Have you ever seen the world’s most beautiful and largest temple? There are a lot of historical temples in India that give you an immense sense of pleasure, peace, and calmness in your body, mind, and soul.
India, a beautiful country steeped in mythology, is a perfect blend of culture, traditions, and spirituality, attracting travelers from all over the world. Known for its divinity and rich heritage, this ancient land of civilization has been the birthplace of religions such as Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism. The harmony and sense of brotherhood among the people here will warm your heart
This beautiful country has its heart in the enchanting temples of various religions, which tell stories of devotion and the deep love devotees have for their gods, making it a haven for those seeking enlightenment and solace
Discover India’s soul through this blog: Best Historical Temples in India.
From the peaks of the Himalayas to the shores of the Indian Ocean, you can find historical temples in every corner of the country. So, get ready to discover India’s soul through this blog.
1. Vaishno Devi Temple, Jammu & Kashmir:
“Jor se bolo, Jai Mata Di! Sare bolo Jai Mata Di!”
One of the holiest pilgrimages in Hinduism, the Mata Vaishno Devi Temple is located on Trikuta Hill, 12 km from the base camp at Katra. This historical temple, situated at an elevation of 5,200 feet above sea level, is surrounded by the serene beauty of the mountains and exudes an aura. It is said that “jab tak Mata ka bulawa nahi aata, koi Maa ke darshan karne nahi jaa sakta”.
Vaishno Devi is the most famous and iconic temple in India. Pilgrims can either trek by themselves or opt for a pony ride or other assistance to reach the temple from the base camp. The best time to visit the temple is between March and October.
Most Indian families visit the temple after the birth of their children or after marriage to seek the blessings of Maa Vaishno Devi.
2. Kedarnath Temple, Uttrakhand, A Must-Visit Historical Temples in India
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This famous historical temple of India has a mythological story related to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, is said to have been built by the Pandavas to atone for the sins they committed during the war. This must-visit historical temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located in the beautiful Garhwal region of the Himalayas. Visitors must trek approximately 14 km to reach the temple, which is surrounded by glaciers.
Visiting the historical Kedarnath Mandir, one of the Char Dham is a dream for many, including myself. The kapaat (doors) of Kedarnath Dham are only open from April to November.
The divine surroundings of the temple will bring peace to your soul. After offering your prayers to Lord Shiva, take time to immerse yourself in the surreal environment and feel the presence of divine energies.
3. Karni Mata Temple, Rajasthan
“In the beautiful state of Rajasthan, the city of Bikaner, known for its camel rides, is home to a unique and historical temple dedicated to the avatar of Goddess Durga, Mata Karni. Did you know that this historical temple is also famously known as the ‘Rat Temple’? Here, rats are worshipped just like any other god or goddess, receiving the highest respect.
Folklore says that this must-visit historical temple is home to nearly 20,000 rats, and when these rats die, they are reincarnated as humans, and vice versa.
Additionally, it is said that during your visit to this remarkable temple in Bikaner, you should offer milk to the rats and then consume a small amount yourself to attract blessings and prosperity.”
4. Somnath Temple, Gujarat
The Somnath Temple, described in the Shiv Purana, Skand Purana, and Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, is the oldest Hindu pilgrimage site. It is located in Prabhas Kshetra in Saurashtra, Gujarat, where it is believed that Lord Krishna left his mortal body.
The temple’s name has a famous folk story behind it. According to the tale, Soma, the Indian God of the Moon, was cursed by his father-in-law to lose his shine.
His illness was cured by Lord Shiva, and in gratitude, Soma built this temple in honor of Lord Shiva. Somnath is one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, and its name translates to ‘The Protector of the Moon.’ The beauty and spiritual vibe of the temple offer solace to the spiritual soul.
Based on my personal experience, I would suggest visiting this historical temple during winter, as it will be easier for you to explore the temple and other nearby attractions.
5. Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Uttar Pradesh
One of the oldest and most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is located on the banks of the Ganges in Varanasi. The name ‘Vishwanath’ means ‘Ruler of the Universe,’ with ‘Vishwa’ meaning universe and ‘Nath’ meaning lord or protector. In this temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped in the form of a linga. You can bring offerings such as water, milk, flowers, leaves, fruits, or sweets, but due to security reasons, only a small proportion is allowed inside.
As a resident of this beautiful city, Varanasi (also known as Banaras), I would suggest visiting the city and the temple in winter to smoothly experience the magic of everything here
6. Hanuman Mandir, New Delhi
The most iconic and largest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is located in the capital city of New Delhi. The architecture and intricate carvings of the temple will leave you astonished. The 108-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman attracts a large number of visitors seeking a serene and peaceful atmosphere amidst the hustle of city life. This must-visit temple, known as Jhandewalan Hanuman Temple, is also visible from the Karol Bagh metro station.
Like other Hanuman temples, this magnificent temple is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays
7. Siddhivinayak Temple, Maharashtra
One of the supreme gods, Lord Ganesha, also known as Vighnaharta (the remover of obstacles), is honored in one of the most beautiful and richly adorned temples in India. Located in the city of dreams, Mumbai, this sacred Hindu temple is one of the Eight Ganesha Temples in Maharashtra.
It is believed that visiting this historical temple and seeking blessings from Lord Ganesha before embarking on new ventures brings good luck and prosperity. The temple is grand and beautiful inside, with its divine energy drawing visitors into a realm of spirituality.
No one leaves Mumbai without seeking blessings from Vighnaharta. The prasad offered at the temple is among the most delicious I have tasted from any temple. The sacred place is crowded almost throughout the year, especially on Tuesdays and during Ganesh Puja.
8. Vitthala Temple, Karnataka
The South of India is home to some of the most gorgeous temples, built centuries ago with exceptional architectural genius. The Vitthala Temple in Hampi is a must-visit historical temple in India, renowned for its spectacular architecture, including the stone chariot and monolithic musical pillars. The temple’s spiritual atmosphere further enhances its appeal, making it a remarkable site to explore.
This historical temple, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, honors Lord Vishnu. The best time to visit is during the winter, as it allows you to explore the surrounding monuments as well. Trust me, your experience will be unforgettable. The people there are warm and friendly, offering top-class hospitality
Check out our blog to know /11-historical-temples-of-south-india/
9. Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple, Madhya Pradesh
One of the 12 jyotirlingas, the historical Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga is located in the spiritual city of Ujjain, with the serene backdrop of the River Shipra. Devotees believe that the lingam of the supreme lord of time and death, Lord Mahakaleshwar, is self-manifested
While all the Jyotirlingas face east, this must-visit historical temple faces south, which is the main reason it is famously known as Dakshinmukhi. The south is considered the direction of death, and Lord Shiva facing south signifies his role as the lord of death. Therefore, Lord Mahakaleshwar is worshipped by devotees seeking blessings and protection from untimely death.
10. Golden Temple, Punjab
The Golden Temple (Darbar Sahib) is the holiest pilgrimage site of Sikhism in Amritsar. Built on the principles of universal brotherhood and equality, this historical temple is surrounded by a serene water body.
When sunlight hits the golden façade of the temple, it creates a magical aura around it. The temple’s beauty is magnificent, and its atmosphere will heal the mind, body, and soul with its peaceful vibes and ethereal charm. It is a must-visit religious site in India, especially if you seek a sense of inclusivity, equality, and the spirit of selfless service.
Darbar Sahib, the main shrine, houses the Guru Granth Sahib, the central religious scripture of Sikhism, considered a living embodiment of the Sikh Gurus. The sacred place is filled with the melodious recitation of Gurbani (Sikh hymns) and the devoted prayers of the sangat (community of devotees). The Langar service, provided to every visitor, is based on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus.
11. Shri Jagannath Temple, Odisha
Famously known as Jagannath Puri, this must-visit historical temple is located in Puri, Odisha. One of the Char Dhams of India, the Jagannath Temple is a magnificent and expansive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
Built in the 12th century, this historical temple houses the idols of Lord Jagannath along with his two siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra. The famous and widely celebrated festival, Rath Yatra, is a major attraction for devotees and visitors from around the world. During this festival, a massive crowd of worshippers pulls the chariot of the deity to complete the ritual of Rath Yatra.
You can also check out our blog on the must-visit temples in Odisha
12. Kanchipuram Temples, Tamil Nadu
Among the seven sacred places in India for attaining Moksha according to Hindu religion, the city of a thousand temples, Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, is one of them. The architecture of the must-visit historical Kanchipuram Temple will leave you fascinated with its remarkable beauty.
There are three major temples in Kanchipuram that you should visit to experience the divinity and grandeur of these mythological sites: Kamakshi Amman Temple, Varadaraja Perumal Temple, and Ekambareswarar Temple. These three temples are collectively known as Mumurtivasam, meaning ‘home of the trio.’
The historical temples are dedicated to Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Shiva, respectively. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit these temples on your spiritual journey to find solace amidst the chaos of life.
13. Naina Devi Temple, Himachal Pradesh
The Naina Devi Mandir, located in the Bilaspur district of Himachal Pradesh, is a must-visit historical temple and one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. According to legend, this sacred site marks the spot where the eyes of Goddess Sati (Lord Shiva’s first wife) fell on earth after being destroyed by the Sudarshan Chakra of Lord Vishnu, leading to the temple’s construction.
The temple predominantly attracts worshippers from across the country during Shravan Ashtami and Navratri. The atmosphere at Naina Devi Temple is imbued with devotion and spiritual energy. The temple provides a sense of calm, while the serene natural surroundings and soul-pleasing vibes of the Himalayan region create lifelong memories.
14. Belur Math, Bengal
The state known for its mouthwatering delicacies like puchka, chomchom, and mishti doi has even more to offer. The perfect blend of tradition, food, culture, and heritage, the city of joy, Kolkata, is home to one historical temple you must visit: Belur Math. This sacred pilgrimage site is situated on the banks of the Hooghly River and was inaugurated by Swami Vivekananda years ago.
The architecture of Belur Math is a fascinating blend of styles, including South Indian, Christian, European, and Buddhist elements. The temple also features a large museum within its premises, showcasing events from Swami Vivekananda’s life. You can visit the temple throughout the year.
15. Kamakhya Temple, Assam,
The state known for its wildlife, tea estates, and lush greenery, Assam, is home to one of the most historical and must-visit Shakti Peethas. The Kamakhya Temple, located on Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, is a significant pilgrimage site and a revered historical temple.
Devotees from all over the country visit this sacred Hindu temple to offer prayers at the sacred Yoni, symbolizing the vagina of Goddess Sati.
The famous festival of the temple is Ambubachi Mela, during which it is believed that the goddess undergoes her menstrual cycle.
The atmosphere around the temple is enchanting, with a strong sense of spirituality and devotion enhanced by the serene beauty of nature.
Do visit this temple to experience the divine presence of the goddess.
Conclusion
India, a country of incredible diversity, is home to some of the most awe-inspiring temples across various religions. The architecture and divine atmosphere of these temples will leave your spiritual self feeling at peace and fulfilled. So, when planning your visit to India, be sure to include these historical temples on your itinerary! I can guarantee that the experience will stay with you for a lifetime. The warmth and hospitality of the people will surely win your heart