15 Famous Temples in India You Must Visit at Least Once

India, a land of diverse cultures and rich heritage, is home to numerous temples that stand as testaments to its spiritual legacy and architectural brilliance. Each temple narrates tales of devotion, history, and artistry from the snow-capped Himalayas to the serene southern shores. Here's a curated list of 15 famous temples across India that every traveler should consider visiting at least once in their lifetime.

Top 15 Famous Temples in India

1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Kashi Vishwanath.
Significance: One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas ; believed to be the holiest place for Hindus, offering liberation (moksha ) to those who die here.
History: Rebuilt several times; current structure made by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar in 1780 .
Architecture: Famous for its gold-plated spire and spiritual aura.
Unique Aspects: Adjacent to the Gyanvapi Mosque , built after the temple's destruction by Aurangzeb. Pilgrims often take a dip in the Ganges before visiting.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during Mahashivratri , Shravan Mondays , and Dev Deepawali .
Spiritual Importance: Considered a center of Shaivism ; visiting this temple is believed to wash away sins.
Nearby Places: Dashashwamedh Ghat, Manikarnika Ghat, Sankat Mochan Temple.
A symbol of faith and devotion, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple holds immense religious and cultural value in Hinduism.

2. Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai, Tamil Nadu

Deity: Goddess Meenakshi (an incarnation of Parvati) and her consort Lord Sundareswarar (a form of Shiva).
Significance: One of the most revered Shakti Shrines, believed to be the place where Goddess Meenakshi performed her divine marriage with Lord Shiva.
History: Originally built by the Pandya dynasty; expanded over centuries, especially during the Nayak rule in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Architecture: Famous for its massive temple complex with 14 towering gopurams, adorned with thousands of colorful sculptures and mythological figures.
Unique Aspects: The temple tank, called the Potramarai Kulam (Golden Lotus Pond), is considered sacred and mentioned in Tamil literature.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during the Chithirai Festival , which marks the celestial wedding of Meenakshi and Sundareswarar, lasting for 10 days with grand processions.
Spiritual Importance: A major center of Shaivism and Shaktism , attracting devotees and scholars worldwide.
Nearby attractions include Thirumalai Nayakkar Palace, Gandhi Memorial Museum, and Alagar Koyil.
The Meenakshi Amman Temple stands as a symbol of devotion, art, and Dravidian architectural excellence.

3. Jagannath Temple, Puri, Odisha

Deity: Lord Jagannath (a form of Lord Krishna), along with his siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra.
Significance: One of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites , considered highly sacred in Hinduism; central to the famous Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival) .
History: Built in the 12th century by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Ganga dynasty. Has been a center of religious and cultural heritage for centuries.
Architecture: Classic Kalinga style with towering spires and intricate carvings; the main temple is surrounded by high walls with massive gates.
Unique Aspects: The deities are made of wood and renewed every 12 or 19 years in a ritual called Netrotsava or Navakalebara . Only specific priests (Daitas and Mahasuaras) are allowed inside the sanctum.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during the Ratha Yatra , Snana Yatra , and Puri Rath Yatra , drawing millions of devotees worldwide.
Spiritual Importance: Pilgrims believe that visiting the temple and having darshan of Lord Jagannath brings spiritual upliftment and fulfillment of desires .
Nearby Attractions: Gundicha Temple, Markandeswara Temple, Swargadwar Sea Beach, and Sri Chaitanya Math.

A symbol of devotion and grand tradition, the Jagannath Temple holds immense spiritual and cultural significance in Hinduism.

4. Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Brihadeeswarar or Rajarajeswara .
Significance: One of the greatest Shiva temples in South India; a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the "Great Living Chola Temples" category.
History: Built by Chola king Rajaraja I in the 11th century (circa 1010 AD); stands as a symbol of Dravidian architectural excellence.
Architecture: Famous for its towering vimana (temple tower) , which is over 200 feet tall, built entirely of granite without the use of mortar.
Unique Aspects: The temple’s shadow never falls on the ground at noon; it has one of the largest Nandi statues carved from a single stone.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during Mahashivratri and Thai Poosam , with processions and rituals attracting thousands of devotees.
Spiritual Importance: Considered a powerful center of Shaivism in South India; believed to bless devotees with strength, wisdom, and prosperity.
Nearby Attractions: Saraswathi Mahal Library, Raja Raja Chola Museum, Thanjavur Palace.

A masterpiece of Chola architecture , the Brihadeeswarar Temple stands as a timeless tribute to devotion, artistry, and engineering brilliance in ancient India.

5. Somnath Temple, Veraval, Gujarat

Location: Veraval, Gujarat, on the western coast of India, near the confluence of three rivers — Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati.
Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Somnath (the "Lord of the Moon").
Significance: One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas ; believed to be the first among the Jyotirlinga shrines. It symbolizes immortality and resilience due to repeated destruction and reconstruction.
History: Rebuilt several times after invasions, most famously by Maharaja Bhimdev Solanki and later by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in 1951 under the guidance of Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya .
Architecture: The current temple is built in the Chalukya (Solanki) style with a towering spire that reflects traditional Indian architecture.
Unique Aspects: Located just a few kilometers from the Arabian Sea , the temple has a unique spiritual ambiance. The sea waves are said to chant "Shiv-Shiv" when hitting the rocks nearby.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during Mahashivratri , Shravan Mondays , and Somnath Mela are held annually.
Spiritual Importance: Considered one of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva; visiting Somnath is believed to cleanse sins and bring salvation.
Nearby Places: Triveni Sangam (confluence of three rivers), Prabhas Patan Museum, Dwarka.

A symbol of faith and national pride, the Somnath Temple holds immense religious and cultural value in Hinduism.

6. Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand

Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Kedarnath, one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas .
Significance: One of the holiest shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva , located at an altitude of 3,583 meters (11,755 ft); part of the revered Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.
History: Believed to be over 1,200 years old; originally built by Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century. Survived the devastating 2013 Uttarakhand floods , with only partial damage to the main shrine.
Architecture: Simple yet majestic stone temple structure, surrounded by snow-clad peaks and glaciers, including the Chorabari Glacier (source of the Kedar Ganga river).
Unique Aspects: Accessible only by a 14 km uphill trek from Gaurikund , or via helicopter services during the open season (May–October). The idol is said to resemble a hump of a bull , linking it to the legend of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.
Festivals: Mahashivratri is celebrated with great devotion. The temple is closed on Shani Amavasya every year before winter closure.
Spiritual Importance: Considered one of the most powerful Shiva Jyotirlingas ; visiting Kedarnath is believed to cleanse sins and bless devotees with salvation (moksha ).
Nearby Places: Gaurikund, Sonprayag, Rudraprayag, Chopta (Trek to Tungnath), and Guptkashi.

A symbol of divine strength and endurance, the Kedarnath Temple stands as a beacon of faith amidst nature’s grandeur, drawing pilgrims and adventurers alike.

7. Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu

Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Ramanathaswamy (the Lord worshiped by Lord Rama).
Significance: One of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas ; a major pilgrimage site in Hinduism and part of the Char Dham Yatra (in some traditions).
History: The present temple structure was built and expanded by the Setupati rulers of Ramanathapuram in the 17th century; it has been renovated many times after damage from natural disasters.
Architecture: Known for its grand Dravidian style, the longest temple corridor in the world (3,288 feet), and intricately carved pillars.
Unique Aspects: Pilgrims traditionally take a holy dip in the 22 sacred water tanks (teerthams) inside the temple complex before prayers.
Spiritual Importance: According to legend, Lord Rama worshipped Shiva here to atone for the sin of killing Ravana, who was a Brahmin. Visiting this temple is believed to cleanse all sins.
Festivals: Celebrated with great enthusiasm are Mahashivratri , Arudra Darshan , and the Rameswaram Car Festival .
Nearby Attractions:
- Hanuman Temple
- Gandhamadhana Parvatham
- Dhanushkodi ruins

A symbol of devotion and divine connection, the Ramanathaswamy Temple holds immense religious, historical, and architectural significance in Hindu culture.

8. Golden Temple (Harmandir Sahib), Amritsar, Punjab

Deity/Religious Significance: The holiest shrine in Sikhism, housing the sacred Guru Granth Sahib , the eternal Guru of the Sikhs.
Significance: Symbolizes equality, humility, and devotion; open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Built around the Amrit Sarovar (holy pool), believed to have healing properties.
History: Foundation laid by Guru Arjan Dev Ji in the 16th century; completed with contributions from both Hindus and Muslims. Was attacked during the 1984 Operation Blue Star but was later restored.
Architecture: Famous for its gold-plated upper floors and marble base, the temple is surrounded by water and accessible via a bridge, representing the path from worldly life to spiritual enlightenment.
Unique Features: The Langar Hall serves free vegetarian meals to thousands daily, regardless of religion, caste, or status. The temple has four entrances, symbolizing openness to all directions and inclusivity.
Spiritual Importance: A pilgrimage site for Sikhs worldwide; visiting the temple is believed to bring peace, purification, and spiritual upliftment.
Nearby Attractions:
- Akal Takht (Seat of Sikh temporal authority)
- Jallianwala Bagh
- Durgiana Temple

The Golden Temple stands as a beacon of unity, compassion, and divine love, reflecting the core values of Sikhism and serving as a global symbol of harmony and service.

9. Akshardham Temple, Delhi

Deity: Lord Swaminarayan and Akshar Purushottam Maharaj.
Significance: A spiritual and architectural marvel dedicated to the ideals of peace, harmony, and devotion; symbolizes 10,000 years of Indian culture.
History: Inaugurated in 2005 , built by the Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) under the guidance of Pramukh Swami Maharaj .
Architecture: Combines ancient Indian craftsmanship with modern technology; built using Rajasthan pink sandstone and Italian marble , without any steel or concrete.
Unique Aspects: Features the Yagnapurush Kund , one of the world’s largest stepwell pyramids used for Vedic rituals; also includes exhibitions showcasing India’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during Janmashtami , Ram Navami , and Swaminarayan Jayanti ; also hosts cultural programs and musical fountain shows daily.
Spiritual Importance: A center for promoting youth development, moral education, and community service rooted in Hindu values.
Nearby Attractions: Commonwealth Games Village, Noida Sector 18, Lotus Temple, India Gate.

A symbol of spirituality, unity, and artistry , the Akshardham Temple is a global landmark representing India’s rich cultural and devotional heritage.

10. Vaishno Devi Temple, Katra, Jammu & Kashmir

Location: Trikuta Mountains, near Katra town in Jammu & Kashmir
Significance: One of the most revered Hindu shrines; believed that the goddess chose this cave to meditate and manifest her powers.
Pilgrimage: Millions visit every year as part of a sacred trek covering around 13 km from Katra.
Shrines: The holy cave houses three natural rock formations representing Mata Maha Kali, Mata Lakshmi, and Mata Saraswati .
History: Believed to have been discovered centuries ago by a devotee named Sridhar; mentioned in ancient scriptures like the Varadhyayani Samhita .
Spiritual Importance: Visiting the temple is considered highly auspicious; it fulfills wishes and grants spiritual strength.
Festivals: Celebrations during Navratri , Basant Panchami , and the Akhanda Jyoti ritual have been held continuously for decades.
Unique Features: Natural darbar inside a mountain cave; no idol, only pindies (stone-like formations).
Nearby Attractions: Bhawan (main shrine), Ardhkuwari Temple, Charan Paduka, Sanjichhat Viewpoint

A symbol of faith, power, and devotion, the Vaishno Devi Temple holds a special place in Hindu tradition and attracts pilgrims from across the world.

11. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Deity: Lord Ganesha, worshipped as Siddhivinayak (bestower of success).
Significance: One of the most revered temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha , the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom and prosperity.
History: Originally built in 1801 , rebuilt several times; latest structure completed in modern style with marble and gold .
Architecture: The sanctum houses a self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Ganesha; the temple features a copper dome and ornate carvings.
Unique Aspects: Millions of devotees visit daily; VIP darshan and online booking are available. Famous for granting wishes quickly if worshipped with devotion.
Festivals: Grand celebrations during Ganesh Chaturthi and Akshaya Tritiya .
Spiritual Importance: Considered highly auspicious for fulfilling wishes, career growth, and personal success.
Nearby Attractions: Juhu Beach, ISKCON Temple, Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat.

A symbol of faith, prosperity, and devotion, the Siddhivinayak Temple is one of Mumbai’s most iconic religious landmarks.

12. Sun Temple, Konark, Odisha.

Deity: Surya, the Sun God.
Significance: A 13th-century temple built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty; symbolizes the chariot of the Sun God with 12 pairs of elaborately carved wheels pulled by horses.
History: Constructed in the 13th century; believed to have been damaged over time, possibly due to natural disasters or invasions. The main sanctum no longer exists, but the grand entrance hall (Jagamohana) still stands.
Architecture: Built in the Kalinga architectural style, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its sculptural brilliance and cosmic symbolism.
Unique Aspects: Famous for its intricate stone carvings depicting daily life, mythology, and celestial beings. The temple once housed a massive magnet said to aid in its alignment.
Festivals: Celebrates the Konark Dance Festival annually, where classical Indian dance forms are performed against the backdrop of the temple.
Spiritual Importance: Represents the power and divinity of the Sun as a source of life and energy; remains an important site for spiritual seekers and historians.
Nearby Attractions: Chandrabhaga Beach, Ramachandi Temple, Konark Archaeological Museum.
A marvel of ancient Indian architecture and devotion, the Sun Temple at Konark stands as a timeless tribute to cosmic harmony and artistic excellence.

13. Mahakaleshwar Temple, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh

Deity: Lord Shiva, worshipped as Mahakaleshwar , one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas .
Significance: One of the most revered shrines in Hinduism; believed to be a powerful center of time and death (‘Mahakal’). It is also one of the seven holy cities in India.
History: The original temple was destroyed by invasions but was later rebuilt. The current structure stands with strong Maratha and Scindia patronage.
Architecture: Known for its grand south-facing Shivalinga , rare among Jyotirlingas, and its towering spire visible from afar.
Unique Aspects: Famous for the Bhasma Aarti , a morning ritual performed with ash at dawn, attracting thousands of devotees daily.
Festivals: Celebrated with great enthusiasm during Mahashivratri , Kumbh Mela (Ujjain hosts Simhastha), and Shravan Month .
Spiritual Importance: Visiting Mahakaleshwar is believed to free devotees from sins and the fear of death. It’s a major pilgrimage site for Shaivites .
Nearby Attractions: Vedh Shala Observatory, Kal Bhairav Temple, Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ram Ghat, and Kshipra River ghats.

A symbol of divine power and cosmic energy, the Mahakaleshwar Temple holds profound religious and historical significance in Hindu tradition.

14. Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh

Built by: Chandela dynasty between 950 AD and 1050 AD
Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site; renowned for Hindu and Jain temples with exquisite sculptures and carvings
Architecture: Classic Nagara-style Hindu temple architecture; known for its aesthetic beauty, symmetry, and intricate artistry
Unique Aspects: Famous for erotic sculptures that represent the philosophy of life, love, and spirituality; not all temples have erotic art — only about 10%
Main Groups: Divided into three main groups – Western , Eastern , and Southern ; the Western group is the most famous and well-preserved
Deities: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, Jain Tirthankaras, and other deities
Spiritual Importance: Reflects the confluence of art, religion, and philosophy of medieval India
Festivals: Hosts the annual Khajuraho Dance Festival (Feb/March), showcasing classical Indian dances against the backdrop of the temples

A masterpiece of ancient Indian art and culture, the Khajuraho Temples are a symbol of architectural brilliance and spiritual depth.

15. Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, Tamil Nadu

Deity: Lord Ranganatha (a reclining form of Lord Vishnu)
Significance: One of the 108 Divya Desams , considered the most sacred among Vaishnava temples. Known as Thiruvarangam, believed to be the most important of all Vishnu temples.
History: One of the largest functioning Hindu temples in the world; construction began during the Chola dynasty and was expanded by the Pandya, Vijayanagara, and Nayak rulers. Rebuilt and fortified after invasions, especially during the 14th century.
Architecture: Renowned for its massive temple complex with seven concentric enclosures , covering over 156 acres, making it the largest temple in India and one of the largest religious complexes in the world.
Unique Aspects: The idol of Lord Ranganatha is made of Ratanjali (a divine gem), and it faces south — a unique feature among Vishnu temples. The temple also houses shrines for major Vaishnava saints (Alwars ) and revered acharyas like Ramanujacharya .
Festivals: Celebrated for the grand Chithrai Festival (April–May) and Thai Panguni Festival (March–April), lasting 21 days each, drawing millions of devotees.
Spiritual Importance: According to Puranic legends , the temple is associated with the origin of the river Kaveri and is considered a powerful center of Vaishnavism . Pilgrims believe that worshiping here brings spiritual upliftment and liberation .
Nearby Places: Rockfort Temple, Jambukeswarar Temple (Thiruvanaikaval), Samayapuram Mariamman Temple.

A symbol of Dravidian architectural excellence and deep spiritual devotion, the Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple stands as a beacon of Vaishnavite tradition and cultural heritage in South India.

Conclusion:

The journey through India’s sacred temples reflects profound devotion, rich heritage, and divine connection. For mypujapandit may this guide serve as a spiritual companion, deepening your understanding and reverence for the eternal traditions of Sanatan Dharma. 🙏

From North to South: Must-Visit Famous Temples Across India for Every Devotee