from Katra to reach Vaishno Devi.
Kedarnath
The Kedarnath Temple is the most essential destination to visit when in Kedarnath. This temple is about 1000 years old, implying that it has existed since the era of Mahabharat. Several of the 12 jyotirlingas and Panch Kedars may be found in this temple. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located at 3,584 metres in the Garhwal Himalayan area.
The Pandavas are said to have built the ancient temple, whereas Adi Shankaracharya, India's finest scholar and religious leader, erected the new one near the old. This temple is also related to an interesting narrative of Lord Shiva transforming into a bull and also being hunted by the Pandavas. Darshan is available at the temple from the end of April until the start of November. Due to the region's uncertain winter weather, it stays shut for the final six months of each year.
Highlights -
- The Pandavas erected the first temple.
- Jyotirlinga is one of the 12 jyotirlingas.
Kashi Vishwanath
Kashi Vishwanath, including one of the 12 Jyotirlingas consecrated to Lord Shiva, is located on the western edge of the Ganga in Varanasi. This temple may be found in Varanasi, India's cultural centre. The temple's tower is coated with 800 kilograms of gold and has excellent architecture. Within the shrine, there is a well-known Jnana Vapi that is solely accessible to Hindus. Other lesser temples include Kaalbhairav, Virupaksh Gauri, Vishnu, and Avimukteshwara, Kaalbhairav in addition to the main temple.
Varanasi comes with its own station, which is located 2 kilometres from the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Venkateshwara Tirupati Balaji
This is one of India's most auspicious and venerated temples, and it is visited by visitors all year. People flock in big groups to offer their respects and ask for blessings at one of the world's richest and holiest temples. The temple is enormous, and it receives approximately 50,000 visitors every day, which is a huge number. However, the entire procedure of interacting with a multitude is meticulously planned and executed so that everyone may enjoy the darshan.
- How to Get to Sri Venkateswara Temple - The temple is situated at Tirumala, which is 22 kilometres from Tirupati and readily accessible by car. From the railway station, people can rent a cab or take the bus to go to the location.
Amarnath Cave Temple
The Amarnath cave temple complex is about 5000 years old and is situated in the region of Jammu & Kashmir. Since the temple is located at a height of 3900 metres, it is not accessible during the winter months because the route to the temple becomes impassable owing to heavy snowfall. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva, yet it is unique in that it was not built by humans.
It is a natural cave covered in ice, and a lingam made of ice is adored because it looks strikingly like Lord Shiva. Thousands of people travel from all over the world to visit this cave, which is extremely difficult to reach. To go into the cave, you will have to walk 40 km. Not every visitor is able to handle such drastic conditions.
- How to go to Amarnath Cave Temple - The walk to the cave temple begins at Baltal or Pahalgam, and each of these locations can be reached by automobile from Jammu, which is 178 kilometres distant from Pahalgam. The temple may be reached after a five-day walk.
Frequently Asked Questions about Temples in India
Which temple is no1 in India?
One can say that the Badrinath temple is the best temple in India, receiving a multitude of visitors per year.
What is the famous temple in India?
Kedarnath is believed to be the most famous temple in India, receiving thousands of visitors each month.
Which is the biggest temple in India?
The Srirangam Temple is believed to be the biggest temple in India. It is in Tamil Nadu, spans 156 acres (631,000 m2) and has a circumference of 4,116 metres (10,710 ft), making it India's biggest temple.
Which temple is powerful in India?
The Tirumala Balaji temple is well-known for its great power around the world. It is one of India's most valuable temples, and it's constantly packed. Devotees from all over the world flock here to receive Lord Srinivasa's blessings, who is an avatar of Lord Vishnu.
Which is the richest temple in the world?
The Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, is the country's most valuable temple.
Which is the oldest Hindu temple?
The Mundeshwari Devi temple is said to be India's oldest temple, however, this has not been scientifically confirmed. The temple, which has been in existence for millennia, is in Bihar's Kaimur region.
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